Construction and Manufacturing

NLR delivers and develops wind tunnel models with a range of sophisticated features, including local force and moment balances, air-driven jet engine simulators, air-driven propellers in metal or composite, remote controls for angular adjustment of control surfaces for low or high speed, as well as remote controls for special components like parachutes, refueling hoses, and drogues. Our models can also be equipped with rapid prototyping parts, six-component rotational balances, and extensive arrays of static pressure taps and dynamic pressure transducers.

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 gauges), test rig support for air-powered propellers including pressure piping, pressure rakes, and six-component balances (also for cryogenic applications). Our expertise extends to designing and manufacturing specialised wind tunnel parts and instrumentation. NLR can help you get the most out of your test by designing, manufacturing, and instrumenting specialised wind tunnel equipment. Support is available from the early beginning of the project until commissioning and beyond.

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.

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 and propagation in different materials and aircraft structures, including metals and composites.

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, and unmanned research platforms. We also have a Pipistrel Velis Electro as Digital Twin platform at our disposal, equipped with relevant structural sensors and (flight) data acquisition equipment.

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 of which are performed in accordance with international standards or tailored to meet specific client requirements. Additionally, we execute material evaluation and qualification programmes.
We can accommodate a wide range of environmental conditions to meet your specific testing needs, including ambient, low (-55°C), cryogenic (-180°C), elevated (80°C), and high-temperature (1250°C) environments, as well as controlled humidity, corrosion, and saturation conditions.

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. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert team can simulate all kinds of load conditions, tensile and/or compressive loading, biaxial loading, cabin pressure loading, in combinations with a wide range of temperatures, extending from -180°C to 120°C, and simulate various atmospheric conditions, including dry, humid, corrosive, or saturated environments. Furthermore impacts or artificial defects can be applied or repairs can be performed. This allows you to thoroughly test your panel's performance under realistic conditions.

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.