Who are you and what is your research topic?
I’m an aerospace engineer investigating the structural aspects of laminarisation technologies
Which research question are you working on?
I’m working on the characterisation of 3D printed Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces “TPMS”
What makes this topic special/exciting for you?
Although TPMS structures are known for over one and a halve centuries, only now it’s possible to manufacture them. Their lightweight but strong properties let them somehow seem “futuristic”.
Why is your topic relevant for future aviation?
Lightweight materials with adjustable stiffness and strength properties allow the construction of efficient aircraft and enable many new technologies.
What is special about participating in the interdisciplinary research network SE²A?
The combined knowledge of all the researchers allows to see one’s own research in the global picture. Actually it’s even possible to find out you already have the solution to somebody else’s problem, e.g. fuel cell researchers are looking for a way to cool down their fuel cells while laminarisation researchers are looking for a way to heat up drawn in air to use it as fresh cabin air. Interestingly enough, TPMS structures in the laminarisation concept are perfect heat exchanger structures, because of their turbulent two channel set up.
