The group is interested in a range of applications within aerospace engineering, and in particular aerospace structures, applied aerodynamics, structural and rotor dynamics, aeroelasticity, morphing aircraft, stochastic modelling and control. The research combines numerical simulation, optimisation and experimental verification. The group is responsible for the wind tunnel and dynamics experimental facilities within the College.
Facilities that are used by the group include:
The aerospace engineering facilities include a brand new, custom built £1.2million wind tunnel facility with a maximum speed of 50 m/s. The temperature-controlled, closed loop and closed section facility (Re max = 3.2 million/m, T.I. = 0.2%) is designed specifically for 2D airfoil/wing tests with two 6-component balances supporting the wing models either horizontally or vertically across the test section for variable aspect ratio tests. The facility has a focus on aeroelastic experiments and flow control devices. In addition to standard equipment (HWA, Stereo PIV, high speed pressure sensors), a Stereo Digital Image Correlation system is available to perform simultaneous flow and surface deformation measurements. Current research focuses on wind energy, flow separation and control as well as on morphing structures.
