VZLU

The Aerospace Research and Test Establishment (VZLU) is a national centre for research, development and testing in aerospace and space. The main mission of VZLU is to generate new knowledge, transfer it into industrial practice and to provide its partners with the maximum support in the development of new products and services. As a multi-discipline research organization, VZLU exploits synergic effects and also contributes to progress of automotive, rail, defence, security and power industry and civil engineering. The major multidisciplinary fields of VZLU include: aerodynamics, structure strength and durability, material and corrosion engineering, composite materials and technologies, and accredited testing. VZLU has established strong collaborations with the industry in Czech Republic and Europe. VZLU has been involved in large-scale R&D projects funded by the European Commission and by direct bilateral agreements with the Czech and Europe industrial partners. It has a proven record of significant technology contribution at the regional, national, and European levels. VZLU, as a key composite centre in the Czech Republic, can offer more than 40 years of experience in designing, manufacturing and experimental verification of composite structures. VZLU staff has experience based on long term cooperation with industrial partners with certification of materials, parts and full scale aircraft structures. VZLU is able to perform stress analysis computations, developmental and certification strength tests of airframes or of individual components of an aircraft. VZLU collaborates closely with similar research establishments throughout Europe within Clean Sky 2, Horizon 2020, Seventh Framework Programme and similar projects.

The VZLU holds an ISO 9001 certificate and approvals issued by Czech Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) belonging to EASA. VZLU is a member or associated member of many national and international organizations (ALV, EREA, ICAS, IFAR, EASN, etc.).

Role in the project

VZLU’s main role in the project is the specification of the test methods, standards and test matrix for static and fatigue testing based on material selection. In the framework of the project objectives the test fixture will be developed and manufactured for non-standard tests. Both mechanical (static, fatigue and hardness) and corrosion tests are to be conducted. Definition of the loading set-up of the stiffened panels will be established. Verification of proposed test specimen and loading will be done by numerical simulation with consideration of real test boundary condition, test programme definition, VZLU is the leader in WP4, in which will coordinate work on the mechanical properties definition as an input for numerical simulation, verification and optimization of selected manufacturing methods through the physical testing and WP5, in which will coordinate work associated with corrosion testing and evaluation.