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LP20609: Motorsport vehicle aerodynamics

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2013/4
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Mechanical Engineering (administered by the Learning Partnerships Office)
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1 at Wiltshire College
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW50OT50
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
The aims of this unit are to demonstrate a sound working knowledge of a range of theoretical and practical elements involved in vehicle aerodynamics, demonstrate the value of data gathering, processing and interpretation skills to record aerodynamic performance and utilise a range of methods to record aerodynamic performance.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this unit students should be able to:
* Understand the fundamental principles of motorsport aerodynamics and apply these concepts to a range of motorsport disciplines;
* Describe the importance of conducting tests using a wind tunnel;
* Operate an aerodynamic simulation package;
* Assess the use of aerodynamics to optimise cooling airflow in competition vehicles;
* Have a basic knowledge of the principles of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and their application to the requirements of the motorsport industry;
* Demonstrate the ability to solve problems by the use of a commercial CFD package.

Skills:
During the unit students should gain the following skills:
Intellectual:
* Improving own learning and performance (F,A)
* Applying theory to practice (T, F, A)
* Formulating outcomes (A)
* Making and defending decisions (A)
* Demonstrating appropriate critical thinking skills (T,F,A)
* Gathering and processing technical information (A.
Professional:
* Facilitation and negotiation (A).
* Development of an appropriately analytic approach (T,F)
* Communicating professionally, using different formats (T, F, A)
* Working in an independent and autonomous way (F, A)
* Making choices within given constraints (F,A)
* Written and verbal presentations (A)
* Data interpretation (T,A)
* Propose and specify engineering research (F)
Practical:
* Prioritising time and tasks (F)
* Self organisation and management (F)
* Planning appropriate support and monitoring progress (T, F)
* Practical development of a wing section (T,A)
* Use of simulation packages (T,A)
Key:
* Ability to apply theory into practice (T,F,A)
* Problem solving skills (T,F,A)
* Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines (A)
* Working effectively as a team and group (T,F)
* Writing reports (A)
* Applying numerical techniques (T,A).

Content:
This unit concentrates on:
* scale modelling techniques (styling and wind tunnel)
* CFD (Computational Flow Dynamics)
* laminar flow
* turbulence and turbulent flow
* boundary layer
* transition and separation point
* wind tunnel operation
* chord line
* incidence
* centre of pressure
* lift and drag
* pitching moment
* aerodynamic centre
* circulation
* skin friction
* profile and induced drag
* form, vortex and wave drag
* application of Bernoulli's Theorem
* Reynolds Number, Froude Number.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

LP20609 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Programmes administered by the Learning Partnerships Office
  • UEME-WFF46 : FdSc Motorsport Engineering (Full-time at Wiltshire College) - Year 2

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2013/4 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2014/15 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2013/14.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.