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Master’s in Rider Aero and Equipment Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in rider and riding-gear aerodynamics engineering. 12 modules covering the rider as an aerodynamic element, helmet aerodynamics, ventilation and thermal comfort, racing suits, road gear, aerodynamic noise, rider-motorcycle simulation, tunnel and track testing, protection and homologation, materials and ergonomics, 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

Analyse the aerodynamics of the rider-motorcycle combination.

02

Design helmets with low drag and high-speed stability.

03

Assess the ventilation and thermal comfort of riding gear.

04

Optimise rider position with the help of scanning and simulation.

05

Integrate protection and homologation requirements with aerodynamics.

06

Test riding gear in the wind tunnel and on track.

07

Develop a validated aerodynamic riding-gear item.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Riding-gear aerodynamics engineers.
  • Helmet and riding-gear designers.
  • Thermal comfort engineers.
  • Wind tunnel test engineers.
  • Ergonomics engineers.
  • Rider performance consultants.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to join helmet manufacturers.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • UN ECE Regulation No. 22 (06 series) (approval of protective helmets and visors)
  • FIM Racing Homologation Programme for Helmets (FRHPhe-01) (FIM racing helmet homologation)
  • EN 17092 (protective garments for motorcycle riders)
  • EN 1621-4 (motorcyclists' inflatable protectors)
  • ISO 7730 (ergonomics of the thermal environment, PMV and PPD indices)
  • ISO 9920 (estimation of thermal insulation and water vapour resistance of clothing)
  • ISO 15831 (clothing, measurement of thermal insulation by means of a thermal manikin)
  • SAE J1594 (vehicle aerodynamics terminology)
  • ANSYS Fluent
  • Simcenter STAR-CCM+
  • ThermoAnalytics TAITherm
  • Rhino
  • Artec Studio
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1The rider's contribution to drag
  2. 1.2Posture on the straight and in corners
  3. 1.3Interaction between helmet and fairing
  4. 1.4Arms, legs and wake
  5. 1.5Differences between riders
  6. 1.63D scanning of riders
  7. 1.7Parametric human body models
  8. 1.8Suit deformation in the wind
  9. 1.9Tests with a mannequin and with a rider
  10. 1.10Case study: gains from improved posture
  1. 2.1Shell shape
  2. 2.2Helmet spoilers and winglets
  3. 2.3Yaw stability
  4. 2.4Lift forces on the helmet
  5. 2.5Neck loading
  6. 2.6Interaction with the motorcycle screen
  7. 2.7Helmet aerodynamic noise
  8. 2.8Helmets for different disciplines
  9. 2.9FIM regulations on appendages
  10. 2.10Lab: helmet in a wind tunnel with a balance
  1. 3.1Air intakes and extractors
  2. 3.2Internal ventilation channels
  3. 3.3Visor anti-fog
  4. 3.4Rider thermal balance
  5. 3.5ISO 7730 comfort models
  6. 3.6Thermal insulation of garments to ISO 9920
  7. 3.7Sweating and humidity
  8. 3.8Riding in extreme climates
  9. 3.9Measurement with a thermal manikin
  10. 3.10Practical exercise: ventilation simulation of a helmet
  1. 4.1Aerodynamic hump of the suit
  2. 4.2Airbag integration
  3. 4.3Stretch panels and fit
  4. 4.4Surface roughness of the fabric
  5. 4.5Protectors and their shape
  6. 4.6Suit ventilation
  7. 4.7EN 17092 homologation
  8. 4.8Abrasion tests
  9. 4.9Customisation for each rider
  10. 4.10Workshop: designing an aerodynamic hump
  1. 5.1Touring jackets and trousers
  2. 5.2Garment flutter
  3. 5.3Noise and garments
  4. 5.4Rain protection
  5. 5.5High-visibility gear
  6. 5.6Backpacks and accessories
  7. 5.7Communication systems
  8. 5.8Comfort on long journeys
  9. 5.9Garment ergonomics
  10. 5.10Case study: low-drag touring jacket
  1. 6.1Noise sources in the helmet
  2. 6.2In-ear noise measurement
  3. 6.3Rider noise exposure
  4. 6.4User hearing protection
  5. 6.5Design of seals and closures
  6. 6.6Motorcycle screen noise
  7. 6.7Acoustic tests in the wind tunnel
  8. 6.8Aeroacoustic flow simulation
  9. 6.9Exposure regulations
  10. 6.10Lab: noise measurement in a helmet
  1. 7.1Rider geometries in CFD
  2. 7.2Meshing of complex surfaces
  3. 7.3Flow around the helmet
  4. 7.4Posture simulation
  5. 7.5Coupled thermal simulation
  6. 7.6Validation with the wind tunnel
  7. 7.7Parametric design studies
  8. 7.8Shape optimisation
  9. 7.9Efficient case computation
  10. 7.10Practical exercise: CFD of a rider in race position
  1. 8.1Tests with a real rider
  2. 8.2Tests with an articulated mannequin
  3. 8.3Measurement of neck forces
  4. 8.4Flow visualisation
  5. 8.5Ventilation tests
  6. 8.6Track tests with sensors
  7. 8.7Repeatability of measurements
  8. 8.8Safety in the wind tunnel
  9. 8.9Test report
  10. 8.10Case study: tunnel session for a team
  1. 9.1UN ECE Regulation No. 22.06
  2. 9.2FIM helmet programme
  3. 9.3EN 1621 protectors
  4. 9.4EN 1621-4 airbags
  5. 9.5Compatibility between aero and protection
  6. 9.6Impact tests
  7. 9.7Retention tests
  8. 9.8Visibility and field of vision
  9. 9.9Marking and labelling
  10. 9.10Practical exercise: review of homologation requirements
  1. 10.1Composite shells
  2. 10.2Polycarbonate and thermoplastics
  3. 10.3Multi-density EPS foams
  4. 10.4Technical textiles for garments
  5. 10.5Leather and its alternatives
  6. 10.6Moulding processes
  7. 10.7Manufacturing tolerances
  8. 10.8Quality control
  9. 10.9Material sustainability
  10. 10.10Workshop: process for a carbon-fibre shell
  1. 11.1Muscle fatigue and aerodynamics
  2. 11.2Rider cervical loading
  3. 11.3Posture and performance
  4. 11.4Anthropometry of the user population
  5. 11.5Gear fit
  6. 11.6Mobility on the motorcycle
  7. 11.7Vision and posture
  8. 11.8Riders of different sizes
  9. 11.9Studies with sensors
  10. 11.10Case study: ergonomic fitting of a rider
  1. 12.1Definition of the gear item
  2. 12.2Aerodynamic and protection requirements
  3. 12.3Conceptual product design
  4. 12.4CFD simulation of the case
  5. 12.5Thermal analysis of the system
  6. 12.6Test plan
  7. 12.7Homologation compliance
  8. 12.8Final evaluation of the prototype
  9. 12.9Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
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, 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 ANSYS Fluent, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, ThermoAnalytics TAITherm, Rhino and Artec Studio, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: a wind tunnel helmet test with neck-force measurement, simulation of the thermal comfort of a racing suit, and 3D scanning of riders for aerodynamic studies. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: UN ECE Regulation No. 22 (06 series), FIM Racing Homologation Programme for Helmets (FRHPhe-01), EN 17092, EN 1621-4, ISO 7730, ISO 9920, ISO 15831, SAE J1594.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of UN ECE Regulation No. 22 (06 series), FRHPhe-01 and EN 17092 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:ANSYS Fluent, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, ThermoAnalytics TAITherm, Rhino and Artec Studio, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A validated aerodynamic riding-gear item, 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.

Requirements and concept
Define the gear item and its aerodynamic and protection requirements.
Rider scanning and CFD
Scan the rider in 3D and simulate the flow in race position.
Thermal and ventilation analysis
Simulate ventilation and thermal comfort with TAITherm.
Testing and homologation
Plan tunnel and track tests and check homologation compliance.
Master's Thesis
A validated aerodynamic riding-gear item, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Riding-gear aerodynamics engineerHelmet and riding-gear designerThermal comfort engineerWind tunnel test engineerErgonomics engineerRider performance consultant
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 Fluent, Simcenter STAR-CCM+, ThermoAnalytics TAITherm, Rhino and Artec Studio, 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 degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), 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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