ENIGMA

Within the BMWE-funded LuFo-project ENIGMA, we therefore work together with partners from research and industry on a so-called highly stretched gull-wing – a wing geometry required to integrate future large Ultra-High-Bypass-Ratio (UHBR) or open fan engines (USF, Unducted Single Stage Fan). For this purpose, the inner wing section is bent upwards to provide sufficient ground clearance for the engine before transitioning back to a more conventional geometry further outboard.

The resulting S-shaped curvature in the inner wing region poses new aerodynamic, structural, and kinematic challenges, particularly for the design of the high-lift systems, required for take-off and landing.

Within the ENIGMA project, our work focuses in particular on:

• Integrated high-lift design: Aerodynamics, structures, kinematics, and systems are developed in a coordinated iterative process in order to realize a high-performance inner flap for the S-shaped gull-wing.
• Continuous digital design chain: New design tools link aerodynamic design, structural design, and manufacturing processes.
• Validation and manufacturing: System tests under load, including engine vibrations, are carried out at the DLR WISDOM test facility in Bremen. Flap and kinematics demonstrators made of composite materials are tested, supported by virtual simulations.

The starting point is a digital model of the highly stretched gull-wing. Based on this model, kinematic and structural designs for the inner landing flap are developed and iteratively coordinated between aerodynamics, structures, kinematics, and systems. The results feed into demonstrators and experimental tests.