AERODYNAMIC DESIGN - 2022/3

Module Overview

This module focuses on guided application of analysis and design techniques to investigate an engineering design challenge for which aerodynamics is the central discipline. At the start of the module the focus is upon preparatory learning. A library of background learning material will be released, combined with associated discussion sessions which underpin student understanding. This introduces a range of aerodynamic analysis and design approaches, to prepare students for application of techniques to an aerodynamic design challenge over the remainder of the module. Example background learning topics include aerodynamic performance metrics, model parameterisation, flow post-processing, validation, sensitivity analysis, design of experiments, surrogate modelling, optimisation, robust design and uncertainty quantification.

An individual design study will be assigned to each student at the start of the module based upon stated preferences. These individual design studies use existing, documented design test cases. Where appropriate, a model setup is also provided as a starting point, to ensure the focus is upon aerodynamic design activity rather than a long period of simulation model building. Each design study will utilise a subset of the analysis and design techniques introduced at the start of the module. Each design study has an academic member of staff assigned as the 'sponsor' and each is based upon an industrially relevant challenge. Example design studies include design for: aerofoils, wings, multi-element wings, turbomachinery blades, ducted fan blades, inlet duct, nozzle, flight control effectors, novel propulsion installations. At the start of the module, each design study will be introduced by the associated sponsor. The design study details and ongoing progress can be discussed with the sponsor throughout the module. All design studies will lead to an individual report submission, for which critical analysis of the aerodynamic design findings is required. A final presentation is also required.

Module provider

Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Module Leader

DOHERTY John (Mech Eng Sci)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Review background learning material for aerodynamic analysis and design approaches (e.g. model parameterisation, flow post-processing, surrogate modelling, optimisation)


• Introduction to a specific aerodynamic design case


• Model setup, or modification of existing model, for specific design objectives


• Results generation and critical analysis


• Regular discussion of progress with design case sponsor 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate all of the key competences associated with planning, performing, reporting and presenting an individual design study.

The summative assessment for this module consists of a Presentation [learning objectives 2, 3, 4] and a Coursework Report [learning objectives 1, 2, 3, 4]

Formative assessment and feedback will be provided via written feedback for the presentation and for the coursework report. Ongoing feedback will be provided throughout the module via the discussion sessions with the design study sponsor.

Module aims

• General understanding of a wide range of analysis and design techniques relevant to aerodynamics.
• The opportunity to use and further develop appropriate research and analytical skills to tackle a complex aerodynamic design challenge
• Experience of interpreting and critically analysing aerodynamic design findings
• The opportunity to complete a design study, to report it and to defend findings orally

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to support students as they undertake an individual aerodynamic design study. This is achieved through a library of background learning materials accessible from the start of the module, together with regular opportunities for question and answer sessions with relevant academic staff and design study sponsors. 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENGM297

Other information

N/A

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2022/3 academic year.