DLR site Stuttgart
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Stuttgart consists of six research institutes conducting research into the areas of space, aeronautics, energy and transportation. The facility has its origins in the Research Institute of Jet Propulsion Physics (FPS) established in 1954 at Stuttgart airport. Since then the facility has moved to a site close to Stuttgart-Vaihingen University and currently employs a staff of around 590. DLR is close to the world of research in Stuttgart not just in geographic terms, but also in many other ways, through joint associations and special research projects, the training of undergraduate and doctoral students, as well as through the participation in teaching activities at the university itself.
Main areas of research within the institutes
The DLR Institute of Structures and Design is concerned with the development and implementation of composite materials in high performance structures; not only for aeronautics and aerospace applications, but also for applications within alternative energy technologies, transportation and mechanical engineering. A further research priority lies in improving the structural integrity of heavy-duty load bearing structures under impact or crash conditions.
The DLR-Institute of Technical Thermodynamics addresses the development of innovative, high efficient energy conversion technologies, and the use of renewable energies.
The DLR-Institute of Combustion Technology conducts research into combustion with the aim of increasing the reliability of combustion processes, reducing emissions and making alternative fuels usable.
The DLR-Institute of Technical Physics works in selected areas of optics and photonics with a special focus on the investigation and development of new laser sources and the application of laser radiation in active optical systems.
The latest addition to DLR’s fields of research - transportation - is the speciality of the Institute of Vehicle Concepts. This establishment works in close co-operation with industry on areas of research such as alternative power trains and energy conversion, fuel and energy storage technologies, lightweight and hybrid design and construction as well as innovative technology systems.
The DLR Institute of Solar Research...
Services
All these activities are supported by a wide variety of large research facilities such as combustion chambers and chassis dynamometer, plasma spray facilities along with test stands for material testing and laser research. DLR also has access to the solar thermal power station component test site in Almeria, Spain. This research infrastructure is also available for use by industry, serving the objective of supporting a transfer of scientific and technical knowledge into industrial production. DLR scientists are active in a large number of different specialised associations and act directly as advisors in the corresponding fields of political responsibility. Helping and encouraging the next generation, by organising visits for students and providing information to the public through presentations at meetings, seminars and educational events all form part of DLR’s main priorities.
Institutes and Facilities
Last modified:17/01/2012 15:15:15