The Delft Laminar Hump: A novel local surface geometry for passive laminarization of aircraft wings

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The exponential growth in aviation calls for radical new technologies to curb aircraft fuel consumption and emissions. At the heart of the problem, lies aerodynamic drag. Laminarization, namely the extension of laminar flow over the wing, holds immense potential for reducing aerodynamic drag by up to 15%. Unfortunately, many solutions proposed so far are costly, complex, and unreliable, thus obstructing laminarization from reaching industrial-scale application. The Delft Laminar Hump aims at breakthrough efficient, robust, and effective laminarization of aircraft wings. The Hump is a fully passive localised geometry modification of the wing surface, discovered by the PI and his team through their research on laminar flow control. In their preliminary experiments, the team has demonstrated a significant laminarization effect and have recently proceeded with an initial patent application. DeLaH aspires to be the first step in transitioning the Hump concept from laboratory to innovation and societal impact. Technical activities are planned towards validating the concept in wind tunnel tests, at conditions resembling cruise flight and documenting the influence of real-life environmental factors such as roughness. Innovation activities cover a diverse range of objectives, such as the strengthening and extension of IPR and the definition of a technology transfer strategy from HI to key industrial stakeholders, such as Airbus. A market and feasibility analysis will be combined with a business development plan, to explore and exploit industrial and research collaborations. The PI and team will work closely with a group of stakeholders within the HI, such as the Impact and Innovation Centre, providing expertise in IPR and business development, and the Aerospace Innovation Hub, providing an engaging platform to industrial partners. Ultimately the project will strive to position the Hump technology at the starting line of technological development and industrial adoption.