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Master'sAutomotive & Motorsport Applications open

Master’s in Aeroelasticity and Composite Bodywork Structures Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in aeroelasticity and composite bodywork structures engineering: 12 modules covering composite materials, laminate mechanics, finite element analysis, aeroelasticity, deflection and homologation tests, manufacturing, inspection, damage and fatigue, joints and sustainable optimisation, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Select composite materials for racing structures.

02

Apply laminate mechanics and failure criteria.

03

Analyse composite structures using finite elements.

04

Assess the aeroelasticity of aerodynamic components.

05

Design components that pass homologation tests.

06

Plan manufacturing and quality control.

07

Optimise structures with sustainability criteria.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Composite structures engineers in motorsport, aerospace or high-performance automotive.
  • Stress engineers analysing laminated components.
  • Aeroelasticity engineers working on wings and flexible parts.
  • Composite manufacturing engineers planning lay-up and curing.
  • Quality control technicians carrying out NDT of composites.
  • Bodywork designers who need a stronger structural background.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to break into motorsport.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations (technical rules for F1 cars)
  • ASTM D3039 (tensile properties of composites)
  • ASTM D7136 (drop-weight impact on composites)
  • ASTM D3518 (in-plane shear)
  • ISO 14125 (flexural properties of composites)
  • Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code (technical rules for competition vehicles)
  • ASTM D5528 (interlaminar fracture toughness)
  • ANSYS ACP
  • HyperWorks
  • LS-DYNA
  • CATIA Composites Design
  • Simcenter Star-CCM+
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Use of composites in motorsport
  2. 1.2Carbon fibre monocoque
  3. 1.3Bodywork and aerodynamic parts
  4. 1.4Structural and regulatory requirements
  5. 1.5Stiffness versus weight
  6. 1.6History: the McLaren MP4/1
  7. 1.7Design-to-manufacturing chain
  8. 1.8Sustainability of composites
  9. 1.9Component cost
  10. 1.10Case study: structural analysis of a front wing
  1. 2.1Carbon fibres: high modulus and high strength
  2. 2.2Epoxy and thermoplastic matrices
  3. 2.3Prepregs
  4. 2.4Honeycomb and foam cores
  5. 2.5Natural and recycled fibres
  6. 2.6Ply properties
  7. 2.7Characterisation tests
  8. 2.8Materials databases
  9. 2.9Prepreg storage
  10. 2.10Lab: calculation of ply properties through micromechanics
  1. 3.1Classical laminate theory
  2. 3.2ABD matrices
  3. 3.3Bend–twist coupling
  4. 3.4Symmetric and balanced laminates
  5. 3.5Failure criteria: Tsai-Wu and Hashin
  6. 3.6Progressive failure
  7. 3.7Stacking sequence design
  8. 3.8Sandwich laminates
  9. 3.9Calculation tools
  10. 3.10Practical: analysis of a laminate with classical theory
  1. 4.1Shell elements for composites
  2. 4.2Defining laminates in FEM
  3. 4.3Static and modal analysis
  4. 4.4Panel buckling
  5. 4.5Joint analysis
  6. 4.6Laminate optimisation
  7. 4.7ANSYS ACP and HyperWorks tools
  8. 4.8Validation against tests
  9. 4.9Model management
  10. 4.10Lab: FEM model of a wing in ANSYS ACP
  1. 5.1Fluid–structure interaction
  2. 5.2Divergence and control reversal
  3. 5.3Flutter and vibrations
  4. 5.4Static aeroelasticity in wings
  5. 5.5CFD–FEM coupling
  6. 5.6Deformation under aerodynamic load
  7. 5.7Designing for controlled flexibility
  8. 5.8Regulatory deflection limits
  9. 5.9Measuring deformations
  10. 5.10Practical: one-way fluid–structure coupling
  1. 6.1FIA static load tests
  2. 6.2Wing deflection tests
  3. 6.3Floor and plank tests
  4. 6.4Monocoque impact tests
  5. 6.5Impact-absorbing structures
  6. 6.6Halo strength tests
  7. 6.7Homologation protocols
  8. 6.8Regulatory interpretation
  9. 6.9Technical documentation
  10. 6.10Case study: designing to pass a deflection test
  1. 7.1Moulds and tooling
  2. 7.2Hand lay-up of prepregs
  3. 7.3Autoclave curing
  4. 7.4Out-of-autoclave processes
  5. 7.5Resin transfer moulding (RTM)
  6. 7.6Automated fibre placement (AFP)
  7. 7.7Tolerances and dimensional control
  8. 7.8Manufacturing defects
  9. 7.9Machining and finishing
  10. 7.10Practical: lay-up plan for a part
  1. 8.1Visual inspection
  2. 8.2Ultrasonic testing of composites
  3. 8.3Active thermography
  4. 8.4Computed tomography
  5. 8.5Fibre content measurement
  6. 8.6Delamination detection
  7. 8.7Acceptance criteria
  8. 8.8Part traceability
  9. 8.9Repairability
  10. 8.10Lab: C-scan analysis of a panel
  1. 9.1Low-velocity impact damage
  2. 9.2Residual strength after impact
  3. 9.3Delamination and growth
  4. 9.4Fatigue in composites
  5. 9.5Component service life
  6. 9.6Energy absorption in impact
  7. 9.7Impact simulation
  8. 9.8Structural repair
  9. 9.9Part life management
  10. 9.10Practical: impact simulation in LS-DYNA
  1. 10.1Adhesive joints
  2. 10.2Bolted joints in composites
  3. 10.3Inserts and fasteners
  4. 10.4Hybrid joints
  5. 10.5Joint analysis
  6. 10.6Joint testing
  7. 10.7Typical failures
  8. 10.8Design of bodywork interfaces
  9. 10.9Quick fitting in the pits
  10. 10.10Case study: design of sidepod fasteners
  1. 11.1Optimisation of thicknesses and orientations
  2. 11.2Topology optimisation
  3. 11.3Multi-objective design
  4. 11.4Recycled composites and natural fibre
  5. 11.5FIA sustainability regulations
  6. 11.6Life cycle assessment
  7. 11.7Carbon fibre recycling
  8. 11.8Recyclable thermoplastics
  9. 11.9Trends
  10. 11.10Workshop: bodywork with natural fibres
  1. 12.1Definition of the component
  2. 12.2Aerodynamic and inertial loads
  3. 12.3Laminate design
  4. 12.4FEM analysis
  5. 12.5Aeroelastic analysis
  6. 12.6Manufacturing plan
  7. 12.7Test and homologation plan
  8. 12.8Conclusions
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

The programme 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 it can be combined with your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ANSYS ACP, HyperWorks, LS-DYNA, CATIA Composites Design and Simcenter Star-CCM+, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for finite element analysis of laminates, fluid–structure interaction simulation and deflection and impact testing. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, ASTM D3039, ASTM D7136, ASTM D3518, ISO 14125, Appendix J to the FIA International Sporting Code, ASTM D5528.

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, ASTM D3039 and ASTM D7136 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:ANSYS ACP, HyperWorks, LS-DYNA, CATIA Composites Design and Simcenter Star-CCM+, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete composite bodywork component, from loads and laminate design to FEM and aeroelastic analysis, manufacturing plan and homologation test plan, 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 design
Calculate ply properties and design a stacking sequence with classical laminate theory.
FEM analysis
Build a FEM model of a wing in ANSYS ACP, including buckling and failure checks.
Aeroelastic assessment
Run a one-way fluid–structure coupling and check regulatory deflection limits.
Manufacturing and damage tolerance
Prepare a lay-up plan, analyse a C-scan and simulate impact in LS-DYNA.
Master's Thesis
Design, analyse and plan the manufacture and homologation of a composite component, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Composite structures engineerStress engineerAeroelasticity engineerComposite manufacturing engineerQuality control technicianBodywork designer
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 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 work with ANSYS ACP, HyperWorks, LS-DYNA, CATIA Composites Design and Simcenter Star-CCM+, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever 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), a computer able to run 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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