Geman Aerospace Center (DLR)

Institute of Aeroelasticity

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December 19, 2025

Modeling of controlled dynamic loads on transport aircraft with high-aspect-ratio wings

To increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the future generation of short- and medium-range aircraft, the aspect ratio, ratio of wingspan to wing area, is being continuously increased. From an aeroelastic point of view, this means that the wings are becoming slenderer and more flexible. As a result, the structural load at the transition between the wing and fuselage is increasing due to the larger lever arm. In addition to the structural dynamic properties, the aerodynamic design of such a wing also plays an important role in the modeling of dynamic loads. In order to predict these loads in detail and in a time-efficient manner, an adequate model depth must be selected for the aeroelastic simulation.

October 14, 2025

The flutter problem with swept-back flying wings - investigations on two extravagant aircraft designs from today and 80 years ago

In autumn 2024 and May 2025, the Institute of Aeroelasticity had the opportunities to conduct a ground vibration test on two flying wing gliders. As similar as the aircraft are in terms of their rather unusual concept, they are very different in detail. The Horten IV is a replica of a construction from 1943 (the original is exhibited in Deutsches Museum München). It consists of wooden wings and a fuselage made of welded steel tubes. The completion of the replica is being supervised by the Akademische Fliegergruppe Darmstadt. In the second case, the AK-X of the Akademische Fliegergruppe Karlsruhe was tested, a very modern design with an elongated wing planform made entirely of highly rigid carbon fibre materials.

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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.

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