Module overview
This module is aimed at students who will be performing aerodynamic or fluid mechanic experiments in their individual project, group design project and/or in their research project.
The student will gain insight on the problem associated with design, setup and execution of experimental methods pertinent to aerodynamics/fluid mechanics. The most important and up-to-date measurement techniques will be presented. The student will develop a practical knowledge and capability to perform measurements in dedicated facilities aimed at studying fundamental problems in aerodynamics/fluid mechanics.
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: SESA2022
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Explain the principles and working of experimental methods (SM1m, SM7M)
- Appreciate strengths and weaknesses of methods used to measure fluid flows and awareness of emerging technologies (SM8M, EA5m, P9m)
- Analyse data obtained via experiments using various statistical tools (SM2m, EA2)
- Quantify the accuracy of the measurements performed and awareness of codes of best practice (D2, D9M, EL8M, EL12M)
- Collect data using different experimental methods (EA7M)
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Experiment-conception and design to address problems in fluid mechanics (SM6m, SM9M, P10m, EL13M)
- Introduce major types of aerodynamic test facilities (D1, EL10M)
- State-of-the-art measurement technology and its applicability and limitations (SM1m, EA1m, P12M)
- Exposure to different measurement techniques, their viability and limitations in examining fluid flows (EA3m, EA6M)
- Introduce aspects of experiment design and associated uncertainties. (P8)
- Different statistical analysis tools as well as data manipulation methods and computational analyses (SM2m, SM5m, EA3m)
- Introduce tools for analysis of fluid flows (SM3m)
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Design and develop experimental setups (P1, P3, P10m, G1)
- Demonstrate study and time management skills (G2, G3, G4)
- Study and learn independently including engaging with technical literature (P2m, P4)
Syllabus
- 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
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, Labs. Supporting material on Blackboard and Library webpage.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
| Follow-up work | 14 |
| Completion of assessment task | 72 |
| Wider reading or practice | 12 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 6 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Repeat Type: Internally (due to coursework based on lab attendance)
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Coursework & LabsSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External