Space and aviation

Reaching for the sky in many ways

Modellplan — A model from Patrick Berrys course in aircraft engineering, division of Fluid and Mechatronic Systems.

At LiU research is carried out into the design of aircraft, aerodynamics, automated design of micro air vehicles, materials for aircraft engines, turbulence, the accuracy of simulation models, and much more. LiU researchers have also developed software that visualises heavenly bodies from satellite data.

In July 2015 we were able to follow a voyage to Pluto in real time, using software developed at the Division for Media and Information Technology.

Within computational mathematics, LiU researchers work with new powerful models for the simulation of turbulence around airplanes, and with machine design. Research into aircraft design is part of the work in fluid and mechatronic systems (Flumes), together with the automated design of complicated structures, such as micro air vehicles. Flumes also works with an advanced aircraft engine simulator.

Researchers in artificial intelligence are working with unmanned flying vessels, drones, which can be used in avalanches and other situations in which people need help to gain an overview rapidly.

Research into sensor fusion contributes to such advances as more secure navigation systems that do not depend on the GPS system, to be used in crisis situations.

Airport logistics and safer traffic in the airspace are also important research areas at LiU, and are discussed under the Logistics heading below.

Research

Human factors laboratory for future air systems

A project for a Human Factors lab for future flight systems in cooperation between Department of Computer and Information Science, Department of Management and Engineering, RISE SICS East and SAAB.

SARC

SARC was created to encourage national coordination and alignment of academic research in aeronautics.

Projects and groups

an image of design of the interior of a guide vane

Computational Design for Optimality and Robustness

The aim of the project is developing and using computational design methods for design of gas turbine components. The project is a collaboration with Siemens Energy AB.

Structural Integrity of Air Vehicles

Through evaluation and verification in strength, rigidity, durability and damage tolerance, the aeronautical research aims to provide novel knowledge in the structural integrity of air vehicles.

Mathematics and algorithms for intelligent decision-making

On the journey towards sustainability, our contribution is to develop mathematical models and solution methods for practically relevant but computationally challenging problems in scheduling and resource allocation.

Autonomous systems

Systems with a high degree of autonomy can act together with people, but also draw their own conclusions and learn from their experiences. The area includes a large number of research areas, where LiU researchers are on the leading edge.

Logistics

City logistics, environmental logistics, healthcare logistics and construction logistics are some of the areas in which LiU researchers are leading the field. Logistics is a growing research area that is acquiring ever-growing significance.

Mechanical engineering

A classical field of engineering with advanced and multi-faceted research at LiU. High-quality research is carried out in areas such as fluid and mechatronic systems, machine design, solid mechanics, and applied thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.

News

A road leading to a sunset. 2020 is written on the road with white paint, above it an arrow is pointing in the direction of the horizon.

New Horizon 2020 projects to LiU

Autonomous air-traffic control, white light-emitting diodes, electronic components that harvest energy, and research into how embryos can survive in a foreign uterus are new projects to receive funding in the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme.

Screens showing a simulation, the person in charge of the simulation is shown in a mirror in front of the screens

Two simulator labs opened in Norrköping

Two simulation environments, for maritime applications and for air traffic control, have been built at LiU. “It may appear to us to be playing games, but it is everyday experience for maritime pilots and flight controllers”, says Jonas Lundberg.

Model aircraft to improve flight testing

Roger Larsson presents a doctoral thesis in which he has looked at several methods to optimise the modelling methods used to test and develop aircraft. He has also used model airplanes from colleagues.