Course Details in 2028/29 Session


If you find any data displayed on this website that should be amended, please contact the Curriculum Management Team.

Module Title LM Wind Engineering and Bluff Body Aerodynamics
SchoolSchool 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