ZHAW Centre for Aviation

School of Engineering Centre for Aviation (ZAV)

Zurich University of Applied Sciences

www.zav.zhaw.ch

Research and Development

About the Centre The Centre for Aviation works in an interdisciplinary context, providing integrative solutions to complex issues in the aviation industry. It combines different tech nologies, methods and areas of expertise to overcome the future global challenges of aviation, and to find ways of making it safer and more efficient.

Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics

This field of activity is primarily about the aerodynamic design and layout of aircraft and the optimisation of the flight characteristics and safety features. The Centre for Aviation is skilled in carrying out computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel trials.

Our facilities include a low-speed wind tunnel purpose-built at the Centre for Aviation.

In the development of new aircraft the flight characteristics are usually determined, assessed and evaluated using simulations. The Centre for Aviation has the ReDSim research simulator available specifically for this purpose. It is used to program dynamic simulation models that can then be used to make computer-assisted calculations.

Systems Integration and Structural Integrity

This field of activity looks at integrating complex systems in the field of aviation technology and operations. Electrical systems are playing an increasingly important role in the development of new aircraft. These systems need to be integrated to ensure that air transport operations are safe.

In the field of atmospheric research, the Centre for Aviation’s facilities include the UMARS unmanned research aircraft as a carrier platform. The Centre for Aviation also has a modern LIDAR device available to analyse wind fields and wake turbulence.

Structural integrity plays a particularly important role in implementing modern manufacturing processes and using hybrid structures. The Centre for Aviation is developing innovative testing concepts and assessment procedures that will ensure structural integrity.

Human Factors and Aeronautical Communication

The increasing complexity of the systems used in aviation means that people are also having to deal with increasingly complex tasks and demands. This field of activity observes human capabilities in various occupations in aviation, and develops training tools and methods that will assist and support people in their work.

The Centre for Aviation has expertise in Aeronautical Communication and the development of language tests for pilots and air traffic controllers. In spring 2013, the Centre for Aviation signed a partnership deal with Eurocontrol and is now responsible for maintaining and developing Eurocontrol’s ELPAC language test.

Zurich University of Applied Sciences School of Engineering Centre for Aviation (ZAV) Technikumstrasse 9 8400 Winterthur Switzerland Phone +41 58 934 67 93 info.zav@zhaw.ch www.zav.zhaw.ch

www.zav.zhaw.ch

The School of Engineering at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences is one of Switzerland’s leading technical universities.

It provides top-quality education and training while providing the industry and business with innovative solutions in the fields of energy, mobility and health.

We will be delighted to help you develop and refine your products, and you can rely on us to be a skilled partner for your business activities. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.