Postgraduate Diploma in Aerodynamic Optimisation with Adjoint/Surrogates
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Aerodynamic Optimisation with Adjoint/Surrogates. 8 modules with FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations and SU2. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
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.
What you will be able to do
Formulate aerodynamic optimisation problems.
Apply the adjoint method to sensitivity calculation.
Build metamodels to reduce simulation cost.
Automate optimisation workflows.
Optimise single-seater aerodynamic components.
Apply multi-objective and robust optimisation.
Validate optimised designs with high-fidelity methods and testing.
Who it's for
- Aerodynamics engineer who wants to specialise in Aerodynamic Optimisation with Adjoint/Surrogates.
- CFD engineer who wants to specialise in Aerodynamic Optimisation with Adjoint/Surrogates.
- Optimisation engineer who wants to specialise in Aerodynamic Optimisation with Adjoint/Surrogates.
- Engineering data scientist who wants to specialise in Aerodynamic Optimisation with Adjoint/Surrogates.
- Numerical methods engineer who wants to specialise in Aerodynamic Optimisation with Adjoint/Surrogates.
- Aerodynamic development engineer who wants to specialise in Aerodynamic Optimisation with Adjoint/Surrogates.
- Graduates in engineering or science who wish to enter motorsport.
What you'll work with
- FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations
- FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations
- ASME V&V 20
- AIAA G-077
- SAE J1594
- ISO/IEC 17025
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Formulation of the optimisation problem1.2Objective functions: downforce, drag, balance1.3Geometric and regulatory constraints1.4Gradient-based optimisation1.5Gradient-free and evolutionary algorithms1.6Geometry parameterisation1.7Parameterisation using free-form deformation1.8Mesh morphing1.9Comparison of methods1.10Case study: optimisation of a wing aerofoil section
2.1Continuous and discrete adjoint equations2.2Surface sensitivities2.3Adjoint for RANS2.4Frozen versus full turbulence2.5Shape and mesh sensitivity2.6Stability of the adjoint solver2.7Interpreting sensitivity maps2.8Computational cost and HPC resources2.9Limitations in separated flows2.10Laboratory: adjoint with SU2 on an aerofoil
3.1Design of experiments3.2Kriging and Gaussian processes3.3Radial basis functions3.4Neural networks as surrogates3.5Bayesian optimisation with acquisition functions3.6Surrogate error and validation3.7Adaptive sampling enrichment3.8Dimensionality reduction3.9Multi-fidelity CFD and wind tunnel models3.10Practical: Kriging of aerodynamic downforce
4.1Mesh automation4.2Simulation scripting4.3Case management and HPC resources4.4Tool integration4.5Automatic post-processing of results4.6Process convergence4.7Data management4.8Reproducibility of results4.9Regulatory CFD constraints4.10Workshop: automated chain with modeFRONTIER
5.1Front wing optimisation5.2Floor and diffuser5.3Rear wing and beam wing5.4Sidepod shape optimisation5.5Wheel components5.6Component interaction5.7Ride height sensitivity5.8Design robustness5.9Manufacturing constraints5.10Case study: optimisation of the floor edge
6.1Pareto front6.2NSGA-II type genetic algorithms6.3Objective weighting6.4Robust optimisation under uncertainty6.5Uncertainty in flow conditions6.6Stable aerodynamic balance6.7Final design selection6.8Decision-making6.9Communicating results6.10Practical: downforce–drag Pareto front
7.1High-fidelity CFD validation7.2Wind tunnel testing7.3Track correlation7.4Prediction errors7.5Lessons from real projects7.6Design risk management7.7Documentation and results archiving7.8Transfer to manufacturing7.9Process improvement7.10Case study: validation of an optimised design
8.1Component definition8.2Geometry parameterisation8.3Sensitivity study with the adjoint8.4Surrogate construction8.5Multi-objective optimisation of the configuration8.6Robustness analysis8.7High-fidelity CFD validation8.8Conclusions and future work8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SU2, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, modeFRONTIER, Dakota, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures from automated CFD optimisation campaigns, wind tunnel validation of optimised designs and robustness studies under varying conditions. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Formulate aerodynamic optimisation problems.
Apply the adjoint method to sensitivity calculation.
Build metamodels to reduce simulation cost.
Automate optimisation workflows.
Optimise single-seater aerodynamic components.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme works with SU2, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, modeFRONTIER, Dakota. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Consult the recognition policy when you enrol.
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