Construction and Manufacturing
Construction and Manufacturing
Construction and Manufacturing
29 October 2020
When the heat is on in space
Increases in power density mean that better thermal control measures are needed for CubeSats. A mechanically pumped loop developed by Royal NLR provides a reliable solution for dissipating the heat produced by the satellite’s electronics. NLR developed a modular modelling application in the space thermal analysis tool ESATAN that demonstrates how this mini pump can be an effective solution.
Construction and Manufacturing
18 November 2019
Metal additive manufacturing programme for certification of critical components
Join our Metal Additive Manufacturing certification programme. After the first successful metal Additive Manufacturing programme, the Netherlands Aerospace Centre now offers a follow-up programme to support participants in their ambition to introduce certified metal AM parts.
Space Technology
10 October 2019
Beamforming antennas
Beamforming antennas (also known as phased-array or beamsteering antennas) utilize a series of antenna elements that allow the antenna bundle to be controlled electronically instead of mechanically. This allows signals to be emitted in or received from the correct direction. This is an important advantage for non-fixed systems such as aircraft and satellites. In addition, the radiation diagram can be adjusted so that the antenna sends or receives in one or more directions or that it receives more information or emits more energy in one specific direction than another. Because they are controlled electronically, beam-forming antennas are less vulnerable and do not require mechanical maintenance.
Construction and Manufacturing
04 June 2019
3D printing of high performance polymers for Industry & SME’s
Royal NLR and Ultimaker start collaboration on printing high performance (fibre) reinforced polymers. NLR’s Smart Industry field lab for Automated Composites, Metal Manufacturing and Maintenance ACM3, supports companies in the development of lightweight systems made of composite materials and/or metal. Additive manufacturing of high performance metals and polymers is one of the key areas ACM3 is focusing on.
Construction and Manufacturing
24 May 2019
Large-scale application of metal additive manufacturing
NLR began its first four-year public-private partnership project in 2014 for 3D printing in metal, also known as ‘metal additive manufacturing’. We are now four years further and we know a lot more. A new programme, primarily focusing on certification of new components, started in March 2019.
Construction and Manufacturing
31 October 2017
Contactless and high rotational speed sensor data transmission
A maintenance-free, fast-rotating measuring system for a wind tunnel model capable of handling 8400 rpm. No such system existed yet, although it was required back in 2013 to conduct measurements with the wind tunnel model for the Z-08 Counter-Rotating Open Rotor (CROR), a next-generation concept for sustainable engines that can significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. To address this, NLR developed a highly advanced measuring system with a Contactless Rotating Power and Data Transfer (CRPDT) module, for which it has now been granted a patent. With the CRPDT module, NLR has cleared the way for ever higher rotational speeds, not only for wind tunnel models but also for airborne on-board applications.
Construction and Manufacturing
31 May 2017
Automated Composite Manufacturing Pilot Plant
The Automated Composite Manufacturing Pilot Plant (ACM Pilot Plant) is a manufacturing plant for composite aircraft components. The plant produces composite landing gear components while also developing new manufacturing techniques for high performance composites. Other high-tech companies that develop composites can also use the facility for testing their materials and automating production processes.