Geman Aerospace Center (DLR)

Institute of Aeroelasticity

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November 9, 2026

Aeroelasticity in Strut-Braced-Wing Configurations: A Contribution to Conceptual Design

The strut-braced wing (SBW) concept, where a strut provides structural support, enables the implementation of such high-aspect-ratio wings. Within the European Clean Aviation research program, the AWATAR project (Advanced Wing MATuration And integRation) [1, 2, 3] investigates the conceptual design of short- and medium-range aircraft with an aspect ratio of ~25. Parametric studies focus on wing-strut weight optimization, while analyzing the effects of geometric nonlinearities and aeroelastic stability.

September 3, 2026

Stabilization of an Unstable Aeroelastic System: an Experimental Demonstration of Damping Augmentation

In the pursuit of more efficient aviation, the aerospace industry is moving toward aircraft designs characterized by high-aspect-ratio and highly flexible wings. While these designs offer significant aerodynamic advantages, they may be more prone to present lightly damped modes or even unstable aeroelastic modal coupling. If this occurs, structural stiffening or mass redistribution are conventionally employed to mitigate the resulting structural vibrations or even suppress instabilities. This represents a passive method of achieving damping augmentation. A more appealing approach is the use of active technologies to deflect the aircraft’s control surfaces in such a manner that the oscillations are effectively damped. This concept is known as Active Flutter Suppression (AFS) or active damping augmentation and it is regarded as a more weight-efficient solution. However, transitioning these technologies from theory to commercial reality requires rigorous, safe experimental validation.

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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.

Careers & Education

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