| Unit name | Experimental Methods for Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | AENGM0086 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Nick Zang |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Aerodynamics (AENG21100) 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 |
Why is this unit important?
This unit is where theory meets practice and is expected to impart first-hand knowledge for a range of experimental methods widely used in modern engineering aerodynamics and aeroacoustics. It blends the fundamental measurement principles behind these methods with unique laboratory experiences using the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment within the faculty. After successful completion of this unit, the students will gain insights into design, set-up and execution of the experiments with different measurement techniques, including microphone arrays, pressure sensors, hot-wire anemometry etc., and will be able to apply the practical knowledge to undertake the appropriate measurements in the dedicated scenarios. With growing importance of sustainable engineering, the need for improving aerodynamic performance and reduce noise impact in aviation (both passenger vehicles and UAVs), automotive, energy and space industries, it is essential to acquire knowledge in these experimental methods, such that to better prepare for future engineering research and development.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
The unit provides an excellent opportunity to apply the knowledge and theories learnt from aerodynamics to practical scenarios. It demonstrates how the theories can be utilised throughout the test cycle, including test design, execution, data post-processing and interpretation. It promotes independent technical learning and critical thinking skills via specifically designed laboratory sessions, as well as broader engineering skills in test planning and time management. These skills are directly transferrable to any future work in engineering and will better prepare one to engage in real-world engineering research and product development.
An overview of content
This unit embarks the students on a journey of defining and studying a fundamental aerodynamic problem of interest with advanced measurement techniques (microphone, pressure sensor, hot-wire anemometry and laser flow diagnostics), executed in the wind tunnel facilities. Through the learning journey, the students will: be introduced major types of aerodynamic and aeroacoustics test facilities; be exposed to different measurement techniques via practical sessions; evaluate viability and limitations of a method during the test design, by correlating to measurement principles and theories; collect and analyse measurement data from different techniques and quantify their respective uncertainties; interpret the experimental results with technical details and insights.
The syllabus of the unit will include: (1) principles of measurement techniques; (2) experimental test design, plan and set-up; (3) measurement calibration and uncertainty analyses; (4) data post-processing and statistical analyses tools; (5) technical discussion and report preparation.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Wind tunnel tests have been a cornerstone in the aerodynamic development of transport vehicles, renewable wind energy, urban environment, etc., and are increasingly relevant as UK strives to a net-zero carbon by 2050. With this unit, students will gain valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in dedicated wind tunnel facilities with advanced measurement techniques, enhancing their employability for industries that are seeking to recruit experimental experts in aerodynamic testing and data analysis, as well as effective communicators of technical knowledge.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:
How you will learn
The learning approach in this unit will be interactive and problem-based with a focus on hands-on experiences. The range of advanced experimental techniques in aerodynamic and aeroacoustics testing will primarily be demonstrated in practical sessions, on top of the introduction of theories and measurement principles. The students will be guided by the course instructors to identify the aerodynamic problem, design, set-up tests and make full use of the measurement techniques. Data post-processing, interpretation and uncertainty analyses will be carried out based on the collected experimental results. By building the learning process into an integrated problem-solving process, it allows the students to acquire the working knowledge of the different experimental methods, understand their capability and limitations, and moreover, appreciate how advanced experimental methods help engineers and researchers to gain insights into a variety of aerodynamic phenomena.
This unit will lead students through a journey of problem discovery to understanding the problem in order to improve the aerodynamic performance and reduce aerodynamic noise.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Students are expected to submit a mid-term lab report, including literature review, analysis of preliminary measurements, and design of appropriate aerodynamic measurements. The interim lab reports enable students to receive feedback and set the expectations of the standards expected of the summative lab report. Generic feedbacks of student reports will be delivered in the lecture, with examples of good practices in scientific writing discussed.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
[100%] – coursework (ILO 1 – 4). A final technical report based on students’ aerodynamics and noise measurements, written to a standard comparable to a peer-reviewed conference/journal article. The students will be assessed on their research objectives, literature review, description of the experimental method, presentation of uncertainty analysis, presentation and discussion of the results and conclusion.
When assessment does not go to plan
Under exceptional circumstances, students will be invited to submit a report based on existing experimental design and measurements. The report will be assessed with a focus on the technical analyses and understanding of the methodologies and data post-processing.
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. AENGM0086).
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.
