DLR - Institute of Propulsion Technology

Departments of the Institute of Propulsion Technology

Combustor (BRK)
Prof. Dr. Francesca di Mare

The research of the group deals mainly with stable, low emission combustion for combustors of aeroengines and industrial turbines.

Combustion Test (BKT)
Dipl.-Ing. Christian Fleing

With the unique test beds operated by the Combustor testing department , the Institute of Propulsion Technology provides internal and first of all external partners the opportunity of testing gas turbine combustion systems for both aero and heavy duty applications under realistic conditions. Most operational parameters can be freely adjusted without the dependency on the operational envelope of the actual engine.

Fan und Verdichter (FUV)
Dr. Eberhard Nicke

Die Abteilung entwickelt neue Konzepte für den Verdichter von Gasturbinen als auch für den Schuberzeuger (Fan) des Flugtriebwerks. Ein wesentliches Merkmal der wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten ist die Interdisziplinarität, die insbesondere bei den entwickelten Auslegungs- und Optimierungsmethoden zum Tragen kommt. Auf experimentellem Gebiet ist die Abteilung in der Lage komplette Versuchsverdichter in axialer und radialer Bauart zu entwickeln, aufzubauen und unter Nutzung modernster Messtechniken experimentell zu untersuchen.

Numerical Methods (NUM)
Dr. Ing. Edmund Kügeler

The institute’s Numerical Methods Group focuses on the development of the simulation software TRACE for complex three-dimensional flows in multistage turbomachinery. In this context TRACE is being widely used by universities and our partners from industry. The software is currently being used for designing tubomachinery and also for researching unsteady bladerow interactions, including aerothermal, aeroelastic and acoustic phenomena. The project group is participating in many national and European research projects and is engaged in a long-lasting cooperation with the German engine manufacturer MTU Aeroenginges.

Engine (TWK)
Dr. Andreas Döpelheuer

The section Engine performs modelling of the individual components of gas turbine engines and of their interactions in the frame of the whole engine, as well as of the interdependencies of aircraft and engines during all stages of operation. Analysing and modelling the emission behaviour of aircraft and engines on this basis is another focal point of the section's work.

Engine Acoustics (TRA)
Prof. Dr. Lars Enghardt

The department researches in the following fields: Noise reduction of modern turbofan aero engines by analysing the sound-source mechanisms and their subsequent modification; noise reduction of stationary turbo machines such as fans and compressors; investigation of the dominating sound sources on airplanes with microphone arrays with the aim of reducing the radiation of sound by changes of design...

Engine Measurement Systems (OTM)
Dr. Christian Willert

Objectives: Development and application of laser optical measurement techniques for the aerothermodynamic investigation of aero engine components, development of measurement systems with special design to application demands to achieve best possible measurement accuracy, development of new measurement systems to contribute to the desired progress in turbomachinery research, application of the mobile measurement system in home and on customers site, design and adaptation of test rigs for measurement application.

Turbine (TUR)
Dipl.-Ing. Frank Kocian

A turbine is most effective to convert fluid energy to mechanical energy. In turbomachines used in power plants (gas and steam turbines) as well as in aircraft propulsion, the turbine utilizes the fluid energy to drive a compressor or fan or it generates electricity by directly driving an electric generator.