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Aerospace Engineering focuses on the fundamental science and characterisation of the aerodynamic and structural interaction of fluid flowing systems and components typically found in the aerospace industry.

The main areas of research revolve around:

• Rotor aerodynamics mainly involve the use of wind tunnel measurements and a range of numerical tools, ranging from blade-element-momentum models to higher fidelity models based on vortex methods and CFD. New and computationally efficient models have been developed for predicting the stochastic behaviour of rotor blade aeroloads under moderate to deep stall conditions, taking into account the effects of dynamic stall as well as the effects of 3D flow originating from stall delay and the tip/root regions.
• Aerodynamic performance analysis of micro-propellors used for Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) propulsion that are constrained to operate a very low Reynolds numbers. This impacts prop efficiency and endurance in flight.
• Design, development and testing of lightweight structures used in the aerospace industry.
• Advancement and optimisation of joining techniques of aluminium and composite structures.
• Damage mechanics of fibre reinforced composite structures.