EULOSAM II modified the existing left-hand-side half-wing wind tunnel model by updating the model instrumentation and by performing the design of the new wing components and landing gear with the aim to implement new concepts for improving the efficiency of the Wind Tunnel Testing.
Structural analyses to verify the integrity of the wind tunnel model under the aerodynamic loads were performed. Furthermore, the development of the Vertical ad Horizontal Tail plan trim mechanism was performed and tested.
The model was modified, designed, manufactured and qualitatively checked before the shipment to Dassault. Successively, the WT model will be installed and tested in a low speed high Reynolds wind tunnel, but these experimental tests are not part of this project.
EULOSAM II establishes a set of objectives that lead to a set of challenging results, which will have an impact at several levels, namely by:
1. Aircraft Design. The outcome will be fundamental for the application of the natural laminar flow technology to the next aircraft generation.
2. Aerodynamic Performance. The correct prediction of the high lift performance of a natural laminar aircraft equipped with new high lift devices (e.g. smart flaps, Krueger slats) will contribute to improve and increase the aerodynamic performance and efficiency, resulting in a positive ecological impact.
3. Improving the European industry competitiveness. The development of new techniques to speed up the wind tunnel testing for the correct prediction of the high lift performance will allow the design and testing of more efficient laminar aircrafts helping in the fulfilment of the ACARE goals, which are fundamental for all H2020 projects and will support the competitiveness of the European aeronautic industry.
4. Addressing two of the societal challenges established at the European level, namely the “Smart, Green and Integrated Transport”, mainly through the contribution towards more efficient aircrafts, and “Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials”, mainly through the use of lighter aircraft requiring less energy.
In general, EULOSAM II will contribute to make the aircraft of new generation a competitive product indeed the laminar flow will allow to save friction drag a consequently reduce the whole aircraft drag of around 5% with a consequent reduction of the fuel consumption. These aspects have a reasonable impact in terms of direct and indirect costs, making the aircraft of new generation a competitive product. Furthermore, the laminar flow technology increase the aircraft fuel efficiency allowing to reduce the climate impact of aviation.
The expected impact of EULOSAM II lies within three major areas:
· Its impact on European competitiveness within the aeronautical arena;
· Society and Environment;
· A larger impact on innovation and knowledge integration.
