Internship: Experimental Evaluation and Development of Image Pattern Correlation Technique (IPCT) for Flexible Wing Deformation Measurements

Background information

This internship focuses on the design of experiment and data analysis activities required to evaluate and further develop the IPCT (Image Pattern Correlation Technique) measurement technique for highly flexible wing applications.

IPCT is a contactless optical method for measuring surface displacements by comparing images of a patterned surface before and after deformation. In the context of flight testing, it is particularly useful for measuring wing deformation and aeroelastic behaviour in real conditions without requiring instrumentation of the wing with sensors. Within the EU-funded EXAELIA project, which develops flying test beds for advanced aircraft concepts such as hydrogen-powered and blended wing body designs, IPCT is developed further as an advanced measurement technique to support structural monitoring and reduce risks in future flight tests.

The internship work supports the characterization of wing deformations for a highly flexible wing and the preparation of a future wind tunnel campaign by enabling the evaluation of different configurations and measurement strategies. Particular attention will be given to identifying the limitations of IPCT and possible mitigation strategies, defining best practices for experimental setup design and data processing, and investigating different deformation modes of the flexible wing. In addition, a sensitivity study will be performed to assess the influence of key experimental parameters (e.g., camera setup, pattern, and measurement conditions) on the accuracy of the results.

This work will be complemented by the implementation of a structural model of the wing, allowing comparison between experimental measurements and theoretical predictions to support the validation of the measurement approach.

Assignment

• Develop a simplified structural model of the flexible wing

• Design experiments to evaluate the performance of IPCT for flexible wing applications

• Define test matrices and measurement configurations

• Support preparation and execution of ground tests

• Process and analyse collected measurement data

• Learn and apply the IPCT analysis tool

• Expand and adapt the IPCT tool to accommodate more flexible wing behaviour

• Evaluate accuracy, sensitivity, and robustness of the measurement setup

• Report findings and provide recommendations for the upcoming wind tunnel campaign

Result

• Evaluation and further development of IPCT for highly flexible wing measurements, through the design of experiments and data analysis, contributing to NLR’s research on advanced optical measurement techniques

• Identification of IPCT limitations and mitigation strategies, together with the definition of best practices for experimental setup and data processing, strengthening NLR’s internal methodology for optical deformation measurements

• Investigation of different deformation modes of a highly flexible wing, including a sensitivity study on key measurement parameters (e.g., camera setup, pattern, and measurement conditions) to improve measurement reliability for future experiments

• Implementation of a structural model of the wing and comparison with experimental results, supporting validation of the measurement approach and contributing to NLR’s preparation of future wind tunnel campaigns within the EXAELIA project

Duration

5 months, starting from September 2026 (flexible)

• MSc student in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or similar

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Experience with data processing in MATLAB

• Interest in experimental methods and measurement technologies

• Ability to work independently and in a structured manner

Royal NLR has been the ambitious research organisation with the will to keep innovating for over 100 years. With that drive, we make the world of transportation safer, more sustainable, more efficient and more effective. We are on the threshold of breakthrough innovations. Plans and ideas start to move when these are fed with the right energy. Over 1000 driven professionals work on research and innovation. From aircraft engineers to psychologists and from mathematicians to application experts.

Our colleagues are happy to tell you what it’s like to work at NLR.

Send your application, together with your motivation letter and CV and we will contact you as soon as possible. Contact Anna Biancotto: anna.biancotto@nlr.nl, +31 88 511 36 57.