My name is Richard von Soldenhoff and I am working in the field of hybrid laminar flow control (HLFC). This is the laminarisation of the boundary layer by suction through the surface in order to reduce friction drag.
I try to optimise suction surfaces to increase the amount of laminar flow in the boundary layer. Because laminar boundary layers generate less skin friction than turbulent ones, the total drag of an aircraft can be reduced significantly.
My work comprises theoretical approaches, numerical simulation and also wind tunnel tests. Bringing all together is challenging but also very inspiring. You can really see in the experiments what you found out theoretically and you can find ways to explain what you saw in the wind tunnel after the tests.
Reducing the amount of required energy for transport aircraft is crucial for making aviation more sustainable. This can be achieved by reducing the weight of the aircraft or improving its ratio of lift and drag. This holds for all engines and all energy sources, so the outcomes will have a great importance independent of the way future aircraft will be powered.
One new technology alone cannot bring aviation to climate neutrality and sustainability. Only if people from all fields work together, we can achieve our goals.
