Experimental Methods for Aerodynamics

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Introduce tools for analysis of fluid flows
• Experiment-conception and design to address problems in fluid mechanics
• Introduce major types of aerodynamic test facilities
• State-of-the-art measurement technology and its applicability and limitations
• Different statistical analysis tools as well as data manipulation methods and computational analyses
• Exposure to different measurement techniques, their viability and limitations in examining fluid flows
• Introduce aspects of experiment design and associated uncertainties.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Study and learn independently including engaging with technical literature
• Design and develop experimental setups
• Demonstrate study and time management skills

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Quantify the accuracy of the measurements performed and awareness of codes of best practice
• Appreciate strengths and weaknesses of methods used to measure fluid flows and awareness of emerging technologies
• Collect data using different experimental methods
• Analyse data obtained via experiments using various statistical tools
• Explain the principles and working of experimental methods

Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Use practical laboratory skills to investigate complex experimental aerodynamics problems, as assessed via quizzes and laboratory reports related to laboratory exercises.
• Through a laboratory report, formulate and analyse complex aerodynamics problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating the available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles underpinning experimental flow measurement techniques. Using recognised standards to quantify measurement uncertainty, engineering judgement will be used to work with information which is uncertain or incomplete and to discuss the limitations of the techniques employed.
• In a laboratory report, select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information on experimental flow measurement techniques and their applications to solve complex experimental aerodynamics problems.
• Through a report based on laboratory experiments and quizzes based on illustrative problems, apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, scientific and engineering principles of state-of-the-art experimental flow measurement techniques and associated analysis to the solution of experimental aerodynamics problems.
• Through quizzes and in preparation for laboratory exercises, select and apply appropriate equipment, engineering technologies and processes to experimental aerodynamics measurement problems, recognising the limitations of the chosen methods.

• Introduction to major types of experimental facilities
• Experimental planning and Statistical design
• Calibration and uncertainty analysis
• Flow visualisation
• Sensors for aerodynamics measurements – requirements and types
• Pressure measurements – static, stagnation, unsteady and acoustic array
• Force measurements – steady and unsteady
• Hot-wire anemometry
• Temperature and heat-transfer measurements – thermocouples, surface gauges and optical
• methods
• Laser Doppler velocimetry
• Particle Image velocimetry
• Planar laser induced flourescence
• Schlieren and Shadowgraphs
• Data analysis

Lectures, Labs. Supporting material on Blackboard and Library webpage.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Coursework & Labs

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Coursework marked and returned to students with individual comments. This will use the same style of marking scheme that the final coursework will use so they can build on this for their final report. General feedback will also be provided in the lecture.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.