Integrated environment for simultaneous analysis of aeroacoustics, aerodynamics and aeroelasticity

• Subject Area: Fluid Mechanics, Technical Thermodynamics and Thermal Energy Engineering
• Term: Funded in 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 459286139

Low noise operation, energy efficient operation and safe & secure flight operation are fundamental prerequisites for the envisoned airborne electro mobility options. This applies to full electric aircraft in urban environments (e.g. drones and air taxis) as well as hybrid-electric aircraft for regional ranges. So far, there are no fundamental answers to the urgent questions regarding social acceptance, safety and security, and environmental compatibility. In order to close this gap, the Institute of Aerospace Systems (ILR) at the RWTH Aachen University in cooperation with the Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Structures (SLA) is building up the Aachen Low Noise Wind Tunnel. The existing measurement equipment allows a fundamental analysis of acoustics, structural deformation and flow with respect to slow phenomena. In fact, however, the noise-related phenomena and critical flight conditions are associated with highly unsteady processes. Accordingly, in order to achieve up a fundamental understanding and to derive solutions, it is necessary to be able to analyze all relevant parameters with high temporal and spatial resolution. This shall be made possible with the applied integrated measurement environment Aero3, which couples components for the dynamic positioning of the model with methods for noise localization and determination of noise emission and comprehensive resolution and documentation of flow fields as well as structural response. The integrated measurement environment Aero3 aims at a coupled simultaneous analysis of aeroacoustics, aerodynamics and aero elasticity of (hybrid-)electric air vehicles in specific flight scenarios. This coupled simultaneous analysis of all three disciplines enables a fundamental understanding of physical phenomena and in consequence the development of promising technical solutions. The overall goals are a substantial increase in safety of light air vehicles in atmospheric disturbances, e.g. turbulence and gusts, the reduction of public annoyance, specifically caused by noise emissions and the increase of efficiency by reduction of drag. Usually up to now the design of light air vehicles is based on knowledge gained by trial and error. Thus, a large development and optimization potential exists for an energy efficient, publicly acceptable future operation of small air vehicles. Aero3 can contribute to tap such potential.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Integrierte Umgebung zur gleichzeitigen Analyse der Aeroakustik, Aerodynamik und Aeroelastik
• Instrumentation Group: 2420 Windkanäle
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Leader: Professor Dr.-Ing. Eike Stumpf