Department „Wind tunnels Cologne“ (WK)
Cologne
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| Image of combined colour Schlieren and oil flow visualisation of the flow around the LFBB model configuration. |
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| Infrared image of the control surface model in L3K. | |
With its approx. 25 employees and five wind tunnels, the DLR department „Wind tunnels Cologne“ is part of the “Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology”.
With its facilities, which are partially unique in Europe, the wind tunnel department performs experimental research and contractual work on supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics of complete flight configurations, inlet and nozzle models of air breathing propulsion. Further working areas are the investigation of aerothermal loads and qualification tests for thermal protection materials and flight sensors. Customers and cooperation partners are the German ministry departments, European Aerospace and Defence Industry, European Space Agency (ESA) as well as universities.
The work is integrated into DLR programme activities as well as into national and international aerospace programmes and projects. Through all these activities, the department plays an important role in the development of advanced high-speed missiles, more economical space transportation vehicles and entry, decent and landing systems for different planets.
Main working areas: