@misc{MachadoDahmannKeimeretal.2020, author = {Machado, Patricia Almeida and Dahmann, Peter and Keimer, Jona and Saretzki, Charlotte and St{\"u}bing, Felix and K{\"u}pper, Thomas}, title = {Stress profile and individual workload monitoring in general aviation pilots - an experiment's setting}, series = {23. Annual Meeting of the German Society of Travel Medicine, Coburg, 18.-19.9.2020}, journal = {23. Annual Meeting of the German Society of Travel Medicine, Coburg, 18.-19.9.2020}, doi = {10.55225/hppa.156}, year = {2020}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HuelsenMulsowDabrowskietal.2023, author = {H{\"u}lsen, Benjamin and Mulsow, Niklas A. and Dabrowski, Adam and Brinkmann, Wiebke and G{\"u}tzlaff, Joel and Spies, Leon and Czupalla, Markus and Kirchner, Frank}, title = {Towards an autonomous micro rover with night survivability for lunar exploration}, series = {Proceedings of the 74th International Astronautical Congress}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 74th International Astronautical Congress}, publisher = {dfki}, pages = {12 Seiten}, year = {2023}, abstract = {In Europe, efforts are underway to develop key technologies that can be used to explore the Moon and to exploit the resources available. This includes technologies for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), facilitating the possibility of a future Moon Village. The Moon is the next step for humans and robots to exploit the use of available resources for longer term missions, but also for further exploration of the solar system. A challenge for effective exploration missions is to achieve a compact and lightweight robot to reduce launch costs and open up the possibility of secondary payload options. Current micro rover concepts are primarily designed to last for one day of solar illumination and show a low level of autonomy. Extending the lifetime of the system by enabling survival of the lunar night and implementing a high level of autonomy will significantly increase potential mission applications and the operational range. As a reference mission, the deployment of a micro rover in the equatorial region of the Moon is being considered. An overview of mission parameters and a detailed example mission sequence is given in this paper. The mission parameters are based on an in-depth study of current space agency roadmaps, scientific goals, and upcoming flight opportunities. Furthermore, concepts of the ongoing international micro rover developments are analyzed along with technology solutions identified for survival of lunar nights and a high system autonomy. The results provide a basis of a concise requirements set-up to allow dedicated system developments and qualification measures in the future.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{MulsowHuelsenGuetzlaffetal.2023, author = {Mulsow, Niklas A. and H{\"u}lsen, Benjamin and G{\"u}tzlaff, Joel and Spies, Leon and Bresser, Andreas and Dabrowski, Adam and Czupalla, Markus and Kirchner, Frank}, title = {Concept and design of an autonomous micro rover for long term lunar exploration}, series = {Proceedings of the 74th International Astronautical Congress}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 74th International Astronautical Congress}, publisher = {dfki}, address = {Saarbr{\"u}cken}, pages = {13 Seiten}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Research on robotic lunar exploration has seen a broad revival, especially since the Google Lunar X-Prize increasingly brought private endeavors into play. This development is supported by national agencies with the aim of enabling long-term lunar infrastructure for in-situ operations and the establishment of a moon village. One challenge for effective exploration missions is developing a compact and lightweight robotic rover to reduce launch costs and open the possibility for secondary payload options. Existing micro rovers for exploration missions are clearly limited by their design for one day of sunlight and their low level of autonomy. For expanding the potential mission applications and range of use, an extension of lifetime could be reached by surviving the lunar night and providing a higher level of autonomy. To address this objective, the paper presents a system design concept for a lightweight micro rover with long-term mission duration capabilities, derived from a multi-day lunar mission scenario at equatorial regions. Technical solution approaches are described, analyzed, and evaluated, with emphasis put on the harmonization of hardware selection due to a strictly limited budget in dimensions and power.}, language = {en} } @unpublished{SchmuellingGuetzlaffCzupalla2024, author = {Schm{\"u}lling, Max and G{\"u}tzlaff, Joel and Czupalla, Markus}, title = {A thermal simulation environment for moving objects on the lunar surface}, doi = {10.21203/rs.3.rs-3902363/v1}, pages = {12 Seiten}, year = {2024}, abstract = {This paper presents a thermal simulation environment for moving objects on the lunar surface. The goal of the thermal simulation environment is to enable the reliable prediction of the temperature development of a given object on the lunar surface by providing the respective heat fluxes for a mission on a given travel path. The user can import any object geometry and freely define the path that the object should travel. Using the path of the object, the relevant lunar surface geometry is imported from a digital elevation model. The relevant parts of the lunar surface are determined based on distance to the defined path. A thermal model of these surface sections is generated, consisting of a porous layer on top and a denser layer below. The object is moved across the lunar surface, and its inclination is adapted depending on the slope of the terrain below it. Finally, a transient thermal analysis of the object and its environment is performed at several positions on its path and the results are visualized. The paper introduces details on the thermal modeling of the lunar surface, as well as its verification. Furthermore, the structure of the created software is presented. The robustness of the environment is verified with the help of sensitivity studies and possible improvements are presented.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KohlbergerWildKasperetal.2021, author = {Kohlberger, David-Sharif and Wild, Dominik and Kasper, Stefan and Czupalla, Markus}, title = {Modeling and analyses of a thermal passively stabilized LEO/GEO star tracker with embedded phase change material applying the Infused Thermal Solutions (ITS) method}, series = {ICES202: Satellite, Payload, and Instrument Thermal Control}, booktitle = {ICES202: Satellite, Payload, and Instrument Thermal Control}, publisher = {Texas Tech University}, address = {Lubbock, Tex.}, pages = {12 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Phase change materials offer a way of storing excess heat and releasing it when it is needed. They can be utilized as a method to control thermal behavior without the need for additional energy. This work focuses on exploring the potential of using phase change materials to passively control the thermal behavior of a star tracker by infusing it with a fitting phase change material. Based on the numerical model of the star trackers thermal behavior using ESATAN-TMS without implemented phase change material, a fitting phase change material for selected orbits is chosen and implemented in the thermal model. The altered thermal behavior of the numerical model after the implementation is analyzed for different amounts of the chosen phase change materials using an ESATAN-based subroutine developed by the FH Aachen. The PCM-modelling-subroutine is explained in the paper ICES-2021-110. The results show that an increasing amount of phase change material increasingly damps temperature oscillations. Using an integral part structure some of the mass increase can be compensated.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WildCzupallaFoerstner2021, author = {Wild, Dominik and Czupalla, Markus and F{\"o}rstner, Roger}, title = {Modeling, prediction and test of additive manufactured integral structures with embedded lattice and phase change material applying Infused Thermal Solutions (ITS)}, series = {ICES104: Advances in Thermal Control Technology}, booktitle = {ICES104: Advances in Thermal Control Technology}, publisher = {Texas Tech University}, address = {Lubbock, Tex.}, pages = {12 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Infused Thermal Solutions (ITS) introduces a method for passive thermal control to stabilize structural components thermally without active heating and cooling systems, but with phase change material (PCM) for thermal energy storage (TES), in combination with lattice - both embedded in additive manufactured functional structures. In this ITS follow-on paper a thermal model approach and associated predictions are presented, related on the ITS functional breadboards developed at FH Aachen. Predictive TES by PCM is provided by a specially developed ITS PCM subroutine, which is applicable in ESATAN. The subroutine is based on the latent heat storage (LHS) method to numerically embed thermo-physical PCM behavior. Furthermore, a modeling approach is introduced to numerically consider the virtual PCM/lattice nodes within the macro-encapsulated PCM voids of the double wall ITS design. Related on these virtual nodes, in-plane and out-of-plane conductive links are defined. The recent additive manufactured ITS breadboard series are thermally cycled in the thermal vacuum chamber, both with and without embedded PCM. Related on breadboard hardware tests, measurement results are compared with predictions and are subsequently correlated. The results of specific simulations and measurements are presented. Recent predictive results of star tracker analyses are also presented in ICES-2021-106, based on this ITS PCM subroutine.}, language = {en} } @article{SchopenShahEschetal.2024, author = {Schopen, Oliver and Shah, Neel and Esch, Thomas and Shabani, Bahman}, title = {Critical quantitative evaluation of integrated health management methods for fuel cell applications}, series = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {70}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.05.156}, pages = {370 -- 388}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Online fault diagnostics is a crucial consideration for fuel cell systems, particularly in mobile applications, to limit downtime and degradation, and to increase lifetime. Guided by a critical literature review, in this paper an overview of Health management systems classified in a scheme is presented, introducing commonly utilised methods to diagnose FCs in various applications. In this novel scheme, various Health management system methods are summarised and structured to provide an overview of existing systems including their associated tools. These systems are classified into four categories mainly focused on model-based and non-model-based systems. The individual methods are critically discussed when used individually or combined aimed at further understanding their functionality and suitability in different applications. Additionally, a tool is introduced to evaluate methods from each category based on the scheme presented. This tool applies the technique of matrix evaluation utilising several key parameters to identify the most appropriate methods for a given application. Based on this evaluation, the most suitable methods for each specific application are combined to build an integrated Health management system.}, language = {en} } @article{Czupalla2017, author = {Czupalla, Markus}, title = {Ein Garten im Weltraum}, series = {Spektrum der Wissenschaft}, journal = {Spektrum der Wissenschaft}, publisher = {Spektrum-der-Wiss.-Verl.-Ges.}, address = {Heidelberg}, year = {2017}, language = {de} } @misc{EcclestonDrummondMiddletonetal.2020, author = {Eccleston, Paul and Drummond, Rachel and Middleton, Kevin and Bishop, Georgia and Caldwell, Andrew and Desjonqueres, Lucile and Tosh, Ian and Cann, Nick and Crook, Martin and Hills, Matthew and Pearson, Chris and Simpson, Caroline and Stamper, Richard and Tinetti, Giovanna and Pascale, Enzo and Swain, Mark and Holmes, Warren A. and Wong, Andre and Puig, Ludovic and Pilbratt, G{\"o}ran and Linder, Martin and Boudin, Nathalie and Ertel, Hanno and Gambicorti, Lisa and Halain, Jean-Philippe and Pace, Emanuele and Vilardell, Francesc and G{\´o}mez, Jos{\´e} M. and Colom{\´e}, Josep and Amiaux, J{\´e}r{\^o}me and Cara, Christophe and Berthe, Michel and Moreau, Vincent and Morgante, Gianluca and Malaguti, Giuseppe and Alonso, Gustavo and {\´A}lvarez, Javier P. and Ollivier, Marc and Philippon, Anne and Hellin, Marie-Laure and Roose, Steve and Frericks, Martin and Krijger, Matthijs and Rataj, Miroslaw and Wawer, Piotr and Skup, Konrad and Sobiecki, Mateusz and Christian Jessen, Niels and M{\o}ller Pedersen, S{\o}ren and Hargrave, Peter and Griffin, Matt and Ottensamer, Roland and Hunt, Thomas and Rust, Duncan and Saleh, Aymen and Winter, Berend and Focardi, Mauro and Da Deppo, Vania and Zuppella, Paola and Czupalla, Markus}, title = {The ARIEL payload: A technical overview}, series = {Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2020: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave}, volume = {11443}, journal = {Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2020: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave}, editor = {Lystrup, Makenzie and Perrin, Marshall D. and Batalha, Natalie and Siegler, Nicholas and Tong, Edward C.}, publisher = {SPIE}, address = {Washington}, doi = {10.1117/12.2561478}, pages = {114430Z}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The Atmospheric Remote-Sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey, ARIEL, has been selected to be the next (M4) medium class space mission in the ESA Cosmic Vision programme. From launch in 2028, and during the following 4 years of operation, ARIEL will perform precise spectroscopy of the atmospheres of ~1000 known transiting exoplanets using its metre-class telescope. A three-band photometer and three spectrometers cover the 0.5 µm to 7.8 µm region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This paper gives an overview of the mission payload, including the telescope assembly, the FGS (Fine Guidance System) - which provides both pointing information to the spacecraft and scientific photometry and low-resolution spectrometer data, the ARIEL InfraRed Spectrometer (AIRS), and other payload infrastructure such as the warm electronics, structures and cryogenic cooling systems.}, language = {en} } @misc{ReiswichBrandtCzupalla2019, author = {Reiswich, Martin and Brandt, Hannes and Czupalla, Markus}, title = {Passive thermal control by integration of phase change material into additively manufactured structures}, series = {E2. 47th Student conference}, journal = {E2. 47th Student conference}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Optical Instruments require an extremely stable thermal surrounding to prevent loss of data quality by misalignments of the instrument components resulting from material deformation due to temperature f luctuations (e.g. from solar intrusion). Phase Change Material (PCM) can be applied as a thermal damper to achieve a more uniform temperature distribution. The challenge of this method is, among others, the integration of PCM into affected areas. If correctly designed, incoming heat is latently absorbed during phase change of the PCM, i.e. the temperature of a structure remains almost constant. In a cold phase, the heat during phase change is released again latently until the PCM returns to its original state of aggregation. Thus, the structure is thermally stabilized. At FH Aachen- University of Applied Sciences research is conducted to apply PCM directly into the structures of affected components (baffles, optical benches, electronic boxes, etc.). Through the application of Additive Manufacturing, the necessary voids are directly printed into these structures and filled later with PCM. Additive Manufacturing enables complex structures that would not have been possible with conservative manufacturing methods. A corresponding Breadboard was developed and manufactured by Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The current state of research includes the handling and analysis of the Breadboard, tests and a correlation of the thermal model. The results have shown analytically and practically that it is possible to use PCM as an integral part of the structure as a thermal damper. The results serve as a basis for the further development of the technology, which should maximize performance and enable the integration of PCM into much more complex structures.}, language = {en} } @misc{GamgamiCzupallaGarciaetal.2016, author = {Gamgami, Farid and Czupalla, Markus and Garcia, Antonio and Agnolon, David}, title = {From planetary transits to spacecraft design: achieving PLATO's pointing performance}, series = {A7. Symposium on technological Requirement for future space astronomy and solar-system science missions}, journal = {A7. Symposium on technological Requirement for future space astronomy and solar-system science missions}, year = {2016}, abstract = {In the last decades, several hundred exoplanets could be detected thanks to space-based observatories, namely CNES' COROT and NASA's Kepler. To expand this quest ESA plans to launch CHEOPS as the f irst small class mission in the cosmic visions program (S1) and PLATO as the 3rd medium class mission, so called M3 . PLATO's primary objective is the detection of Earth like Exoplanets orbiting solar type stars in the habitable zone and characterisation of their bulk properties. This is possible by precise lightcurve measurement via 34 cameras. That said it becomes obvious that accurate pointing is key to achieve the required signal to noise ratio for positive transit detection. The paper will start with a comprehensive overview of PLATO's mission objectives and mission architecture. Hereafter, special focus will be devoted to PLATO's pointing requirements. Understanding the very nature of PLATO's pointing requirements is essential to derive a design baseline to achieve the required performance. The PLATO frequency domain is of particular interest, ranging from 40 mHz to 3 Hz. Due to the very different time-scales involved, the spectral pointing requirement is decomposed into a high frequency part dominated by the attitude control system and the low frequency part dominated by the thermo-elastic properties of the spacecraft's configuration. Both pose stringent constraints on the overall design as well as technology properties to comply with the derived requirements and thus assure a successful mission.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{MayntzKeimerDahmannetal.2022, author = {Mayntz, Joscha and Keimer, Jona and Dahmann, Peter and Hille, Sebastian and Stumpf, Eike and Fisher, Alex and Dorrington, Graham}, title = {Electrical Drive and Regeneration in General Aviation Flight with Propellers}, series = {Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2020}, booktitle = {Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2020}, publisher = {DGLR}, address = {Bonn}, doi = {10.25967/530100}, pages = {8 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Electric flight has the potential for a more sustainable and energy-saving way of aviation compared to fossil fuel aviation. The electric motor can be used as a generator inflight to regenerate energy during descent. Three different approaches to regenerating with electric propeller powertrains are proposed in this paper. The powertrain is to be set up in a wind tunnel to determine the propeller efficiency in both working modes as well as the noise emissions. Furthermore, the planned flight tests are discussed. In preparation for these tests, a yaw stability analysis is performed with the result that the aeroplane is controllable during flight and in the most critical failure case. The paper shows the potential for inflight regeneration and addresses the research gaps in the dual role of electric powertrains for propulsion and regeneration of general aviation aircraft.}, language = {en} } @misc{MayntzKeimerTegtmeyeretal.2021, author = {Mayntz, Joscha and Keimer, Jona and Tegtmeyer, Philipp and Dahmann, Peter and Hille, Sebastian and Stumpf, Eike and Fisher, Alex and Dorrington, Graham}, title = {Aerodynamic Investigation on Efficient Inflight Transition of a Propeller from Propulsion to Regeneration Mode}, series = {AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum}, journal = {AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum}, publisher = {AIAA}, address = {Reston, Va.}, doi = {10.2514/6.2022-0546}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This paper discusses a new way of inflight power regeneration for electric or hybrid-electric driven general aviation aircraft with one powertrain for both configurations. Three different approaches for the shift from propulsion to regeneration mode are analyzed. Numerical cal-culation and wind tunnel results are compared and show the highest regeneration potential for the "Windmill" approach, where the propeller blades are flipped, and rotation is reversed. A combination of all regeneration approaches for a realistic flight mission is discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{SaretzkiBergmannDahmannetal.2021, author = {Saretzki, Charlotte and Bergmann, Ole and Dahmann, Peter and Janser, Frank and Keimer, Jona and Machado, Patricia and Morrison, Audry and Page, Henry and Pluta, Emil and St{\"u}bing, Felix and K{\"u}pper, Thomas}, title = {Are small airplanes safe with regards to COVID-19 transmission?}, series = {Journal of Travel Medicine}, volume = {28}, journal = {Journal of Travel Medicine}, number = {7}, publisher = {Oxford University Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1708-8305}, doi = {10.1093/jtm/taab105}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @misc{KeimerGirbigMayntzetal.2022, author = {Keimer, Jona and Girbig, Leo and Mayntz, Joscha and Tegtmeyer, Philipp and Wendland, Frederik and Dahman, Peter and Fisher, Alex and Dorrington, Graham}, title = {Flight mission optimization for eco-efficiency in consideration of electric regeneration and atmospheric conditions}, series = {AIAA AVIATION 2022 Forum}, journal = {AIAA AVIATION 2022 Forum}, publisher = {AIAA}, address = {Reston, Va.}, doi = {10.2514/6.2022-4118}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The development and operation of hybrid or purely electrically powered aircraft in regional air mobility is a significant challenge for the entire aviation sector. This technology is expected to lead to substantial advances in flight performance, energy efficiency, reliability, safety, noise reduction, and exhaust emissions. Nevertheless, any consumed energy results in heat or carbon dioxide emissions and limited electric energy storage capabilities suppress commercial use. Therefore, the significant challenges to achieving eco-efficient aviation are increased aircraft efficiency, the development of new energy storage technologies, and the optimization of flight operations. Two major approaches for higher eco-efficiency are identified: The first one, is to take horizontal and vertical atmospheric motion phenomena into account. Where, in particular, atmospheric waves hold exciting potential. The second one is the use of the regeneration ability of electric aircraft. The fusion of both strategies is expected to improve efficiency. The objective is to reduce energy consumption during flight while not neglecting commercial usability and convenient flight characteristics. Therefore, an optimized control problem based on a general aviation class aircraft has to be developed and validated by flight experiments. The formulated approach enables a development of detailed knowledge of the potential and limitations of optimizing flight missions, considering the capability of regeneration and atmospheric influences to increase efficiency and range.}, language = {en} } @techreport{BarnatArntzBerneckeretal.2024, type = {Working Paper}, author = {Barnat, Miriam and Arntz, Kristian and Bernecker, Andreas and Fissabre, Anke and Franken, Norbert and Goldbach, Daniel and H{\"u}ning, Felix and J{\"o}rissen, J{\"o}rg and Kirsch, Ansgar and Pettrak, J{\"u}rgen and Rexforth, Matthias and Josef, Rosenkranz and Terstegge, Andreas}, title = {Strategische Gestaltung von Studieng{\"a}ngen f{\"u}r die Zukunft: Ein kollaborativ entwickeltes Self-Assessment}, series = {Hochschulforum Digitalisierung - Diskussionspapier}, journal = {Hochschulforum Digitalisierung - Diskussionspapier}, publisher = {Stifterverband f{\"u}r die Deutsche Wissenschaft}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2365-7081}, pages = {16 Seiten}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Das Diskussionspapier beschreibt einen Prozess an der FH Aachen zur Entwicklung und Implementierung eines Self-Assessment-Tools f{\"u}r Studieng{\"a}nge. Dieser Prozess zielte darauf ab, die Relevanz der Themen Digitalisierung, Internationalisierung und Nachhaltigkeit in Studieng{\"a}ngen zu st{\"a}rken. Durch Workshops und kollaborative Entwicklung mit Studiendekan:innen entstand ein Fragebogen, der zur Reflexion und strategischen Weiterentwicklung der Studieng{\"a}nge dient.}, language = {de} } @article{ThomaGardiFisheretal.2024, author = {Thoma, Andreas and Gardi, Alessandro and Fisher, Alex and Braun, Carsten}, title = {Improving local path planning for UAV flight in challenging environments by refining cost function weights}, series = {CEAS Aeronautical Journal}, journal = {CEAS Aeronautical Journal}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Wien}, issn = {1869-5590 (eISSN)}, doi = {10.1007/s13272-024-00741-x}, pages = {12 Seiten}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) constantly gain in versatility. However, more reliable path planning algorithms are required until full autonomous UAV operation is possible. This work investigates the algorithm 3DVFH* and analyses its dependency on its cost function weights in 2400 environments. The analysis shows that the 3DVFH* can find a suitable path in every environment. However, a particular type of environment requires a specific choice of cost function weights. For minimal failure, probability interdependencies between the weights of the cost function have to be considered. This dependency reduces the number of control parameters and simplifies the usage of the 3DVFH*. Weights for costs associated with vertical evasion (pitch cost) and vicinity to obstacles (obstacle cost) have the highest influence on the failure probability of the local path planner. Environments with mainly very tall buildings (like large American city centres) require a preference for horizontal avoidance manoeuvres (achieved with high pitch cost weights). In contrast, environments with medium-to-low buildings (like European city centres) benefit from vertical avoidance manoeuvres (achieved with low pitch cost weights). The cost of the vicinity to obstacles also plays an essential role and must be chosen adequately for the environment. Choosing these two weights ideal is sufficient to reduce the failure probability below 10\%.}, language = {en} } @article{MoehrenBergmannJanseretal.2024, author = {M{\"o}hren, Felix and Bergmann, Ole and Janser, Frank and Braun, Carsten}, title = {Assessment of structural mechanical effects related to torsional deformations of propellers}, series = {CEAS Aeronautical Journal}, journal = {CEAS Aeronautical Journal}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Wien}, issn = {1869-5590 (eISSN)}, doi = {10.1007/s13272-024-00737-7}, pages = {22 Seiten}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Lifting propellers are of increasing interest for Advanced Air Mobility. All propellers and rotors are initially twisted beams, showing significant extension-twist coupling and centrifugal twisting. Torsional deformations severely impact aerodynamic performance. This paper presents a novel approach to assess different reasons for torsional deformations. A reduced-order model runs large parameter sweeps with algebraic formulations and numerical solution procedures. Generic beams represent three different propeller types for General Aviation, Commercial Aviation, and Advanced Air Mobility. Simulations include solid and hollow cross-sections made of aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. The investigation shows that centrifugal twisting moments depend on both the elastic and initial twist. The determination of the centrifugal twisting moment solely based on the initial twist suffers from errors exceeding 5\% in some cases. The nonlinear parts of the torsional rigidity do not significantly impact the overall torsional rigidity for the investigated propeller types. The extension-twist coupling related to the initial and elastic twist in combination with tension forces significantly impacts the net cross-sectional torsional loads. While the increase in torsional stiffness due to initial twist contributes to the overall stiffness for General and Commercial Aviation propellers, its contribution to the lift propeller's stiffness is limited. The paper closes with the presentation of approximations for each effect identified as significant. Numerical evaluations are necessary to determine each effect for inhomogeneous cross-sections made of anisotropic material.}, language = {en} } @article{StiemerThomaBraun2023, author = {Stiemer, Luc Nicolas and Thoma, Andreas and Braun, Carsten}, title = {MBT3D: Deep learning based multi-object tracker for bumblebee 3D flight path estimation}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {18}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {9}, publisher = {PLOS}, address = {San Fancisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0291415}, pages = {e0291415}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This work presents the Multi-Bees-Tracker (MBT3D) algorithm, a Python framework implementing a deep association tracker for Tracking-By-Detection, to address the challenging task of tracking flight paths of bumblebees in a social group. While tracking algorithms for bumblebees exist, they often come with intensive restrictions, such as the need for sufficient lighting, high contrast between the animal and background, absence of occlusion, significant user input, etc. Tracking flight paths of bumblebees in a social group is challenging. They suddenly adjust movements and change their appearance during different wing beat states while exhibiting significant similarities in their individual appearance. The MBT3D tracker, developed in this research, is an adaptation of an existing ant tracking algorithm for bumblebee tracking. It incorporates an offline trained appearance descriptor along with a Kalman Filter for appearance and motion matching. Different detector architectures for upstream detections (You Only Look Once (YOLOv5), Faster Region Proposal Convolutional Neural Network (Faster R-CNN), and RetinaNet) are investigated in a comparative study to optimize performance. The detection models were trained on a dataset containing 11359 labeled bumblebee images. YOLOv5 reaches an Average Precision of AP = 53, 8\%, Faster R-CNN achieves AP = 45, 3\% and RetinaNet AP = 38, 4\% on the bumblebee validation dataset, which consists of 1323 labeled bumblebee images. The tracker's appearance model is trained on 144 samples. The tracker (with Faster R-CNN detections) reaches a Multiple Object Tracking Accuracy MOTA = 93, 5\% and a Multiple Object Tracking Precision MOTP = 75, 6\% on a validation dataset containing 2000 images, competing with state-of-the-art computer vision methods. The framework allows reliable tracking of different bumblebees in the same video stream with rarely occurring identity switches (IDS). MBT3D has much lower IDS than other commonly used algorithms, with one of the lowest false positive rates, competing with state-of-the-art animal tracking algorithms. The developed framework reconstructs the 3-dimensional (3D) flight paths of the bumblebees by triangulation. It also handles and compares two alternative stereo camera pairs if desired.}, language = {en} } @article{BoehnischBraunMuscarelloetal.2024, author = {B{\"o}hnisch, Nils and Braun, Carsten and Muscarello, Vincenzo and Marzocca, Pier}, title = {About the wing and whirl flutter of a slender wing-propeller system}, series = {Journal of Aircraft}, journal = {Journal of Aircraft}, publisher = {AIAA}, address = {Reston, Va.}, issn = {1533-3868}, doi = {10.2514/1.C037542}, pages = {1 -- 14}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Next-generation aircraft designs often incorporate multiple large propellers attached along the wingspan (distributed electric propulsion), leading to highly flexible dynamic systems that can exhibit aeroelastic instabilities. This paper introduces a validated methodology to investigate the aeroelastic instabilities of wing-propeller systems and to understand the dynamic mechanism leading to wing and whirl flutter and transition from one to the other. Factors such as nacelle positions along the wing span and chord and its propulsion system mounting stiffness are considered. Additionally, preliminary design guidelines are proposed for flutter-free wing-propeller systems applicable to novel aircraft designs. The study demonstrates how the critical speed of the wing-propeller systems is influenced by the mounting stiffness and propeller position. Weak mounting stiffnesses result in whirl flutter, while hard mounting stiffnesses lead to wing flutter. For the latter, the position of the propeller along the wing span may change the wing mode shapes and thus the flutter mechanism. Propeller positions closer to the wing tip enhance stability, but pusher configurations are more critical due to the mass distribution behind the elastic axis.}, language = {en} }