Thomas Lorkowski

Design of a Smart Droop Nose as Leading Edge High Lift System for Transportation Aircrafts

A seamless and gapless high lift device at the wing’s leading edge has the potential for reduction of airframe noise as well as for drag. A concept of a smart leading edge device was developed, which, due to systems solutions, delivers an alternative to the droop nose device as used for the A380. The main emphasis of this new device is to realize a structure/system solution for a smooth leading surface, which can be deflected into a typical high lift application. With respect to the fact that laminarity is the only technology which has the potential for step changes in drag reduction within a suitable timeframe, smart seamless and gapless high lift devices are a mandatory enabler for future wings of significantly increased aerodynamic efficiency

Mechatronics using piezoelectric actuators

Abstract Mechatronics has enabled “intelligent” machinery such as car antiskid braking systems to be created. Any new automotive development has to incorporate a large number of mechanical servo functions, and the range of functions and requirements in servo technology is growing apace. New actuator technologies, therefore, give fresh impetus to product development and accelerate progress. Piezoelectric actuators represent a new technology that offers a host of advantages. In combination with signal-processing electronics, the good mechanical and electrical integratability of piezoelectric actuators make these devices key elements in innovative, intelligent systems. This paper presents prototype applications. Particular attention is focused on powerful large-displacement piezoelectric actuators. The article also includes concrete characterization of piezoelectric actuator elements. To this end specific static and dynamic measurement methods were developed to characterize the elements under temperature and load influences.

Adaptive structures for fixed and rotary wing aircraft

Since more than 10 years EADS Innovation Works, which is the corporate research centre of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company), is investigating smart materials and adaptive structures for aircraft in cooperation with EADS business units. Focus of research efforts are adaptive systems for shape control, noise reduction and vibration control of both fixed and rotary wing aircraft as well as for lift optimisation of fixed wing aircraft. Two outstanding adaptive systems which have been pushed ahead in cooperation with Airbus Germany and Eurocopter Germany are adaptive servo flaps for helicopter rotor blades and innovative high lift devices for fixed wing aircraft which both were tested in flight for the first time representing world premieres. In this paper various examples of adaptive systems are presented which were developed and realized by EADS in recent years.