Academics accelerate into 2005 with the racing cars of tomorrow
Dr Kenji Takeda and colleagues from the University's School of Engineering Sciences will be taking part in the Autosport International event at the NEC, Birmingham on 13-16 January 2005.
They will be highlighting the University's expertise in aerodynamics to companies and organizations involved in motorsport and promoting its specialist undergraduate and postgraduate courses to anyone interested in a career in this fast-moving industry.
"The University runs the world's only MSc course dedicated to Race Car Aerodynamics, inspired by ongoing PhD research into ground-effect and related aerodynamics," said Dr Takeda. A notable Southampton alumnus is Adrian Newey, Technical Director at McLaren who studied Aerodynamics and Astronautics at the University.
Dr Takeda and the team from Southampton are also providing technical support for the 2005 Greenpower Electric Car Races for Schools at Autosport International. They will host workshops offering cutting-edge advice for the school teams.
"Our courses are extremely relevant to the motorsport industry," said Dr Takeda. "Lectures from senior aerodynamicists and technical directors of leading Formula One teams are combined with hands-on experimental testing, advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics courses, individual and group projects. Open-wheel racing car wind tunnel models built in-house and supplied by Formula One teams are used throughout the course."
University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Wheeler added: "This is an excellent example of the University's distinctive research-led education that results in qualifications that lead to exciting and lucrative careers."
Notes for editors
- The University of Southampton's School of Engineering Sciences offers expertise in engineering disciplines that underpin every aspect of 21st century life. Evolving from its traditional engineering roots, the School continues to expand into new, exciting research areas. From orthopaedic implant modelling and modern fuel cell technologies, to enhancing satellite broadcast technology and improving the aerodynamics of Formula One racing cars and hydrodynamics of America's Cup yachts, the School is always at the leading edge of engineering research.
- The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship. The University has around 20,000 students and nearly 5,000 staff. Its annual turnover is in the region of £270 million.
- Autosport International at the NEC, Birmingham, 13-16 January 2005, features a line up of world class drivers and celebrities on hand to meet their British fans and world class manufacturers lining up to launch new cars and products never seen before in the UK.