von Karman Institute Cours — Introduction to Aeroelasticity 2026

This course serves as an introduction to aeroelasticity providing the theoretical basis and hands-on experience for applications to aircraft and rotor design and R&D projects. Starting with the description of the basic aeroelastic phenomena of interest, the course will familiarize the participants with concepts such as aeroelastic deformation, static divergence, control reversal, flutter and gust loads. Fast aeroelastic modelling techniques based on potential flow theory will be presented and some of them will be practiced. Current industrial practice in aircraft design will be presented, and future avenues will be discussed. Special emphasis is put on interaction with the participants and on practical exercises.