Master thesis assignment: Tilt-rotor-wing aerodynamic modelling for aeroelastic analysis

werkenbijnlr; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 5,600 - 6,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Challenging internship

Internship allowance

Learn new skills

Job summary

NLR invites a Master student in Aerospace Engineering for a 9-month internship focusing on aeroelastic stability of tilt-rotor systems. You will study low- to mid-fidelity aerodynamic modelling and perform CFD simulations to support model development and validation. The role emphasizes literature review, method comparison, and cost assessment.

Starting date as soon as possible; internship allowance provided. An exciting chance to contribute to cutting-edge rotorcraft research at NLR.

Qualifications

• Master student in Aerospace Engineering.
• Solid aerodynamic theoretical knowledge.
• Interest in rotary wing applications.
• Good programming skills (MATLAB, Python).
• Experience with CFD beneficial.
• Knowledge of aeroelasticity beneficial.
• Structured way of working.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Critical attitude.

Responsibilities

• Perform a literature study on aerodynamic modelling for tilt-rotor aeroelastic analysis.
• Evaluate aerodynamic models for wing and nacelle from low to mid-fidelity.
• Conduct CFD simulations of the nacelle starting from an existing grid.
• Obtain inputs for low-fidelity rotorcraft models.
• Compare modelling approaches and assess impact on stability predictions.
• Assess computational cost of different modelling approaches.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Structured working

Rotary wing interest

Aeroelasticity awareness

Education

Master in Aerospace Engineering

Aerodynamics knowledge

Tools

CFD

Job description

What will you be doing?

Tilt-rotor aircraft offer a significant advantage over conventional helicopters in terms of cruise speed and efficiency. NLR is currently preparing a wind tunnel test of a tilt-rotor-wing configuration. The focus of the wind tunnel test is aeroelastic stability (i.e. flutter and limit-cycle oscillations). The goal of this test is to gather data for validation of comprehensive analysis tools. To assist the aeroelastic wind tunnel model design & development, simulations with a comprehensive rotorcraft modelling software are performed as well.

The comprehensive modelling software that is used for these investigations offers various methods to model the aerodynamics of the tilt-rotor-wing model. You will investigate what kind of aerodynamic modelling is most suited with regards to aeroelastic analysis. To do so, you will perform a literature study and then evaluate various aerodynamic models, for primarily the wing and nacelle, ranging from low to mid-fidelity. Furthermore, CFD simulations of the nacelle shall be performed, starting from an existing grid, to obtain inputs for the low-fidelity model. You will compare the results of the various aerodynamic modelling approaches and assess their effect on aeroelastic stability predictions as well as compare their computational cost.

Result

Study into low to mid-fidelity aerodynamic modelling approaches for tilt-rotor aeroelastic analysis. CFD analysis of part of the tilt-rotor-wing model.

Duration of the internship?

9 months, starting date as soon as possible/upon agreement.

What do we expect from you?

• Master student in Aerospace Engineering;
• Solid aerodynamic theoretical knowledge;
• Interest in rotary wing applications;
• Good programming skills (MATLAB, Python);
• Experience with CFD beneficial;
• Knowledge of aeroelasticity beneficial;
• Structured way of working;
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills;
• Critical attitude;

What do we offer you?

• A flexible, high-tech work environment and fun colleagues;
• A team where you get the chance to develop and learn new skills;
• A challenging internship;
• An internship allowance;

About 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 about your future internship?

Feel free to contact Anouk van Rooij ([e-mail]), [phone].

Do not forget to take a look at our socials such as our YouTube channel!

A positive VOG screening is necessary for this position.