An overview of content
The unit will cover the following areas:
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;
fundamental mathematical techniques used in data modelling, surrogate modelling, and data-space interpolation, and their application to aerodynamic data;
mathematical formulation of various optimisation methods, including application of constraints;
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;
mathematical techniques used in coupled fluid-structure problems, including force and displacement transformations, time integration and system reduction;
there will be occasional demonstrations of key concepts using simulation codes.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:
analyse the various techniques applied in aerodynamic design and optimisation by comparing, contrasting and differentiating between different technical options;
evaluate and critique various techniques to select the most suitable for a specific problem, by identifying and balancing advantages and disadvantages of each;
review state-of-the-art literature in relevant areas, including identification of possible limitations;
propose possible extensions to methods in state-of-the-art literature, including identifying alternative application areas for the adopted numerical techniques.
