Apply now
CourseAutomotive & Motorsport Applications open

Course on active aerodynamics and its regulation

Online course of 300 hours in active aerodynamics and its regulation. 6 modules covering active aerodynamics principles, actuation systems, control and activation logic, regulation and verification, and testing and analysis, 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

Take the controls.

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

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain the trade-off between downforce and drag in active elements.

02

Design actuation mechanisms for movable wings.

03

Programme the activation logic and its safety conditions.

04

Interpret the regulatory articles on movable elements.

05

Evaluate the system using CFD, wind tunnel and track data.

06

Analyse historical cases of aerodynamic controversy.

07

Design an active aerodynamic system compliant with the regulations.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Aerodynamicists working on movable wings, flaps and diffusers.
  • Control systems engineers developing activation logic and diagnostics.
  • Regulatory compliance engineers interpreting FIA bodywork rules.
  • Mechanical design engineers responsible for actuators and mechanisms.
  • Wind tunnel technicians running model and correlation tests.
  • Performance engineers evaluating lap-time gains.
  • Engineering and science graduates aiming to join racing teams.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations (bodywork and aerodynamic components)
  • FIA International Sporting Code (general rules of motor sport)
  • UNECE Regulation No. 26 (external projections)
  • ISO 26262 (functional safety)
  • SAE J1594 (vehicle aerodynamics terminology)
  • Regulation (EU) 2018/858 (type approval of motor vehicles)
  • Ansys Fluent
  • STAR-CCM+
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • CATIA
  • ParaView
Syllabus

6 modules

  1. 1.1Trade-off between downforce and drag
  2. 1.2Moving elements: wings, flaps and diffusers
  3. 1.3History: Chaparral 2J, Brabham BT46B and DRS
  4. 1.4Historical bans on moving elements
  5. 1.5Active aerodynamics in production vehicles
  6. 1.6Ground effect and ride-height sensitivity
  7. 1.7Wakes and driving in traffic
  8. 1.8Aerodynamic stability in cornering and braking
  9. 1.9Aerodynamic efficiency indicators
  10. 1.10Case study: top-speed gain with DRS
  1. 2.1Hydraulic and electromechanical actuators
  2. 2.2Pivot and slot mechanisms
  3. 2.3Position sensors and reliability
  4. 2.4Opening and closing times
  5. 2.5Failure modes and safe position
  6. 2.6Loads on the mechanism
  7. 2.7Integration into the wing packaging
  8. 2.8System weight and power consumption
  9. 2.9Bench durability testing
  10. 2.10Workshop: sizing a flap actuator
  1. 3.1Logic of activation zones on track
  2. 3.2Closing conditions under braking
  3. 3.3Control as a function of speed and acceleration
  4. 3.4Active aerodynamics in the 2026 regulations
  5. 3.5Integration with hybrid energy management
  6. 3.6Redundancy and fault diagnosis
  7. 3.7Functional safety of the system
  8. 3.8Validation with simulation and wind tunnel
  9. 3.9ECU data for verification
  10. 3.10Practical exercise: activation logic in Simulink
  1. 4.1Bodywork articles in FIA regulations
  2. 4.2Regulatory definition of a movable element
  3. 4.3Static bodywork deflection tests
  4. 4.4Flexible aerodynamics and controversies
  5. 4.5DRS control by race direction
  6. 4.6External projections on production vehicles
  7. 4.7Homologation of active production wings
  8. 4.8Technical protests over aerodynamics
  9. 4.9Regulatory evolution and trends
  10. 4.10Case study: analysis of a flexible-wing controversy
  1. 5.1Wind tunnel testing with scale models
  2. 5.2CFD simulation with variable geometry
  3. 5.3On-track flow visualisation with paraffin
  4. 5.4On-track pressure sensors
  5. 5.5Total-pressure aero rakes
  6. 5.6Correlation between wind tunnel, CFD and track
  7. 5.7Aerodynamic maps with flap state
  8. 5.8Effect on lap time
  9. 5.9Aerodynamic performance report
  10. 5.10Lab: downforce map with flap open and closed
  1. 6.1Definition of the vehicle and regulations
  2. 6.2Concept of the active element
  3. 6.3Mechanism design
  4. 6.4Control logic
  5. 6.5CFD analysis of both states
  6. 6.6Regulatory compliance analysis
  7. 6.7Validation plan
  8. 6.8Assessment of lap-time gain
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

Training is 100% online 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, so the programme fits around your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original regulations and standards, and applied exercises. The working software is Ansys Fluent, STAR-CCM+, MATLAB/Simulink, CATIA and ParaView, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures: CFD of a wing with the flap in two positions, static bodywork deflection testing and activation logic with ECU data. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus the final project.

Standards covered: FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, FIA International Sporting Code, UNECE Regulation No. 26, ISO 26262, SAE J1594, Regulation (EU) 2018/858.

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, the FIA International Sporting Code and UNECE Regulation No. 26 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:Ansys Fluent, STAR-CCM+, MATLAB/Simulink, CATIA and ParaView, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:an active aerodynamic system designed to comply with the regulations, from concept and mechanism to CFD analysis and validation plan, 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.

Vehicle and regulations
Define the vehicle and the regulatory framework that the active element must meet.
Mechanism design
Develop the active element concept and design its actuation mechanism.
Control logic
Programme the activation logic with its safety and failure conditions.
CFD and compliance
Analyse both aerodynamic states by CFD and check regulatory compliance.
Final project
Present the validation plan and the lap-time gain assessment, reviewed by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

AerodynamicistControl Systems EngineerRegulatory Compliance EngineerMechanical Design EngineerWind Tunnel TechnicianPerformance Engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification is required.
  • An internet connection and a computer capable of running 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.

Apply now Scholarships
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 Ansys Fluent, STAR-CCM+, MATLAB/Simulink, CATIA and ParaView, 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 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.

Keep exploring

Related programmes

See all in Automotive & Motorsport
Course500 $

Fire prevention course in pits

Online course of 300 hours in pit garage fire prevention. 6 modules covering fire chemistry, fuel handling, extinguishing media, personal protection and the garage self-protection plan,…

3 monthsOnlineAutomotive & Motorsport
Course610 $

3D printing course in automotive prototyping

Online course of 300 hours in 3D printing for automotive prototyping: 6 modules covering additive manufacturing technologies, prototyping materials, design for additive manufacturing, prototyping in vehicle…

3 monthsOnlineAutomotive & Motorsport
Course500 $

Racing clutch course

Online course of 300 hours in competition clutches. 6 modules covering friction clutch mechanics, friction materials, race starts and modulation, assembly and adjustment, and failures and…

3 monthsOnlineAutomotive & Motorsport
Course on active aerodynamics and its regulationEnrol
Related programmes

More in Automotive & Motorsport

Course on self-locking differentials and their adjustmentView programme →Aluminum vs. carbon fiber racing chassis courseView programme →Basic preparation course for amateur rally carsView programme →Weber and Solex carburetor tuning courseView programme →3D printing course in automotive prototypingView programme →Trail braking techniques courseView programme →

All Automotive & Motorsport programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships

Scroll to Top
SEIUM – Institute of Advanced Engineering
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.