Unit information: Advanced Numerical Methods for Aerodynamics in 2023/24

Unit name	Advanced Numerical Methods for Aerodynamics
Unit code	AENGM0087
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Allen
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	Engineering Mathematics (EMAT20200) and Numerical and Simulation Methods for Aerodynamics (AENG30018) or equivalent.
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	None
Units you may not take alongside this one	None
School/department	School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Unit Information

Why is this unit important?
This unit focuses on state-of-the-art techniques used to extract useful information from numerical and simulation tool and codes for aerodynamics. The focus is on how to use numerical simulation tools effectively in design and optimisation, and will concentrate on numerical analysis techniques required to: analyse fluid problems of varying physics; couple fluid simulation tools with structural dynamics tools to allow fluid-structural interaction; build efficient surrogate and interpolation models for data-space exploration; perform effective aerodynamic shape optimisation. Particular focus is on advanced numerical methods developed and used in the CFD group at Bristol and their application to aerodynamic design and optimisation in aerospace engineering applications.

How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Aerodynamic design and optimisation is a core competency and skillset in both industry and research, and this is increasingly performed using numerical techniques. Hence, this unit builds on foundational knowledge of aerodynamics and numerical methods to equip students with detailed knowledge of the mathematical methods used in cutting-edge techniques being developed in academia that are becoming commonplace in industry.

Your learning on this unit

An overview of content
The unit will cover the following areas:

1. the various physics included and mathematical formulations used in fluid modelling and CFD codes, and where each is applicable, particularly density-based and pressure-based solvers, representation of viscous effects and how turbulence models work;
2. fundamental mathematical techniques used in data modelling, surrogate modelling, and data-space interpolation, and their application to aerodynamic data;
3. mathematical formulation of various optimisation methods, including application of constraints;
4. techniques used in aerodynamic shape optimisation and design using CFD codes, including links with the optimisation approach, surface and volume control, optimisation objectives and constraints, and application to typical aerodynamic examples;
5. mathematical techniques used in coupled fluid-structure problems, including force and displacement transformations, time integration and system reduction;
6. there will be occasional demonstrations of key concepts using simulation codes.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. analyse the various techniques applied in aerodynamic design and optimisation by comparing, contrasting and differentiating between different technical options;
2. evaluate and critique various techniques to select the most suitable for a specific problem, by identifying and balancing advantages and disadvantages of each;
3. review state-of-the-art literature in relevant areas, including identification of possible limitations;
4. propose possible extensions to methods in state-of-the-art literature, including identifying alternative application areas for the adopted numerical techniques.

How you will learn

The majority of the unit delivery will be via in-person engagement. This will include traditional lectures, question and answer sessions, numerical method/code demonstrations, and general discussions.

How you will be assessed

Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Students will be led into the summative assessment by periodic formative work. At the end of each unit module, a sample publication, for example a conference or journal paper, will be identified and guidance given towards analysing such a publication.

Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
[100%] – individual coursework. Technical review of a journal paper (ILO 1 – 4). A selection of suitable papers will be provided, related to the subject matter covered in the unit, students select their preferred one, and will be expected to produce a single technical review document.

When assessment does not go to plan:
Reassessment will follow the same format.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. AENGM0087).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.