Introductory course on the use of wind tunnels
Online course of 300 hours introducing the use of wind tunnels: 6 modules covering types of wind tunnel, tunnel instrumentation, models and scale, test planning, and analysis of results, with an assigned technical tutor.
Introductory course on the use of wind tunnels — studying from Australia
Australia no longer manufactures passenger vehicles at scale, but automotive engineering remains significant through component suppliers, design and engineering services, fleet operations and a strong motorsport culture. Engineers contribute to vehicle testing, powertrain development, vehicle dynamics and aftermarket product development. Motorsport activity centres on categories such as Supercars, which draws engineering talent from across the country. Employers include major global suppliers, dealership groups, fleet operators and specialist engineering consultancies working with manufacturers.
Fees for Australia: A$1,180 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Which Australian bodies matter for automotive engineering recognition?
Engineers Australia is the main professional body for engineers and sets the standards for Chartered Professional Engineer status, which generally requires an accredited qualification. Automotive standards in Australia are overseen by bodies such as the Department of Infrastructure and vehicle compliance agencies. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited by these bodies, so their value depends on employer assessment.
What automotive careers and employers in Australia could this support?
Australia has automotive suppliers, vehicle engineering firms, motorsport teams and fleet operators, along with a growing mobility sector. Employers typically look at demonstrated technical skills, project work and experience. A SEIUM qualification may support your application, but whether it is recognised is for each employer to decide.
Can I manage this online course alongside a full-time job in Australia?
Yes, the courses are 100% online and taught in English, so you can study around work and from home without a student visa. Specialist courses take 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's 1,900 hours. Each student has an assigned technical tutor, and employer-funded training may be possible in some cases.
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
Distinguish the types of wind tunnel and their applications.
Use the standard instrumentation of a wind tunnel.
Prepare scale models taking similarity into account.
Plan efficient test matrices.
Analyse and interpret aerodynamic results.
Correlate wind tunnel data with CFD and the track.
Write technical reports on test campaigns.
Who it's for
- Wind tunnel technicians.
- Experimental aerodynamicists.
- Instrumentation engineers.
- CFD engineers.
- Scale model technicians.
- Aerodynamic data analysts.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter motor racing.
What you'll work with
- SAE J2084 (aerodynamic wind tunnel test procedure)
- SAE J1594 (vehicle aerodynamics terminology)
- FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations (aerodynamic testing restrictions)
- ISO 5725 (accuracy of measurement methods)
- JCGM 100:2008 (Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement, GUM)
- ISO/IEC 17025 (competence of testing laboratories)
- LabVIEW
- MATLAB
- DaVis (LaVision)
- Ansys Fluent
6 modules
1.1Open-circuit and closed-circuit tunnels1.2Open and closed test sections1.3Reduced-scale and full-scale tunnels1.4Moving ground and rolling road1.5Climatic tunnels for cooling1.6Aeroacoustic tunnels and noise measurement1.7Flow quality and turbulence1.8Blockage and corrections1.9Restrictions on use in F11.10Practical exercise: comparison of real facilities
2.1Six-component balance2.2Pitot tubes and total pressure2.3Pressure taps and scanners2.4Five-hole multi-hole probes2.5PIV and laser anemometry2.6Thermography and hot-wire anemometry2.7Balance calibration2.8Data acquisition2.9Measurement uncertainty2.10Laboratory: calibration of a Pitot tube
3.1Similarity and Reynolds number3.260% scale models3.3Manufacturing by 3D printing3.4Model wheels and tyres3.5Sting mounting3.6Ride height and yaw movements3.7Quick part changes3.8Model sealing3.9Errors due to model scale effects3.10Workshop: preparing a model
4.1Programme objectives4.2Design of the test matrix4.3Ride height and yaw sweeps4.4Repeatability and checks4.5Management of tunnel hours4.6Recording model configurations4.7Schedule of changes4.8Safety in the tunnel4.9Cost of the test4.10Case study: designing a test matrix
5.1Coefficients and their correction5.2Balance and centre of pressure5.3Building complete aerodynamic maps5.4Comparison between configurations5.5Anomaly detection5.6Correlation with CFD5.7Correlation with the track5.8Structure of the technical report5.9Development decision-making5.10Case study: report on a test campaign
6.1Definition of the objective6.2Model design6.3Test matrix6.4Analysis of simulated data6.5Technical conclusions of the programme6.6Design recommendations6.7Budget of tunnel hours6.8CFD correlation plan6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the 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 LabVIEW, MATLAB, DaVis (LaVision) and Ansys Fluent, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures: calibration of tunnel instrumentation, design of test matrices and analysis of balance results. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Standards covered: SAE J2084; SAE J1594; FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations; ISO 5725; JCGM 100:2008; ISO/IEC 17025.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run 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.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with LabVIEW, MATLAB, DaVis (LaVision) and Ansys Fluent, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. 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 are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required: you only need an internet connection, 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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