Literature

2026

Published and peer-reviewed

• Poland, J. A. W., Masure, K. R. G., Cayon, O., and Schmehl, R.: Computational aerodynamics for soft-wing kite design, Wind Energ. Sci. Discuss. preprint, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-46, in review, 2026

• Poland, J. A. W., Fritz, E., and Schmehl, R.: Flow field analysis of a leading-edge inflatable kite rigid-scale model using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry, Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1461–1485, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1461-2026, 2026.

• Poland, J. A. W., van Spronsen, J. M., Gaunaa, M., and Schmehl, R.: Wind tunnel load measurements of a leading-edge inflatable kite rigid-scale model, Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 911–936, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-911-2026, 2026.

MSc Thesis

• Patrick Roeleveld, TUDelft, MSc Thesis

• Pim Haanen, TUDelft, MSc Thesis

• Bart Kroese, TUDelft, MSc Thesis

2025

Published and peer-reviewed

• Cayon, O., Watson, S., and Schmehl, R.: Kite as a sensor: wind and state estimation in tethered flying systems, Wind Energ. Sci., 10, 2161–2188, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-10-2161-2025, 2025.

MSc Thesis

• Nathan van de Vonde, UGent, MSc Thesis

• Thijs van Lith, TUDelft, MSc Thesis

• Kasper Masure, TUDelft, MSc Thesis

2024

Published and peer-reviewed

• Poland, J.A.W. and Schmehl, R.: A virtual wind tunnel for deforming airborne wind energy kites, J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 2767, 072001, 2024.

• Schelbergen, M. and Schmehl, R.: Swinging motion of a kite with suspended control unit flying turning manoeuvres, Wind Energy Science, 9, 1323–1338, 2024.

MSc Thesis

• Van Spronsen, J. M.: Rigidized subscale kite wind tunnel test, Masters Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2024.

2023

Published and peer-reviewed

• Poland, J.A.W. and Schmehl, R.: Modelling Aero-Structural Deformation of Flexible Membrane Kites, Energies, 16(14):5264, 2023.

• Cayon, O., Gaunaa, M. and Schmehl, R.: Fast Aero-Structural Model of a Leading-Edge Inflatable Kite, Energies, 16(7):3061, 2023.

MSc Thesis

• Batchelor, A.R.: Development and benchmarking of a Particle System framework for structural modeling of soft-wing kites, Masters Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2023.

• Watchorn, P.: Aerodynamic Load Modelling for Leading Edge Inflatable Kites, Masters Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2023.

2022

Published and peer-reviewed

MSc Thesis

• Declercq, P.-J.: Aeroelastic analysis of a soft kite for airborne wind energy, MSc Thesis (Master of Science in Electromechanical Engineering, EMELMEME), UGent. Faculteit Ingenieurswetenschappen en Architectuur, 2022.

• Poland, J.A.W.: Modelling aeroelastic deformation of soft wing membrane kites, Masters Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2022.

• Cayon, O.: Fast aeroelastic model of a leading-edge inflatable kite, Masters Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2022.

2021

Published and peer-reviewed

MSc Thesis

• Viré, A., Lebesque, G., Folkersma, M. and Schmehl, R.: Effect of Chordwise Struts and Misaligned Flow on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Leading-Edge Inflatable Wing, Energies, 15(4):1450, 2021.

2020

Published and peer-reviewed

• Viré, A. et al.: Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations of the flow past a leading edge inflatable wing for airborne wind energy applications, J. Phys.: Conf. Ser., 1618(3):032007, 2020.

• Schelbergen, M. and Schmehl, R.: Validation of the quasi-steady performance model for pumping airborne wind energy systems, J. Phys.: Conf. Ser., 1618:032003, 2020.

• Schmehl, R.: Successful mast-based launch of the V3 kite, Delft University of Technology, 2020.

MSc Thesis

• Roullier, A.: Experimental analysis of a kite system’s dynamics, Masters Thesis, EPFL, 2020.

• Lebesque, G.H.M.: Steady-State RANS Simulation of a Leading Edge Inflatable Wing with Chordwise Struts, Masters Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2020.

2019

Published and peer-reviewed

• Van der Vlugt, R., Bley, A., Noom, M. and Schmehl, R.: Quasi-steady model of a pumping kite power system, Renewable Energy, 131:83–99, 2019.

• Oehler, J. and Schmehl, R.: Aerodynamic characterization of a soft kite by in situ flow measurement, Wind Energy Science, 4(1):1–21, 2019.

• Folkersma, M., Schmehl, R. and Viré, A.: Boundary layer transition modeling on leading edge inflatable kite airfoils, Wind Energy, 22(7):908–921, 2019.

MSc Thesis

• Demkowicz, P.: Numerical Analysis of the Flow Past a Leading Edge Inflatable Kite Wing Using a Correlation-Based Transition Model, Masters Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2019.

2018

Published and peer-reviewed

• Schmehl, R. and Oehler, J.: 25 m2 LEI V3 tube kite transitioning to traction phase, flying figure eight manoeuvres, Copernicus Publications, 2018.

• Oehler, J., van Reijen, M. and Schmehl, R.: Experimental Investigation of Soft Kite Performance During Turning Maneuvers, Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1037(5):052004, 2018.

MSc Thesis

• Mandru, P.S.M.: Investigation on inviscid flow methods for 2D LEI tube kite, MSc Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2018.

• van Reijen, M.R.: The turning of kites, a quantification of known theories, MSc Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2018.

2017

Published and peer-reviewed

MSc Thesis

• Sachdeva, S.: Impact of Turning-Induced Shape Deformations on Aerodynamic Performance of Leading Edge Inflatable Kites, MSc Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2017.

2016

Published and peer-reviewed

• Fechner, U.: A Methodology for the Design of Kite-Power Control Systems, PhD Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2016. MSc Thesis

2015

Published and peer-reviewed

• Fechner, U., Van der Vlugt, R., Schreuder, E. and Schmehl, R.: Dynamic Model of a Pumping Kite Power System, Renewable Energy, 83:705–716, 2015.

MSc Thesis

• Leuthold, R.C.: Multiple-Wake Vortex Lattice Method for Membrane Wing Kites, Masters Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2015.

• Berens, J.: Dynamic Nonlinear Aeroelastic Behaviour of Flexible Wings in an Airflow, MSc Thesis, Delft University of Technology, Mar. 20, 2015.

2014

Published and peer-reviewed

• Jehle, C. and Schmehl, R.: Applied Tracking Control for Kite Power Systems, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 37(4):1211–1222, 2014.

• Bosch, A., Schmehl, R., Tiso, P. and Rixen, D.: Dynamic nonlinear aeroelastic model of a kite for power generation, Journal of Guidance, Control and Dynamics, 37(5):1426–1436, 2014.

MSc Thesis

• Geschiere, N.H.: Dynamic modelling of a flexible kite for power generation: Coupling a fluid-structure solver to a dynamic particle system, Masters Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2014.

2013

Published and peer-reviewed

• Van der Vlugt, R., Peschel, J. and Schmehl, R.: Design and Experimental Characterization of a Pumping Kite Power System, in Airborne Wind Energy, Green Energy and Technology, Springer, Chapter 23, 403–425, 2013.

• Breukels, J., Schmehl, R. and Ockels, W.: Aeroelastic Simulation of Flexible Membrane Wings based on Multibody System Dynamics, in Airborne Wind Energy, Green Energy and Technology, Springer, Chapter 16, 287–305, 2013.

• Bosch, A., Schmehl, R., Tiso, P. and Rixen, D.: Nonlinear Aeroelasticity, Flight Dynamics and Control of a Flexible Membrane Traction Kite, in Airborne Wind Energy, Springer, Chap. 17, 307–323, 2013.

MSc Thesis

• van der Knaap, E.F.: A Particle System Approach for Modelling Flexible Wings with Inflatable Support Structures, MSc Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2013.

2012

Published and peer-reviewed

MSc Thesis

• Bosch, H.A.: Finite Element Analysis of a Kite for Power Generation, Masters Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2012.

• Schwoll, J.: Finite Element Analysis of Inflatable Structures Using Uniform Pressure, Masters Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2012.

• van Kappel, R.: Aerodynamic Analysis Tool for Dynamic Leading Edge Inflated Kite Models: A Non-Linear Vortex Lattice Method, MSc Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2012.