Review: Aviation meets particle accelerator at ZAL Hamburg

Insights into Innovative Technologies

The event kicked off with an exclusive tour of ZAL's state-of-the-art research and development facilities, providing participants with deeper insights into innovative aviation projects.

At 2:00 PM, ZAL CEO Roland Gerhards officially opened the program with a welcome speech. This was followed by a comprehensive presentation by Marc Thiry (Hereon) and Johannes Blum (DESY), who explained how the Helmholtz Centers in Hi-Acts contribute to the advancement of aviation with their expertise and technologies.

Five Interactive Expert Tables – Science Meets Practice

After the introduction, participants had the opportunity to engage in discussions at five expert tables, where they could ask specific questions and explore potential applications with specialists:

1. Material Analysis: High-resolution, non-destructive material investigations down to the nanometer range, methods for determining residual stresses, and the analysis of environmental influences such as temperature, pressure, or radiation.
2. Processes: Optimization and quality assurance in aviation, particularly for weld seams and adhesive bonds, ensuring durability and safety.
3. 3D Printing: Challenges and opportunities of additive manufacturing in aviation, as well as the use of high-resolution imaging for R&D and quality control.
4. Surfaces, Catalysis & Nanocomposites: Analysis and optimization of composite materials, investigations of layer structures, material interactions, and chemical processes. The future role of hydrogen as an energy carrier was also a key discussion point.
5. Battery: Safety is essential in aviation. While Hi-Acts does not provide the one ultimate solution for the battery of the future, its methods help better understand and mitigate critical aspects such as dendrite growth.

Time and Cost – Access to Cutting-Edge Analytical Methods

A key topic at multiple expert tables was the time and financial aspects of joint analyses using particle accelerators. It became clear that initial test measurements and simple projects can often be implemented at short notice. Depending on the project, there are both paid and free access options with different modalities. The Hi-Acts team is happy to provide individual consultation to find the best solution for specific questions.

Networking and Future Outlook

The event concluded with an informal networking session over snacks and drinks, providing an opportunity to establish new contacts and engage in in-depth discussions.

A special thank you to Hamburg Aviation and the ZAL team for their excellent organization of this successful event. We look forward to further exciting collaborations at the intersection of aviation and particle accelerators!

Curious to learn more? Connect with us via Hi-Acts Connect to get in touch directly with the right experts.