Design and qualification of supersonic inlets
Flight manoeuvres, in particular, can significantly disturb the incoming flow into the jet engine inlet. Such disturbances can be minimized by positioning the inlets at suitable locations on the missile. Tests on configuration models equipped with inlets provide the forces and moments that are significant for flight mechanics.
Thermal load of missile components / dome design and sensor integration
With increasing flight velocity, thermal loads increase considerably. Radomes, in particular, are subject to high loads and have to meet certain optical or electro-physical requirements as well as resistance to high temperatures. With its facilities, the department simulates pressure and thermal loads.
Overall aerodynamics of the missiles / aerodynamics of control elements
To assess flight stability and controllability, the aerodynamic forces and moments are measured in complementary wind tunnels. The goal is to understand the complex flow field around the vehicle and, to obtain experimental data in support of numerical methods.
Lateral jet control using solid propellants
For highly manoeuvrable missiles additional control elements such as side jet control provided by discrete thrusters may be used. As the physics of side jets are not yet fully understood and numerical results are often unsatisfactory, further experimental investigations are required.