PhD In-flight aeroelastic measurements & modelling for scaled experimental a/c (m/v/x)

Join a cutting-edge PhD in experimental flight testing and advanced optical measurement technology to help shape the future of sustainable flight! Background Recently, the use of scaled flight testing has received interest at NLR and multiple other research institutions in Europe to fill the gap between ground testing and full-scale flight testing. Scaled flight tests of radically new aircraft concepts can provide early stage validation data of flight dynamics and complex interdisciplinary topics such as aero(servo)elasticity .

Because these topics are very challenging to address in ground testing, validation data would typically only be obtained at the later stages of a design processes when large prototypes are flown. Insights into these topics stemming from scaled flight tests at earlier design stages can be critical enablers to accelerate innovation in aerospace.

Currently, a gap exists between the highly sophisticated measurement instruments focused on producing a maximal amount of information that are used in ground testing and the specialized equipment with a focus on reliability and accuracy in difficult measurement circumstances that has been developed for large-scale flight testing. Previous projects that were focused on advanced in-flight measurement techniques have made large steps towards making modern measurement instruments, often optical and/or laser-based measurement techniques, applicable in-flight.

However, existing research work focused on large-scale industrial flight testing. The recent interest on the topic of scaled flight testing results in a need to develop advanced measurement techniques specifically for smaller scale experimental flight testing. This type application is of high interest for advanced measurement techniques because the uncertainties are larger than in industrial testing, creating a more urgent need for more comprehensive and detailed measurement data.

Furthermore, understanding the possibilities and limitations of scaled flight testing for aeroelastic phenomena and the application of digital twins can improve the value of the results. Project description Ultra-high aspect ratio wings, with or without truss, are often featured on novel aircraft configurations for future sustainable aircraft. Such wings exhibit different structural characteristics than wings on current aircraft types.

The differences become even more pronounced when the fuel source is switched to hydrogen because the hydrogen fuel tanks cannot be carried in the wing. This means that the development of such new wings will have considerable consequences for the entire aircraft design, resulting in novel configurations. Novel configurations are also envisioned for other aircraft concept ideas, such as wings carrying batteries, distributed propulsion on wings, etc. Addressing the design challenges of these novel aircraft designs can be supported by scaled flight testing.

Among the tests performed with such scaled experimental aircraft, the complex topic of aeroservoelasticity at the intersection of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, structural dynamics and control, stands out as highly relevant and challenging.

It requires efficient and robust measurement techniques applied in flight and a detailed understanding of the validity of results for characterizing the multi-disciplinary problems addressed, such as aeroelastic aircraft state estimation, gust sensing, and load alleviation, where state-of-the art pointwise measurements encounter limitations that could be overcome by global optical measurement techniques. Optical measurement techniques promise to improve in-flight capabilities significantly but require further maturation in the relevant test environment, which is targeted in this PhD project.

Furthermore, the assessment of the scaling possibilities and limitations is supported with a simulation environment in which digital twins of the scaled and full-scale aircraft provide substantiation of accuracies and validity of results. The maturation is achieved in a combination of ground tests (e.g. the wind tunnel) for developing and refining the envisioned measurement approach and flight testing (e.g. the Diana 2 scaled glider platform) for validating its performance.

Your profile

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or an equivalent study; Hands-on experience with complex measurement technology; Experience or affinity with (experimental) flight testing; Strong background in programming, using MATLAB and/or Python or other relevant programming languages; Collaborative and self-directed, and receptive to constructive feedback; Good communication skills for spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of Dutch is desirable but not mandatory; Ability to learn independently and passion for research.
• What we offer you You will receive a 4-year research contract from NLR Amsterdam and will join the Flight Test and Certification department.
• In addition, you will be enrolled in the Doctoral Education programme of the Graduate School at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), i.e. an excellent team of supervisors and academic staff.
• At the start of your assignment your working week will ideally be divided into: 4 days in Amsterdam, 1 days in Delft.

In addition to all this, we offer:

• No fewer than 45 days off (with full-time employment) so that you can also fully enjoy your free time in addition to your challenging job; A fixed end-of-year bonus of 8%; A contribution towards your healthcare costs; Extra paid parental leave; The possibility to work from home.

Working at NLR?

Royal NLR has been a knowledge organization with the will and ambition to innovate for over 100 years. Based on that motivation, we make the world of aviation and space travel safer, more sustainable, more efficient and effective and stand for groundbreaking innovations. We employ more than 1000 passionate professionals, from aircraft engineers to psychologists and from mathematicians to application experts.

NLR stands for an inclusive and diverse organization where everyone feels welcome, safe, valued and respected.

Would you like to know more?

Please visit for more information on the graduate school. Don't hesitate to contact Frank Bax (recruiter) via or Skype!

Would you like to apply?

Great, we are curious about you! Send your motivation letter and CV via the apply button! A pre-employment security screening VGB-C is a requirement.

For more information about the screening, please visit the AIVD website. Acquisiton is not appreciated.