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Global attenuation of structural velocities is one of the most effective approaches in order to reduce noise emitted by shell structures such as a car roof or aircraft fuselage panels. This global reduction can be achieved by the application of passive damping treatments like constraint layer damping on large fractions of the vibrating surface. The main disadvantage of this approach arises from the fact that it leads to increasing total cost and weight of the structure. To overcome this problem, acoustic black holes can be used to create locations with high vibration amplitudes and low bending waves velocity in order to dissipate the energy of structure borne sound by very limited application of damping treatments. Acoustic black holes are funnel shaped thickness reductions that attract sound radiating bending waves and allow a global vibration reduction by an acceptable use of additional damping.

Drag reduction technologies in aircraft design are the key enabler for reducing emissions and for sustainable growth of commercial aviation. Laminar wing technologies promise a significant benefit by drag reduction and are therefore under investigation in various European projects. However, of the established moveable concepts and high-lift systems, thus far most do not cope with the requirements for natural laminar flow wings. To this aim new leading edge high-lift systems have been the focus of research activities in the last five years. Such leading edge devices investigated in projects include a laminar flow-compatible Kruger flap [1] and the Droop Nose concept [2, 3] and these can be considered as alternatives to the conventional slat. Hybrid laminar flow concepts are also under investigation at several research institutes in Europe [4].