Institution
Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR)
Recent research
- Climate & EnvironmentOpen access
Abstract. During the SOUTHTRAC mission in autumn 2019 elevated mixing ratios of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide CO2, nitrogen oxide (NO) and total reactive nitrogen NOy were observed during a flight at the beginning of October. The potential plume extended over more than 100...
- AI & ComputingOpen access
Methodology for the evaluation of low-carbon fuels in power generation gas turbine applications
This paper introduces a novel methodology based on the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to evaluate the adoption potential of alternative fuels in gas turbine power plants. Unlike conventional multi-criteria decision-making approaches, this method identifies the single most critical c...
- Climate & EnvironmentOpen access
Data-driven equation discovery of a sea ice albedo parametrisation
Abstract. In many sea ice models, a single-category, zero layer thermodynamic scheme is employed, in which sea ice albedo is prescribed based on surface types depending on snow cover, surface temperature, or sea ice thickness. The Parkinson and Washington parametrisation (PW79) i...
- Engineering & TechnologyOpen access
Beyond thermal performance, the long-term viability of novel cryogenic insulation technologies is contingent upon several factors, such as low cost, durability, minimal or no maintenance, among others. Therefore, finding the optimal insulation concept involves trade-offs among th...
- Engineering & Technology
Abstract The present work deals with the numerical and experimental investigation of a novel combustion system for the generation of superheated steam. This combustion system is based on the stoichiometric combustion of pure oxygen and hydrogen in an atmosphere of high-pressure,...
- Engineering & TechnologyOpen access
Abstract. Detailed and comprehensive data sets on microphysical cloud properties in icing conditions are rare. In April 2023, fifteen research flights were performed with the SAFIRE ATR 42 research aircraft during the SENS4ICE-EU airborne measurement campaign over France and adja...
- Engineering & TechnologyOpen access
Abstract High-temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) are a key technology for decarbonizing industrial process heat. Within such systems, two-phase water ejectors offer a promising opportunity to function as secondary steam compressors. By entraining hot steam with high-pressure water, t...
- Engineering & TechnologyOpen access
High-temperature heat pumps are a promising pathway for electrifying industrial process heat, but their application to large-temperature-glide duties remains technically challenging. Milk powder spray drying is one such application, requiring air heating to approximately 200 °C w...
- Physics & SpaceOpen access
Origin of Long‐Wavelength Variations in Crustal Thickness on Rocky Planets
Abstract Long‐wavelength crustal thickness variations are observed on telluric planets, particularly on Mars and the Moon whereas Mercury appears to lack such variations. They may stem from two early‐stage positive feedback mechanisms that can emerge in stagnant‐lid planets. Both...
- Climate & EnvironmentOpen access
In Europe, bare soil is typically exposed only during short time windows and optical sensing by satellite constellations, such as Sentinel-2 and Landsat, therefore commonly relies on aggregates of soil reflectance spectra over extended periods of time. Depending on the length of...
- Health & MedicineOpen access
Stability of Medicinal Nanoemulsions to Spaceflight: Insights From the StarMed Experiment
Space missions require liquid drug formulations that remain physically stable and exhibit predictable release under launch, microgravity, and handling stresses. This study examined melatonin‑loaded nanoemulsions flown on the MAPHEUS‑15 sounding rocket, comparing an uncoated nanoe...
- Engineering & TechnologyOpen access
Abstract. Wind turbine wakes reduce the generated power and increase loads on downstream turbines. Their characteristics depend strongly on the atmospheric conditions in the boundary layer. This study addresses the turbine–atmosphere interaction specifically in the near-wake regi...
- Engineering & TechnologyOpen access
Deep sleep on a light European train: modularity and lightweight, key to profitable night trains
Current night trains pose a challenge to economic efficiency due to ageing vehicles, limited space and high operating costs, among other things. The AliSa project is rethinking European night trains by developing a modular and lightweight sleeping car concept. A coach concept is...