Construction and Manufacturing

Construction and Manufacturing

26 February 2025

Wind tunnel equipment

NLR has extensive experience with unique products and is accustomed to prototyping and perfecting custom-engineered devices. Our expertise includes designing and manufacturing specialised devices and tools for wind tunnels, model integration, and enhancement. We have experience in developing remote controls for control surfaces of wind tunnel models, model stings and adapters (also instrumented with strain […]
Construction and Manufacturing

25 February 2025

Balance design and manufacturing

NLR has over 50 years of experience in the design and manufacture of wind tunnel balances and related wind tunnel equipment. NLR designs and manufactures wind tunnel main balances (internal or external) for operation under various conditions (pressurized, cryogenic). Parameter optimisation routines can be incorporated in the design process by means of finite element methods. […]
Construction and Manufacturing

25 February 2025

Impact on structures

NLR has extensive capabilities to model and simulate various types of impact events, including low and high-velocity impacts, and assess their consequences on damaged structures. Our expertise includes specific knowledge of impact on thick composite components. We also have in-house models for drones and a validated bird impact model, allowing us to predict damage initiation […]
Construction and Manufacturing

25 February 2025

Digital twins

Royal NLR has experience in developing several types of Digital Twins, with partners in the aerospace components manufacturing industry, the Dutch MoD, and aircraft OEMs. To support these activities NLR leverages the availability of research facilities such as the ACM3 Smart Industry Field Lab, several fixed and rotary wings, as well as the RC glider, […]
Construction and Manufacturing

25 February 2025

Coupon testing – materials testing

The NLR research infrastructure encompass a wide variety of coupon and materials testing, including inspection and calibration systems, ranging from creep and quasi-static to dynamic and high-frequency testing. We mimic aerospace, space and off-shore environments, civil and military, in order to conduct realistic testing. Our testing services include static, fatigue, and damage tolerance testing, all […]
Maintenance and Repair

25 February 2025

Measuring- and instrumentation technology

NLR can help you measure and monitor the behaviour of your structures and components by instrumenting them on-site or in our facilities, allowing us to capture a wide range of parameters such as strains, forces, crack growth, deformation, displacement, vibration, geometry, impacts, temperature, (residual) stresses and stress distribution. We use a broad range of advanced […]
Construction and Manufacturing

25 February 2025

Panel testing

Do you want to ensure that your flat, stiffened or curved panels or sub-components can withstand the most extreme environmental conditions and maintain their structural integrity? Unlock the full potential of your development, validation or certification plan, with NLR’s expert testing solutions.At NLR, we offer cutting-edge testing solutions that can help you achieve your goals. […]
NLR Fibre Placement Machine
Construction and Manufacturing

25 February 2025

Space structures and materials

NLR offers comprehensive expertise in designing, testing, and manufacturing innovative space structures, including satellite backbones, instrument platforms, and launcher components. From design verification and prototype manufacturing to inspection, environmental testing, and integration of functions such as thermal management and antennas, NLR’s capabilities also extend to smart structures, enabling the creation of lightweight, high-performance space systems. […]
Development of AM-propellant tanks for use in satellites
Construction and Manufacturing

27 November 2024

R&D case: Development of AM-propellant tanks for use in satellites

This research project aimed to develop additively manufactured propellant tanks using non-standard metals for use in ESPA and ESPA Grande-class satellites. The propulsion systems of Dawn Aerospace use self-pressurizing propellants, eliminating the need for helium pressurants and propellant management devices. This allows for flexible, custom tank designs without additional systems, making Dawn’s propulsion systems simpler, […]