Geman Aerospace Center (DLR)

Institute of Aeroelasticity

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Technical articles

August 6, 2026

Tracing the origin of noise: visualizing the propagation of vibrations within structural components

Whether in the cabin of a modern passenger aircraft or the interior of a car, unwanted noise impairs passenger comfort. In this context, different contributions to noise can be distinguished: on the one hand, sound is transmitted directly through the air from sound sources to the locations where it is perceived as annoying (i.e., noise). On the other hand, vibrations can be transmitted through structures as so-called structure-borne sound. When these vibrations reach lightweight, large-surface structural components, they become sound sources themselves and radiate noise into the surrounding area. To effectively reduce this noise contribution, engineers must know which structural components transmit vibrations from a source to the points of noise radiation.

March 17, 2026

Towards an aircraft nervous system: Wind tunnel tests to evaluate sensor-model fusion technologies

Modern aircraft are equipped with a variety of different sensors to ensure functionality and operational safety. This sensor information needs to be processed in real time using intelligent algorithms for data fusion and machine learning. It allows flight conditions to be continuously monitored and intelligent control methods to be used in order to optimize operational performance. This may also be referred to as the establishment of an "aircraft nervous system," which represents an important step toward achieving current goals in aviation: reducing environmental emissions, enhancing operational safety, and increasing automation.

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Departments of the Institute

Department Aeroelastic Experiments

The department “Aeroelastic Experiments” is committed to the planning, realization and analysis of challenging experiments in wind tunnels.

Department Aeroelastic Simulation

The Aeroelastic Simulation Department focuses on the numerical analysis of aeroelastic problems. Investigations for transport aircraft, small aircraft, turbomachines and rotorcraft are performed in close cooperation with the experimental activities of the institute.

Department Loads Analysis and Design

The Loads Analysis and Aeroelastic Design Department is concerned with questions that arise in the context of aircraft design with regard to aeroelastic properties or aeroelastic requirements. In addition, the Department deals with the subject of aircraft loads ‘in general’ (for example, for design tasks) and in-depth consideration of dynamic loads (among others, those due to gusts).

Department Structural Dynamics and System Identification

The Department of Structural Dynamics and System Identification deals with the dynamics and vibrations of structures in aeronautics and space travel. Through numerical analyzes and experimental investigations, essential mechanisms of the vibrations are recognized and cause-effect relationships are understood.

Department Control of Aeroelastic Systems

The Control of Aeroelastic Systems department is concerned with the design of control functions for the reduction of structural loads, aeroservoelastic stabilization and the improvement of passenger comfort.

Careers & Education

Information for Students

From internships and practical semesters during your studies, to bachelor's and master's theses, to graduate programs for doctoral students in a wide variety of research fields - the DLR offers a wide range of opportunities for young academics.

Job vacancies

Start your mission at DLR! Whether in science, technology or training – exciting tasks for a wide range of talents. The DLR careers portal offers current vacancies and information on how to get started.