Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LM Wind Engineering and Bluff Body Aerodynamics
School	School of Engineering
Department	Civil Engineering
Module Code	04 34311
Module Lead	David Soper
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites	LC Engineering Mathematics 1 - (04 27887)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	For exchange students a basic level of engineering mathematics principles is required.
Contact Hours	Lecture-40 hours Seminar-3 hours Tutorial-5 hours Practical Classes and workshops-6 hours Guided independent study-146 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	The module provides an introduction to the field of wind engineering and bluff body aerodynamics, through development of key principles which are in turn complemented by in-depth examples and applications drawn directly from industry and current academic research. The module covers a broad introduction to the following topics: Principles (18 lectures) Atmospheric basics – basic meteorology, types of weather and wind systems, including synoptic and non-synoptic winds. Characteristics of the wind near the ground. Atmospheric stability effects. Statistical analysis of wind. Climate change considerations. Experimental, computational and analytical tools. Risk, resilience and social considerations. Introduction to bluff body aerodynamic and general aerodynamic considerations. Applications (22 lectures) Wind loading on buildings from both a static and dynamic approach. Wind loading on buildings for extreme winds. Pedestrian comfort. Natural and forced ventilation of buildings. Wind energy resource and energy generation. Air quality and dispersion of atmospheric pollutants. Weather effects on transportation systems and the pedestrian environment. Vehicle aerodynamics considerations. A series of laboratory classes (2 classes) and seminars (2 sessions) supplement the lecture components of the course to provide a deeper understanding of the content.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: 17.1 Apply standard methodologies and statistical techniques to analyse weather and climate variables 17.2 Understand the nature of wind loadings on structures 17.3 Directly apply measurement methodologies and appropriate analytical techniques to solve relevant issues likely to be met by a wind engineering professional 17.4 Relate fundamental principles to wider societal context through understanding pollution dispersion, ventilation flows, sustainable energy resources and city planning 17.5 Characterise the key principles of bluff body and vehicle aerodynamics
Assessment	34311-01 : Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 15% by online Canvas quizzes on lecture material. 35% by a topical video on a particular research paper. 5% by a group risk assessment of the experimental approaches taken in the design question. 45% by a group design question which will be based on research led themes and real data gathered by students in an experimental study. Reassessment: 100% by exam containing essay and numerical questions –3 hour exam.
Other
Reading List