Experimental Methods for Aerodynamics

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

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

• The operation and limitations of various aerodynamic test facilities
• The use of computational and statistical analysis tools for the analysis of experimental data
• 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
• Codes of best practice for experimental uncertainty quantification

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

Full CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• 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
• Demonstrate proficiency in analysing large datasets using computational and statistical tools

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.