Marcel Thevagt presented latest research results at the WCCM-ECCOMAS 2026 in Munich. The paper, titled “Pretension Control Architecture for Raised Krueger Flaps on Laminar Airfoils”, investigates the model-based development of a control system for applying pretension to the kinematics of raised Krueger flaps. Krueger flaps are high-lift devices used during take-off and landing and retracted during cruise. For laminar airfoils, they protect the wing leading edge from contamination when deployed while enabling a seamless upper surface when retracted. These characteristics are essential for maintaining laminar airflow and reducing aerodynamic drag during cruise. A virtual test environment was developed using a coupled co-simulation approach with MATLAB Simulink/Simscape and MSC Software Adams. The environment models the drive system, kinematics, and Krueger flap while addressing the challenge of unintended flap movement in the retracted position caused by aerodynamic suction forces. The proposed control system combines position control for normal operation with torque control for pretensioning the kinematics. Simulation results demonstrate the ability to achieve the required preload and maintain a locked retracted position. Additionally, a simulation-based failure study confirmed reliable detection of the investigated failure scenarios. The presentation was part of the Special Technology Sessions at WCCM-ECCOMAS 2026 and provided an opportunity for valuable discussions and exchange with researchers from the international community. The full paper will be published soon.

The Flight Physics group has successfully completed another flight test campaign with the ULTRA Wing demonstrator. The campaign focused on evaluating updated flight control laws using the Pixhawk flight controller and provided valuable experimental data for the continued development and validation of the demonstrator. The campaign marks another important step in advancing the demonstrator's flight control capabilities and supporting ongoing research in experimental flight testing at FST.

The institute welcomed Susan Liscouet-Hanke from the Aircraft Systems Lab at Concordia University for a productive workshop on shared research interests in the field of overall systems design. The discussions included updates on ongoing research activities and the identification of several promising research questions for future collaboration. Opportunities to strengthen the exchange of students and researchers through the Mitacs program were also explored, further reinforcing the partnership between the two institutions. As part of this collaboration, another FST student will soon begin an exchange at Concordia University. Researchers and students interested in participating in the Mitacs program are encouraged to get in touch to learn more about the available opportunities.