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:
discuss, evaluate and select state-of-the-art measurement techniques for aerodynamics and aeroacoustics;
design and execute experimental methods using dedicated aerodynamics and aeroacoustics facilities;
analyse collected experimental results, including data post-processing, interpretation and uncertainty analysis;
communicate effectively in technical laboratory reports to present experimental data and analysis.