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CourseAutomotive & Motorsport Applications open

Adjustable ailerons course on the track

Online course of 300 hours in adjustable wings on track: 6 modules covering wing aerodynamics, adjustment mechanisms, aerodynamic balance, choice of downforce level by circuit, and on-track adjustment and validation, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration3 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the aerodynamic behaviour of multi-element wings.

02

Adjust the regulation mechanisms with precision and repeatability.

03

Analyse aerodynamic balance and its effect on car behaviour.

04

Select the appropriate downforce level for each circuit.

05

Design on-track wing test plans.

06

Interpret telemetry to validate set-up changes.

07

Document set-up sheets for each event.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Track engineers.
  • Aerodynamicists.
  • Performance engineers.
  • Set-up technicians.
  • Race mechanics.
  • Data analysts.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to enter formula racing.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations (technical rules for Formula 1 cars)
  • Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code (technical regulations for competition vehicles)
  • FIA GT3 Technical Regulations (technical rules for GT3 cars)
  • SAE J1594 (vehicle aerodynamics terminology)
  • SAE J2084 (aerodynamic wind tunnel testing)
  • ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics vocabulary)
  • XFLR5
  • OptimumLap
  • MoTeC i2 Pro
  • Ansys Fluent
Syllabus

6 modules

  1. 1.1NACA and high-lift aerofoils
  2. 1.2Angle of attack and stall
  3. 1.3Multi-element wing configurations
  4. 1.4Slot gap between main plane and flap
  5. 1.5Endplates and tip vortices
  6. 1.6Ground effect on front wings
  7. 1.7Lift-induced drag
  8. 1.8Cz-alpha curves and polars
  9. 1.9Pressure distribution on the suction and pressure sides
  10. 1.10Practical exercise: polar of an aerofoil with XFLR5
  1. 2.1Adjustment by discrete positions
  2. 2.2Screw and eccentric mechanisms
  3. 2.3Interchangeable Gurney flaps
  4. 2.4Front flap adjustment during a pit stop
  5. 2.5DRS systems and actuators
  6. 2.6Tolerances and repeatability
  7. 2.7Regulatory deflection tests
  8. 2.8Fixings and pylons
  9. 2.9Locking and safety of the adjustment
  10. 2.10Workshop: calibration of wing positions
  1. 3.1Centre of pressure and load distribution
  2. 3.2Aerodynamic understeer and oversteer
  3. 3.3Balance at high and low speed
  4. 3.4Relationship with suspension stiffness
  5. 3.5Effect of fuel load and weight
  6. 3.6Balance in fast corners
  7. 3.7Sensitivity of balance to ride height
  8. 3.8Balance maps by configuration
  9. 3.9Reading balance in telemetry
  10. 3.10Case study: correcting understeer in fast corners
  1. 4.1High- and low-downforce circuits
  2. 4.2Trade-off between top speed and cornering speed
  3. 4.3Lap simulation with different levels
  4. 4.4Effect of wind and temperature
  5. 4.5Wet-weather configuration
  6. 4.6Cooling and associated downforce
  7. 4.7Sensitivity to traffic
  8. 4.8Choice for qualifying and race
  9. 4.9Restrictions on homologated parts
  10. 4.10Case study: wing choice for two circuits
  1. 5.1Wing test plan
  2. 5.2Coastdown tests on the straight
  3. 5.3Driver feedback and its interpretation
  4. 5.4Pressure and load sensors
  5. 5.5Analysis of minimum cornering speed
  6. 5.6Repeatability of changes
  7. 5.7Recording configurations
  8. 5.8Quick changes in the pits
  9. 5.9Common adjustment mistakes
  10. 5.10Practical exercise: one-day test plan
  1. 6.1Selection of circuit and vehicle
  2. 6.2Balance objectives
  3. 6.3Simulation of configurations
  4. 6.4In-session adjustment plan
  5. 6.5Analysis of results
  6. 6.6Final set-up sheet
  7. 6.7Estimation of lap-time gain
  8. 6.8Plan for quick pit changes
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine the programme with your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is XFLR5, OptimumLap, MoTeC i2 Pro and Ansys Fluent, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures: wing calibration in the pits, coastdown tests on the straight and choosing the configuration for each circuit. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.

Standards covered: FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations; Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code; FIA GT3 Technical Regulations; SAE J1594; SAE J2084; ISO 8855.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, Appendix J and the FIA GT3 Technical Regulations applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:XFLR5, OptimumLap, MoTeC i2 Pro and Ansys Fluent, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:a complete wing set-up for a chosen circuit and vehicle, from simulation to the final set-up sheet, reviewed by your tutor.
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.

Circuit and balance objectives
Select the circuit and vehicle and set the balance objectives.
Configuration simulation
Simulate wing configurations to compare lap times.
In-session adjustment plan
Plan the adjustments for the session and analyse the results.
Set-up sheet and pit plan
Produce the final set-up sheet, lap-time gain estimate and quick-change plan.
Final project
Present your work and report for final review with your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Track engineerAerodynamicistPerformance engineerSet-up technicianRace mechanicData analyst
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification is required.
  • An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme 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 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with XFLR5, OptimumLap, MoTeC i2 Pro and Ansys Fluent, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. 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 are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

No prior qualification is required: you only need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme 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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