Introductory course on the use of wind tunnels
About our
Introduction to Wind Tunnel Use
This course provides a foundation in experimental aerodynamics, familiarizing participants with the design and operation of wind tunnels, from subsonic to supersonic tunnels, and their applications in aeronautical engineering, automotive design, and other disciplines. measurement techniques are explored, including force and moment measurement, and flow visualization, such as smoke traceability, to analyze airflow behavior around scale models. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of obtained data and its application to optimize the aerodynamic design and performance of various objects.
This course combines theory with practice, including wind tunnel experiments, to develop the ability to analyze and evaluate aerodynamic performance. Participants learn to identify the key variables that influence airflow, apply analytical tools, and interpret the results to make informed design decisions. It prepares students for roles such as aerodynamic engineers, wind tunnel technicians, and numerical simulation specialists, strengthening employability in sectors such as aviation, automotive, and renewable energy.
Introductory course on the use of wind tunnels
- Format: Hybrid
- Duration: 3 months
- Hours: 300 H
- Language: English / Spanish
- Registration date: 23-10-2026
- Start date: 12-12-2026
- Available places: 2
649 $
Competencies and results
What you will learn
1. Mastery of Aerodynamics: Introduction to the Wind Tunnel
- Understand the fundamentals of aerodynamics and its application in aircraft design.
- Become familiar with the concept and operation of a wind tunnel.
- Interpret and analyze wind tunnel test results.
- Study the effects of lift, drag, and moment on different airfoil profiles.
- Explore the influence of airfoil shape and angle of attack on aerodynamic behavior.
2. Optimization of Aerodynamic Design Through Wind Tunnel Testing
- Fundamental principles of aerodynamics: You will understand the key concepts that govern airflow and its interaction with surfaces.
- Design of airfoils and aerodynamic bodies: You will learn to design and optimize the shape of wings, fuselages, and other components to minimize drag and maximize lift.
- Operation and applications of wind tunnels: You will become familiar with wind tunnel technology, its different types, and how they are used to perform aerodynamic testing.
- Wind tunnel testing techniques: You will master the methodologies for conducting accurate tests, including measuring forces and moments, visualizing flow, and analyzing data.
- Analysis and optimization of designs: You will interpret the results of wind tunnel tests to identify areas for improvement and optimize the aerodynamic design of naval structures.
- CFD simulation (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Computational): You will understand how CFD simulation is used to complement and validate wind tunnel test results, allowing for a deeper and more detailed analysis.
Application of aerodynamics in shipbuilding: You will explore how aerodynamic principles are applied in the design of superstructures, masts, and other ship elements to improve their efficiency and stability.
3. Comprehensive user-oriented design and validation (from modeling to manufacturing)
You will learn to integrate the entire product development process, from initial model conception to final validation, applying user-centered methodologies. You will develop skills in parametric design, ergonomics, simulation, sustainable materials, 3D visualization, and manufacturing management, ensuring efficient, safe solutions that meet current industry standards.
4. Experimental Evaluation of Components in a Wind Tunnel
- Analyze flap–lag–torsion couplings, whirl flutter and fatigue.
- Size laminates in composites, unions and bonded joints with FE.
- Implement damage tolerance and NDT (UT/RT/thermography).
5. Experimental Exploration: Wind Tunnel Domain for Flow Study
- Comprehensive analysis of the complexities of aerodynamics: You will understand the interaction of airflow in wind tunnels and its impact on aircraft design and performance.
- Simulation and modeling of structural behavior: You will master the use of simulation tools to predict the response of structures subjected to aerodynamic loads, including finite element analysis (FEA).
- Investigation of critical aerodynamic phenomena: You will delve into the study of phenomena such as flutter and fatigue, essential for ensuring the safety and durability of aircraft.
- Application of advanced evaluation techniques: You will learn to use non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and damage tolerance techniques to evaluate the structural integrity of components.
- Design and optimization of aeronautical components: You will develop the ability to design and optimize components using composite materials, applying the knowledge acquired about aerodynamics and structure.
6. Analysis and Design of Rotors: Applications in Wind Tunnels
6. Rotor Analysis and Design: Wind Tunnel Applications
Study of rotor dynamics, including flap-lag-torsion coupling analysis, whirl flutter instability, and fatigue assessment.
Development of skills in dimensioning laminated structures using composite materials, and in designing bonded joints and connections using finite element (FE) analysis.
Application of damage tolerance methodologies for damage management and the use of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques such as ultrasonic testing (UT), radiography (RT), and thermography.
Who this program is for:
Introductory course on the use of wind tunnels
- Students and graduates in Aerospace Engineering, with an interest in aircraft design and analysis.
- Engineers from other disciplines (Mechanical, Industrial, Automation) who wish to expand their knowledge of aerodynamics.
- Aerospace industry professionals: aircraft manufacturers (OEMs), maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies.
- Consultants and staff from technology centers involved in aerospace research and development projects.
- Experts in specific areas: Flight testing, aircraft certification, avionics systems, flight control, and dynamics.
- UAM/eVTOL profiles (Urban Air Mobility/electric VTOL vehicles) vertical takeoff and landing), including regulators and authorities.
- Standards-driven curriculum: you will work with CS-27/CS-29, DO-160, DO-178C/DO-254, ARP4754A/ARP4761, ADS-33E-PRF from the first module.
- Accreditable laboratories (EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibrations/acoustics.
- Evidence-oriented TFM: safety case, test plan, compliance dossierand operational limits.
- Mentored by industry: teachers with experience in rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
- Flexible modality (hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and security: safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
1.1 Fundamentals of Aerodynamics: Key principles and concepts.
1.2 Types of Wind Tunnels: Design and operation.
1.3 Wind Tunnel Components: Structure, instrumentation, and control.
1.4 Airflow: Laminar and turbulent.
1.5 Reynolds Number: Importance and application.
1.6 Aerodynamic Measurements: Pressure, velocity, and force.
1.7 Models and Scales: Design and construction of models for testing.
1.8 Analysis Software: Introduction to simulation tools.
1.9 Wind Tunnel Applications: Aerospace and automotive industries.
1.10 Safety and Regulations: Operation and maintenance protocols.
2.2 Fundamentals of Aerodynamic Design: Principles and Wind Tunnel Applications
2.2 Airfoil Selection: Criteria and Methodologies in the Wind Tunnel
2.3 Wing and Component Design: An Aerodynamic Approach with Wind Tunnel Testing
2.4 Control Surface Optimization: Analysis and Tuning in the Wind Tunnel
2.5 Fuselage Design: Aerodynamic Considerations and Wind Tunnel Testing
2.6 CFD Modeling and Simulation: Validation with Wind Tunnel Data
2.7 Flow Visualization Techniques: Applications in Wind Tunnels
2.8 Wake Analysis: Impact on Design and Performance
2.9 Cooling System Design: Testing and Optimization in the Wind Tunnel
2.20 Case Studies: Successful Aerodynamic Design in the Wind Tunnel
3.3 Introduction to Aerodynamics and Key Concepts
3.2 Wind Tunnel Components and Types
3.3 Operating Principles and Basic Instrumentation
3.4 Wind Tunnel Calibration and Flow Control
3.5 Initial Applications and Case Studies
2.3 Fundamentals of Aerodynamic Design
2.2 Aerodynamic Optimization Techniques
2.3 Model Design and Preparation for Testing
2.4 Testing Methodologies and Data Analysis
2.5 Optimization Applications and Practical Examples
3.3 Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
3.2 Fundamentals of Flow Theory and the Navier-Stokes Equations
3.3 Preprocessing and Meshing for Simulations
3.4 Results Analysis and Validation
3.5 Comparison Between Simulation and Experiments
4.3 Selection and Preparation of Components for Testing
4.2 Design and Assembly of Supports and Measurement Systems
4.3 Force and Pressure Measurement Techniques
4.4 Data Analysis and Results Presentation
4.5 Component Evaluation Case Studies
5.3 Flow Visualization and Characterization
5.2 Velocity and Turbulence Measurement Techniques
5.3 Boundary Layer and Flow Separation Studies
5.4 Analysis of Complex Flow Phenomena
5.5 Applications in Research and Development
6.3 Rotor Design Principles
6.2 Blade Element Theory (BEMT)
6.3 Aerodynamic Design of Blade Profiles
6.4 Rotor Performance Analysis and Optimization
6.5 Applications in Helicopters and Wind Turbines
7.3 Propeller Theory and Operation
7.2 Testing Methodology and Performance Evaluation
7.3 Thrust, Power, and Efficiency Measurement
7.4 Data Analysis and Comparison of Results
7.5 Applications in Aviation and Marine Propulsion
8.3 Introduction to Rotor Performance Analysis
8.2 Key Performance Parameters
8.3 Data Analysis and Modeling Techniques
8.4 Rotor Performance Optimization and Design
8.5 Applications and case studies
4.4 Instrumentation and Measurement in the Wind Tunnel
4.2 Design and Fabrication of Test Models
4.3 Flow Visualization Techniques
4.4 Calibration and Validation of Results
4.5 Analysis of Experimental Data
4.6 Specific Applications: Wings, Fuselages, Components
4.7 Aerodynamic Optimization of Components
4.8 Scale Effects and Corrections
4.9 Stability and Control Studies
4.40 Presentation of Results and Conclusions
5.5 Principles of Aerodynamics: Lift, Drag, and Thrust
5.5 Wind Tunnel Components and Their Operation
5.3 Types of Wind Tunnels: Subsonic, Transonic, and Supersonic
5.4 Basic Wind Tunnel Measurements: Pressure, Velocity, and Force
5.5 Importance of the Reynolds Number and Mach Number
5.5 Principles of Aerodynamic Design
5.5 Wind Tunnel Testing Methodology
5.3 Flow Visualization Techniques
5.4 Results Analysis and Design Optimization
5.5 Validation of CFD Models with Experimental Data
3.5 Fundamentals of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
3.5 Configuration and Use of Simulation Software
3.3 Meshing and Domain Discretization
3.4 Results Analysis: Pressure, Velocity, Vortex Flow
3.5 Validation and Verification of CFD Simulations
4.5 Design of Experiments (DoE)
4.5 Sensors and Data Acquisition in a Wind Tunnel Wind
4.3 Component testing: wings, fuselages, stabilizers
4.4 Experimental data analysis
4.5 Reporting and presentation of results
5.5 Advanced flow visualization techniques: smoke, threads, paint
5.5 Flow studies around airfoils
5.3 Analysis of flow behavior at different angles of attack
5.4 Characterization of lift and wake
5.5 Specific applications: design of ships, aircraft, submarines
6.5 Rotor operating principles
6.5 Rotor blade design: geometry and profiles
6.3 Rotor performance analysis: thrust, power, efficiency
6.4 Rotor applications: propellers, wind turbines
6.5 Design of optimized rotors for different applications
7.5 Propeller design and manufacturing
7.5 Mounting and configuration of propellers in a wind tunnel
7.3 Propeller performance measurements: thrust and torque
7.4 Propeller efficiency analysis
7.5 Influence of Number of blades and their shape affect performance
8.5 Characterization of flow around rotors
8.5 Force and moment measurement techniques
8.3 Analysis of pressure distribution on blades
8.4 Evaluation of rotor performance under different flight conditions
8.5 Optimization of rotor design for performance
6.6 Rotor Design Fundamentals: Aerodynamic Theory and Principles
6.2 Airfoil Selection for Rotors
6.3 Rotor Blade Design: Geometry and Characteristics
6.4 Rotor Performance Analysis: Blade Element Theory
6.5 Optimized Rotor Design: Techniques and Methodologies
6.6 Rotor Modeling and Simulation: CFD and Specialized Software
6.7 Wind Tunnel Testing of Rotors: Configuration and Measurement
6.8 Data Analysis and Validation: Comparison with Simulations
6.9 Rotor Design Applications: Drones, Helicopters, and Wind Turbines
6.60 Case Studies: Design and Analysis of Successful Rotors
- Hands-on methodology: test-before-you-trust, design reviews, failure analysis, compliance evidence.
- Software (depending on licenses/partners): MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), OpenVSP, SU2/OpenFOAM, Nastran/Abaqus, AMESim/Modelica, acoustics tools, planning toolchains DO-178C.
- SEIUM Laboratories: scale rotor bench, vibrations/acoustics, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL for AFCS, data acquisition with strain gauging.
- Standards and compliance: EN 9100, 17025, ISO 27001, GDPR.
Capstone-type projects
Admissions, fees, and scholarships
- Profile: Background in Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields; practical experience in NLP and valued information retrieval systems.
- Documentation: Updated CV, academic transcript, SOP/statement of purpose, project examples or code (optional).
- Process: Application → Technical evaluation of profile and experience → Technical interview → Review of case studies → Final decision → Enrollment.
- Fees:
- Single payment: 10% discount.
- Payment in 3 installments: No fees; 30% upon registration + 2 equal monthly payments of the remaining 35%.
Monthly payment: available with a 7% commission on the total; annual review.
Scholarships: based on academic merit, financial need, and promoting inclusion; agreements with companies in the sector for partial or full scholarships.
See “Calendar & Calls for Applications,” “Scholarships & Grants,” and “Fees & Financing” in the SEIUM mega-menu.
Do you have any questions?
Our team is ready to help you. Contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
F. A. Q
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we have international certification
Yes: experimental models, real data, applied simulations, professional environments, real case studies.
It is not mandatory. We offer leveling tracks and tutoring.
Completely. It covers e-propulsion, integration, and emerging regulations (SC-VTOL).
Recommended. There are also internal challenges and consortiums.
Yes. Online/hybrid modality with planned labs and visa support (see “Visa & Residence”).