Master Student Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar (f/m/x)

The Institute of Flight Systems at DLR has been modeling the dynamic of helicopters and multicopters for many years and has gathered unique expertise in this field. This includes the development of the new comprehensive simulation-tool VAST - Versatile Aeromechanics Simulation Tool - for the calculation of helicopter and future VTOL aeromechanics. Work in VAST range from the development and implementation of numerical methods for the simulation and analysis of dynamic systems, to graphical user interfaces and data visualization, to the modeling of physical effects in structural mechanics, flight mechanics, and aerodynamics.

Currently, VAST is in the testing phase for future use as a real-time simulation in the full-motion flight simulator AVES (Air Vehicle Simulator). For real-time simulation, especially in pilot trials, a representative engine dynamic model is of great importance for helicopter pilots in order to judge their margin towards the flight envelope and hence flight safety. Therefore, as part of a master thesis, the VAST simulation code is to be extended with a helicopter engine model. The work includes the following tasks:

1. literature review on the subject area of helicopter engines and suitable modeling approaches

2. familiarization with the VAST simulation environment

3. implementation of an engine model in VAST

4. comparison of the model using flight test data of DLR's research helicopter ACT/FHS

5. testing the engine model together with pilots in the AVES simulator

6. documentation of the results as a Master Thesis in German or English

• enrolled master's student in the field of aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar programs
• knowledge of software development with C++
• basic knowledge of engine dynamics
• independent working style
• good language skills in German and English
• good communication and teamwork skills

• ideally experience in engine modeling
• good knowledge of control engineering is a plus
• ideally good fundamental understanding of physics