Aviation: Research for environmentally conscious and economical aviation

Following the end of the coronavirus pandemic and the associated social distancing and movement restrictions, the number of flights is now rising sharply again. Airlines are competing for passengers and are also using the features of their aircraft cabins as a selling point. Not only seating comfort and cabin appearance play a role in a positive cabin experience, but also thermal, acoustic and olfactory well-being, as well as the ecological footprint.

Our research services in the field of aviation

At Fraunhofer IBP, we are studying new air conditioning concepts for user satisfaction on a real scale, including energy considerations of the overall system, taking into account the cabin, cockpit, cargo and avionics area. Our scientists are also taking a close look at future developments such as hybrid or full-electric aircraft and the associated thermal management issues. A further focus of research is on analyzing sustainability in the aviation sector. Key areas of work include life cycle assessments of aviation-specific materials, production and manufacturing processes, the ecological evaluation of lightweight and high-tech materials, and analysis of the life cycle of components, systems and alternative fuels.
 

Flight Test Facility and BACS: Test facilities for aircraft-related investigations

At the Fraunhofer IBP branch in Holzkirchen, there is a unique flight laboratory housing the front segment of a wide-body aircraft and a business jet in a low-pressure chamber. The lab enables climatic conditions at cruising altitude to be realistically simulated (p, T, r. h., ...) with a replica Environmental Control System (ECS).

In addition, a Bleed Air Contamination Simulator (BACS) can be used to specifically contaminate bleed air with aircraft operating fluids such as engine oil, hydraulic oil, de-icing fluid (an extremely rare occurrence) and trace the route taken by the bleed air from the engine to the cabin. This allows the chemical composition of so-called fume (and smell) events to be investigated, including possible toxicological effects or detection and early warning methods.

Through their many years of interdisciplinary research work, our experts have acquired a wealth of knowledge in the field of aviation. Do you need help with a specific issue? Get in touch with us!