This thesis presents a robotic cyber-physical system (CPS) for real-time fluid–structure interaction experiments, addressing the lack of adaptability in traditional captive setups. The modular platform, currently with four active DoFs and compatible with wind-tunnel and towing-tank use, was engineered via a rigorous Pahl–Beitz process to ensure stiffness and performance. An admittance controller renders virtual mass, stiffness, and damping on the fly, enabling programmable mechanical behavior. Static, kinematic, and dynamic characterizations demonstrate sub-millimeter positioning accuracy, low compliance, and robust bandwidth. The CPS is validated on the canonical pitch–plunge flutter problem, capturing coupled-mode dynamics and the onset of instability while measuring frequency and damping in real time. Comparisons with a theoretical aeroelastic model show overall agreement, with residual discrepancies traced to control latency and facility limitations. The platform bridges simulation and experiment for studies of unsteady wakes and formation flight. Its architecture is scalable to six DoFs, enabling fully unconstrained tests. Future work targets reduced-order aerodynamic models, ML-guided experimentation, and adaptive control to further raise fidelity.

Membres du jury :

• Prof. Renaud Ronsse (UCLouvain) - Promoteur
• Prof. Philippe Chatelain (UCLouvain) - Promoteur
• Prof. Aude Simar (UCLouvain) - Président
• Dr. Benoît Herman (UCLouvain) - Secrétaire
• Prof. Thomas Andrianne (ULiège) 
• Prof. Karen Mulleners (EPFL)

Visio conference link : https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MmVmMmFmZTctMTNkYS00OGEyLTliMDktNjhjNjFlNTc1ZDRj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227ab090d4-fa2e-4ecf-bc7c-4127b4d582ec%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22de64b77d-0420-4703-9d7a-eb7d36b90124%22%7d