LLL - TUDelf
3-6 Months
Lifelong Learning Modules
An overview of aerodynamics of rotors, with emphasis on Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine rotors.
Rotor and wake aerodynamics are key to many applications such as helicopter and propeller rotors in transport and wind turbines for electricity generation. But rotors have a tendency to generate three-dimensional unsteady aerodynamic phenomena that are complex both to understand and to model.
For anyone working in the development and production of helicopter or wind turbine blades, this course is invaluable. It will deliver a depth of knowledge of the science and an ability to apply the technology that will enhance the careers of those already in the industry and the prospects of those wishing to enter it.
The course focuses on the following topics:
Momentum theory applied to rotor simulation and design and potential flow models for rotors
Airfoil aerodynamics
Unsteady aerodynamics
Aeroacoustics
Wake aerodynamic
After successfully completing the course, you will be able to:
– Design or source models which can represent the aerodynamics of different rotor configurations
– Appraise different models and critique their suitability
– Analyze complex rotor flows (rotors in yaw, wind farms, etc.)
– Identify and summarize the main fluid phenomena and evaluate their interaction
– Integrate different models to analyze the flow and combine the different models, evaluating their limitations and overlap
– Design a rotor from an aerodynamic perspective
– Modelling can be carried out in any programming language, for example MATLAB, C, or Python.
Aerodynamics, Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine, Wake Effects, Airfoils
Product manager contact details: b.broekhans@tudelft.nl
Date:
February 2026
Period:
Expected duration:
3-6 Months
Format:
Online
Level:
Advanced
Language of instruction:
English
Requirements:
Below, you can find the expected prior knowledge required to participate in this course. Please note that these are provided as indications only. TU Delft will not request proof of this prior knowledge through copies of degrees or diplomas. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that you possess the necessary knowledge, acquired through prior education or relevant work experience.
A relevant BEng or BSc degree in a subject closely related to the content of the course or specialized program in question, such as aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering or (applied) physics.
The learning objectives of the following TU Delft courses:
Applied Aerodynamics or else Fluid Dynamics
If you do not have experience with MATLAB but with other programming language, you can still follow the course, however it is recommended to allocate additional time for mastering it.
Level of English equivalent to one of the following certificates:
TOEFL score 90+ (this is an internet-based test)
IELTS (academic version) overall Band score of at least 6.5
University of Cambridge: “”Certificate of Proficiency in English”” or “”Certificate in Advanced English””
Teaching and assessment methods:
Online course
Registration Price:
To be updated
Registration deadline:
To be updated
Wei Yu, Carlos Simao Ferreira