KB6063 - Vehicle Aerodynamics

What will I learn on this module?

Aerodynamics is the study of airflow around objects. This can be applied to the improvement of external and internal effects, such as reducing drag, improving downforce on a vehicle, and controlling the flow of air to provide ventilation and cooling of vehicle systems. This module facilitates the development of your capabilities in the appraisal of engineering principles associated with vehicle fluid dynamics and in particular the subject of aerodynamics. Expanding your use of analytical and computational methods to explore these subjects you will investigate typical automotive areas such as wing theory and design. You will apply and interpret theoretical formulations to practical engineering problems associated with the design, construction, function and efficiency of wings and aerodynamics features associated with automotive vehicles.

How will I learn on this module?

Active learning sessions will be?used to?allow you to engage with?elevated?material and assist you?in exploring?key concepts?and topics within the module. Sessions will involve a combination of content delivery and practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to authentic,?broadly defined?engineering problems?that may involve conflicting?and/or?incomplete information.?A problem-solving focused curriculum will allow you to explore and understand?how well-proven?solutions?can be?applied to?more open-ended?problems?and provide?further?opportunity for innovative discovery of alternatives.?Learning activities will enable students to work collaboratively through the?further?development of teamwork and communication skills, and the encouragement of creative thinking to solve engineering problems.?

How will I be supported academically on this module?

During your active learning sessions, academic support will be available to facilitate your exploration of the problem-solving activities. Formative feedback will be provided by the module team, including answering student queries and providing guidance concerning the module such as assessments and your academic progress. The electronic learning platform (eLP) provides a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning. Contact with academic tutors and your peers outside formal teaching hours is encouraged through dedicated ‘office hours’, discussion boards and messaging systems within the eLP. Professional support staff, such as Ask4Help, provide the first point of contact for a range of queries, including, for example, those concerning assessment submission, late submission/extensions, and other administrative issues.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex vehicle aerodynamics problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the subject of study.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO2. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex aerodynamics problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed.
MLO3. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems relating to vehicle aerodynamics.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO4. Apply creativity and curiosity to analyse complex problems in the field of vehicle aerodynamics to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a formative manner to help build your confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Your formative feedback will be given to you either verbally by academic staff on the module during formally scheduled teaching sessions or using the eLP. Your formative feedback aims to help you learn and prepare for the submission of your summative assessment.

Summative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a summative manner by two pieces of assessment:
Component 1 to assess your knowledge and understanding through the application of laboratory skills and computational and analytical techniques to model complex aerodynamics problems related to vehicle aerodynamics (MLOs 1-3) through completing an industry compatible written submission. Component 2, will evaluate your ability to apply creativity and curiosity to solve complex problems in vehicle aerodynamics reaching substantiated conclusions (MLO 4) in an industry compatible written submission.


Feedback will be provided electronically through the eLP or student email within 20 working days of the date of submission.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Aerodynamics is the study of airflow around objects. This can be applied to the improvement of external and internal effects, such as reducing drag, improving downforce on a vehicle, and controlling the flow of air to provide ventilation and cooling of vehicle systems. This module facilitates the development of your capabilities in the appraisal of engineering principles associated with vehicle fluid dynamics and in particular the subject of aerodynamics. Active learning sessions will be?used to?allow you to engage with?elevated?material and assist you?in exploring?key concepts?and topics within the module. Sessions will involve a combination of content delivery and practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to authentic,?broadly defined?engineering problems?that may involve conflicting?and/or?incomplete information. The module utilises the electronic learning platform (eLP) to provide a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning.

Course info

UCAS Code H3P6

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years full-time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Your Learning Experience

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints