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Master'sAutomotive & Motorsport Applications open

Master’s in Wind Tunnel, Scale Models and Instrumentation Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in wind tunnel, scale model and instrumentation engineering: 12 modules covering automotive wind tunnels, similarity theory, scale models, support and motion systems, force, pressure and flow-field measurement, data management, test planning, tunnel–CFD–track correlation and facility quality management, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. 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 how automotive wind tunnels work.

02

Apply similarity theory and tunnel corrections.

03

Design and manufacture scale models.

04

Measure forces, pressures and velocity fields.

05

Manage data and test programmes.

06

Correlate wind tunnel, CFD and track results.

07

Manage test facilities to quality criteria.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Wind tunnel engineers in motorsport, automotive or aerospace.
  • Scale model technicians designing and building tunnel models.
  • Instrumentation engineers working with balances, scanners and PIV.
  • Aerodynamic correlation engineers linking tunnel, CFD and track.
  • Test facility managers responsible for operations and calibration.
  • Aerodynamic data engineers automating test processing.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to break into motorsport.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • SAE J1594 (vehicle aerodynamics terminology)
  • SAE J2084 (aerodynamic testing of vehicles)
  • ISO/IEC 17025 (competence of testing and calibration laboratories)
  • JCGM 100:2008 (GUM, guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement)
  • Formula 1 Financial Regulations (ATR, aerodynamic testing restrictions)
  • FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations (technical rules for F1 cars)
  • ISO 5167 (flow measurement with differential pressure devices)
  • MATLAB
  • Python
  • PIVlab
  • LabVIEW
  • Simcenter Star-CCM+
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Tunnel types: open and closed circuit
  2. 1.2Scale and full-size tunnels
  3. 1.3Moving ground and belt systems
  4. 1.4Fans and speed control
  5. 1.5Flow quality: turbulence and uniformity
  6. 1.6Benchmark tunnels in motorsport
  7. 1.7Regulatory restrictions on use
  8. 1.8Operating costs
  9. 1.9Organisation of a tunnel
  10. 1.10Case study: comparison of wind tunnel facilities
  1. 2.1Dimensional analysis
  2. 2.2Reynolds number and scale
  3. 2.3Scale effect on the boundary layer
  4. 2.4Forced transition
  5. 2.5Test speed and limits
  6. 2.6Blockage and its effects
  7. 2.7Blockage corrections
  8. 2.8Buoyancy corrections
  9. 2.9Extrapolation to full scale
  10. 2.10Lab: calculation of blockage corrections
  1. 3.1Common scales: 50% and 60%
  2. 3.2Model design
  3. 3.3Materials: composites, aluminium and resins
  4. 3.4Additive manufacturing of parts
  5. 3.5Dimensional accuracy
  6. 3.6Model stiffness and deformation
  7. 3.7Model wheels and tyres
  8. 3.8Quick-change systems
  9. 3.9Model maintenance
  10. 3.10Practical: design of a model part for additive manufacturing
  1. 4.1Overhead strut support
  2. 4.2Lateral wheel support
  3. 4.3Ride height, pitch and roll control
  4. 4.4Yaw and cornering tests
  5. 4.5Support interference
  6. 4.6Automatic positioning systems
  7. 4.7Model safety
  8. 4.8Position calibration
  9. 4.9Design of experiments for positions
  10. 4.10Lab: ride-height sweep programme
  1. 5.1Six-component internal balances
  2. 5.2Strain gauges
  3. 5.3Balance calibration
  4. 5.4Interactions between components
  5. 5.5Wheel load measurement
  6. 5.6Measurement uncertainty
  7. 5.7Thermal drift
  8. 5.8Force signal processing
  9. 5.9Repeatability
  10. 5.10Practical: calibration matrix of a balance
  1. 6.1Surface pressure tappings
  2. 6.2Electronic pressure scanners
  3. 6.3Rakes and multi-hole probes
  4. 6.4Unsteady dynamic pressure
  5. 6.5Pressure-sensitive paint
  6. 6.6Pressure maps
  7. 6.7Calibration
  8. 6.8Pressure integration
  9. 6.9Results analysis
  10. 6.10Lab: integration of surface pressures
  1. 7.1Visualisation with tufts and oil
  2. 7.2Smoke and laser
  3. 7.3Stereoscopic PIV
  4. 7.4Tomographic PIV
  5. 7.5Hot-wire anemometry
  6. 7.6Laser Doppler velocimetry
  7. 7.7Wake measurement
  8. 7.8Comparison with CFD
  9. 7.9Image processing
  10. 7.10Practical: PIV processing with PIVlab
  1. 8.1Acquisition systems
  2. 8.2Measurement synchronisation
  3. 8.3Test databases
  4. 8.4Programme automation
  5. 8.5Data quality control
  6. 8.6Real-time visualisation
  7. 8.7Automatic reporting
  8. 8.8Configuration traceability
  9. 8.9Information security
  10. 8.10Lab: automatic processing script in Python
  1. 9.1Test objectives
  2. 9.2Design of experiments
  3. 9.3Daily test programmes
  4. 9.4Managing regulatory hours
  5. 9.5Coordination with CFD
  6. 9.6Configuration changes
  7. 9.7Repeatability and baselines
  8. 9.8Rapid results analysis
  9. 9.9Decision-making
  10. 9.10Case study: programme for a test day
  1. 10.1Simulating the tunnel in CFD
  2. 10.2Differences due to walls and supports
  3. 10.3Scale effect in correlation
  4. 10.4Map correlation
  5. 10.5On-track instrumentation
  6. 10.6Discrepancies and their causes
  7. 10.7Managing correction factors
  8. 10.8Correlation metrics
  9. 10.9Continuous improvement
  10. 10.10Practical: correlation analysis of a map
  1. 11.1Tunnel maintenance
  2. 11.2Periodic calibration
  3. 11.3ISO/IEC 17025 quality
  4. 11.4Facility safety
  5. 11.5Energy efficiency of the tunnel
  6. 11.6Investment planning
  7. 11.7Wind tunnel hire
  8. 11.8Technician training
  9. 11.9Trends
  10. 11.10Workshop: annual calibration plan
  1. 12.1Definition of the test objective
  2. 12.2Model design
  3. 12.3Instrumentation plan
  4. 12.4Test programme
  5. 12.5Data processing
  6. 12.6Correlation with CFD
  7. 12.7Uncertainty analysis
  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 MATLAB, Python, PIVlab, LabVIEW and Simcenter Star-CCM+, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for force measurement with six-component balances, measurement of pressures and velocity fields, and correlation between wind tunnel, CFD and track. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: SAE J1594, SAE J2084, ISO/IEC 17025, JCGM 100:2008 (GUM), Formula 1 Financial Regulations (ATR), FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, ISO 5167.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of SAE J1594, SAE J2084 and ISO/IEC 17025 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:MATLAB, Python, PIVlab, LabVIEW and Simcenter Star-CCM+, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete wind tunnel test campaign, from model design and instrumentation plan to data processing, CFD correlation and uncertainty analysis, 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.

Model and corrections
Design a model part for additive manufacturing and calculate blockage corrections.
Force measurement
Build the calibration matrix of a six-component balance and assess uncertainty.
Pressure and flow-field data
Integrate surface pressures and process PIV data with PIVlab.
Test programme and correlation
Plan a test day, automate processing in Python and correlate a map with CFD.
Master's Thesis
Design, instrument and analyse a complete wind tunnel test campaign, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Wind tunnel engineerScale model technicianInstrumentation engineerAerodynamic correlation engineerTest facility managerAerodynamic data engineer
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 MATLAB, Python, PIVlab, LabVIEW 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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