Joint project FAUST - Future HydrAUlicS for EnvironmenT - Project start

Project overview and objectives:
In the FAUST joint project, the research consortium consisting of Airbus Operations GmbH, Liebherr Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH, HYDAC, Hamburg University of Technology (Institute of Aircraft Systems Engineering) and TUD Dresden University of Technology (Chair of Fluid-Mechatronic Systems Engineering) is focusing on the development of electrohydraulic systems, which are key technologies for high aspect ratio wings. They therefore represent important development prerequisites for environmentally friendly aircraft of the next generation.

On the one hand, modern system concepts of new hydraulic architectures based on so-called "power packs" (decentralized, compact electrohydraulic units) are being implemented and investigated, and on the other hand, the focus is on the investigation of alternative pressure fluids and pollutant-free materials with better physiological and ecological compatibility as well as fluid conditioning to increase maintenance intervals and service life.

Sub-project contents of the TU Dresden:
At the Chair of Fluid-Mechatronic Systems Engineering, a selection of alternative pressure fluids will be identified through fluid screening. These will be examined by means of service life tests in compact power packs in comparison with the benchmark of hydraulic fluids currently in use.

At the same time, a conditioning system for hydraulic fluids is being developed to prevent cavitation damage to components and oxidation of the hydraulic fluids in high-pressure applications and to positively influence their ageing and maintenance intervals.