Experimental Methods for Aerodynamics

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in analysing large datasets using computational and statistical tools
• Assess and interpret uncertain experimental data to make substantiated conclusions, recognizing limitations of the technologies involved
• Produce clear, concise, and well-structured laboratory reports with substantiated conclusions, effectively presenting results through tables, graphs, and other visualization tools
• Identify, select, and critically evaluate relevant technical literature and information sources

Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• 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.
• Use practical laboratory skills to investigate complex experimental aerodynamics problems, as assessed via quizzes and laboratory reports related to laboratory exercises.
• 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.
• 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.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Collect data using different experimental methods
• Demonstrate an awareness of emerging fluid measurement technologies
• Appreciate strengths and weaknesses of methods used to measure fluid flows
• Explain the operating principles of experimental methods to measure force, pressure, density, temperature and flow velocity
• Analyse data obtained via experiments using statistical and computational tools
• Quantify the accuracy of the measurements performed and awareness of codes of best practice

Knowledge and Understanding

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

• The use of computational and statistical analysis tools for the analysis of experimental data
• The operation and limitations of various aerodynamic test facilities
• Codes of best practice for experimental uncertainty quantification
• The design and implementation of experiments to address problems in fluid mechanics
• The applicability and limitations of different flow measurement techniques, including state-of-the-art technologies

Introduction to Measurement

• Introduction to major types of experimental facilities
• Planning and statistical design of experiments
• Uncertainty quantification following the GUM

Force & Pressure Measurement

• Flow visualisation techniques
• Operating principles of force and pressure sensors
• Selection and sizing of force and pressure sensors
• Calibration of force and pressure sensors
• Uncertainty quantification for force and pressure sensors

Hot Wire Anemometry

• Temperature and heat transfer measurement techniques
• Operating principle and limitations of hot wire anemometry
• Calibration of hot wire anemometers
• Spectral analysis methods
• Uncertainty quantification for hot wire anemometry

Particle Based Velocimetry Methods

• Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV)
• Calibration of PIV and PTV systems
• PIV and PTV image interrogation methods
• Postprocessing methods for PIV and PTV data
• Data assimilation methods for PIV and PTV
• Uncertainty quantification for PIV and PTV data

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.