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Master'sAutomotive & Motorsport Applications open

Master’s in Aeroelasticity and Composite Bodywork Structures

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in aeroelasticity and composite bodywork structures. 12 modules covering composite materials, structural modelling, aero-structural coupling, deflection and stiffness testing, structural dynamics, impact safety, manufacturing quality and structural optimisation, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration12–14 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Analyse aeroelastic phenomena in racing car bodywork.

02

Select composite materials and laminates for structural parts.

03

Build structural models of bodywork components.

04

Couple aerodynamic loads with the structural response.

05

Plan deflection, stiffness and impact tests.

06

Optimise laminates while meeting regulatory requirements.

07

Manage the life cycle and inspection of composite parts.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Composites engineers.
  • Aeroelasticity engineers.
  • Structural analysis engineers looking to specialise in racing bodywork.
  • Composites manufacturing engineers.
  • Passive safety engineers.
  • Structural validation engineers.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to join motorsport teams.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ASTM D3039 (tensile properties of composites)
  • CMH-17 (Composite Materials Handbook)
  • FIA Technical Regulations (bodywork deflection tests)
  • ASTM D7264 (flexural properties of composites)
  • ASTM D7136 (impact damage of composites)
  • ISO 527-4 (tensile testing of fibre-reinforced composites)
  • FIA International Sporting Code Appendix J
  • Abaqus
  • ANSYS Composite PrepPost
  • MSC Nastran
  • Altair HyperWorks
  • Simcenter STAR-CCM+
Syllabus

12 modules

  1. 1.1Fluid–structure interaction in the vehicle
  2. 1.2Deformation under aerodynamic load
  3. 1.3Loss of downforce due to flexing
  4. 1.4Static versus dynamic effects
  5. 1.5Instabilities: flutter and buffeting
  6. 1.6Time scales of the problem
  7. 1.7Relevance by category
  8. 1.8Available tools
  9. 1.9Regulatory limitations
  10. 1.10Workshop: identifying aeroelastic risks
  1. 2.1Fibres, matrices and prepregs
  2. 2.2Laminates and stacking sequences
  3. 2.3Sandwich cores
  4. 2.4Mechanical properties and anisotropy
  5. 2.5Curing processes and autoclave
  6. 2.6Manufacturing defects and their effect
  7. 2.7Repairing parts
  8. 2.8Recycling and end of life
  9. 2.9Cost and lead times
  10. 2.10Workshop: defining a laminate
  1. 3.1Finite elements for laminates
  2. 3.2Modelling joints and adhesives
  3. 3.3Realistic boundary conditions
  4. 3.4Distributed aerodynamic loads
  5. 3.5Stiffness and buckling analysis
  6. 3.6Mesh verification
  7. 3.7Failure criteria for composites
  8. 3.8Safety factors
  9. 3.9Model validation
  10. 3.10Lab: model of a wing
  1. 4.1Load transfer between CFD and FEM
  2. 4.2Weak and strong coupling schemes
  3. 4.3Convergence of the coupled loop
  4. 4.4Deformation and geometry updating
  5. 4.5Computational cost
  6. 4.6Static and quasi-static cases
  7. 4.7Validation by testing
  8. 4.8Interpreting results
  9. 4.9Common errors
  10. 4.10Lab: coupled simulation
  1. 5.1The federation's regulatory tests
  2. 5.2Fixtures and load application points
  3. 5.3Displacement measurement
  4. 5.4Repeatability and tolerances
  5. 5.5Preparing for scrutineering
  6. 5.6Designing to pass the test
  7. 5.7Risks of aggressive interpretations
  8. 5.8Documenting results
  9. 5.9Correlation with the model
  10. 5.10Lab: deflection test
  1. 6.1Modal analysis of the bodywork
  2. 6.2Sources of excitation in the vehicle
  3. 6.3Resonances and how to avoid them
  4. 6.4Damping in composites
  5. 6.5Flow-induced vibration
  6. 6.6Vibration fatigue
  7. 6.7On-track measurement
  8. 6.8Structural mitigation
  9. 6.9Design criteria
  10. 6.10Lab: modal analysis
  1. 7.1Energy-absorbing structures and impact cones
  2. 7.2Regulatory impact tests
  3. 7.3Behaviour of composites under impact
  4. 7.4Low-energy impact damage
  5. 7.5Post-incident inspection
  6. 7.6Repairability and replacement criteria
  7. 7.7Designing for driver safety
  8. 7.8Applicable regulations
  9. 7.9Homologation documentation
  10. 7.10Case study: front impact structure
  1. 8.1Tooling and moulds
  2. 8.2Cure process control
  3. 8.3Non-destructive inspection of composites
  4. 8.4Porosity and delaminations
  5. 8.5Dimensional tolerances of skins
  6. 8.6Weighing and mass control
  7. 8.7Material traceability
  8. 8.8Prepreg shelf life
  9. 8.9Managing deviations
  10. 8.10Lab: ultrasonic inspection
  1. 9.1Topology optimisation
  2. 9.2Stacking sequence optimisation
  3. 9.3Stiffness–weight–cost trade-off
  4. 9.4Manufacturing constraints
  5. 9.5Multidisciplinary optimisation with aerodynamics
  6. 9.6Metamodels and their validity
  7. 9.7Interpreting results
  8. 9.8Verifying the optimised design
  9. 9.9Success and failure cases
  10. 9.10Workshop: optimising a component
  1. 10.1Strain gauges and sensors on bodywork
  2. 10.2On-track digital image correlation
  3. 10.3Measuring deflection while running
  4. 10.4Conditions and repeatability
  5. 10.5Data analysis and filtering
  6. 10.6Comparison with simulation
  7. 10.7Detecting progressive damage
  8. 10.8Maintenance decisions
  9. 10.9Historical record of parts
  10. 10.10Lab: measurement campaign
  1. 11.1Service life and usage cycles
  2. 11.2Scheduled inspections
  3. 11.3Retirement criteria
  4. 11.4Authorised repairs
  5. 11.5Stock and rotation of parts
  6. 11.6Costs per part and per season
  7. 11.7Evolution between versions
  8. 11.8Technical documentation
  9. 11.9Relationship with suppliers
  10. 11.10Case study: life plan for a wing
  1. 12.1Defining the component and requirements
  2. 12.2Laminate and geometry design
  3. 12.3Structural and coupled simulation
  4. 12.4Regulatory verification
  5. 12.5Manufacturing and control plan
  6. 12.6Deflection and modal testing
  7. 12.7Correlation and adjustments
  8. 12.8Optimisation proposal
  9. 12.9Technical report and defence
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, which makes the programme compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Abaqus, ANSYS Composite PrepPost, MSC Nastran, Altair HyperWorks and Simcenter STAR-CCM+, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for deflection and stiffness testing, on-track strain gauging and impact testing of laminates. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: ASTM D3039, CMH-17, FIA Technical Regulations (bodywork deflection tests), ASTM D7264, ASTM D7136, ISO 527-4 and FIA International Sporting Code Appendix J.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ASTM D3039, CMH-17 and the FIA bodywork deflection test regulations applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:Abaqus, ANSYS Composite PrepPost, MSC Nastran, Altair HyperWorks and Simcenter STAR-CCM+, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:the complete aero-structural project for a composite bodywork component, from laminate design and coupled simulation to deflection and modal testing, correlation and optimisation, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Laminate and wing model
Define a laminate and build the structural model of a wing.
Coupled simulation
Run a coupled CFD–FEM simulation to predict deformation under aerodynamic load.
Deflection and modal testing
Carry out a deflection test and a modal analysis of the component.
Inspection and optimisation
Inspect a laminate by ultrasound and optimise a component for stiffness, weight and cost.
Master's Thesis
Design, simulate, test and optimise a composite bodywork component, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Composites engineerAeroelasticity engineerStructural analysis engineerComposites manufacturing engineerPassive safety engineerStructural validation engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You will work with Abaqus, ANSYS Composite PrepPost, MSC Nastran, Altair HyperWorks and Simcenter STAR-CCM+. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and your tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent professional experience; an internet connection and a computer capable of running the software; and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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