Research Internship and Cultural Experience in Greece
By GUO Qiyu
In spring 2025, I was awarded a grant under the Erasmus+ Programme to conduct a five-month research internship in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) at the Wind Tunnel Laboratory of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Greece. As an international exchange student, I independently carried out research tasks assigned by the laboratory, participated in all stages of numerical simulation work, and received systematic professional training in the field of aerodynamics and fluid mechanics.
Academic Environment and Research Facilities
As one of the most prestigious engineering universities in Greece, National Technical University of Athens has a long academic tradition and strong research capabilities. Many professors involved in wind energy teaching and research are affiliated with this institution. The Wind Tunnel Laboratory is located in the Aerodynamics, Naval Architecture & Hydrodynamic Engines (ANYM) Building and is equipped with multifunctional and modular wind tunnel facilities, including several dedicated experimental sections and advanced measurement systems.
Research Work and Technical Development
My research project focused on CFD Simulation and Analysis of the Effects of Vortex Generators on Variable-Camber FishBAC Wings. Under the supervision of Professor Marinos Manolesos, I completed the full workflow of numerical simulation, including preprocessing, mesh generation, solver configuration, convergence analysis, and post-processing.
Through model reproduction and optimization studies, I progressively strengthened my understanding of core CFD techniques and aerodynamic analysis methods. To improve mesh quality and simulation accuracy, I learned to use ANSA, a professional preprocessing software, in combination with ANSYS ICEM, which is widely used in China. By combining these tools, I successfully generated high-quality 2D and 3D unstructured meshes and obtained reliable numerical simulation results.
Extensive simulation comparisons and parameter optimization further consolidated my theoretical understanding of aerodynamics and numerical computation, while significantly improving my engineering modeling and problem-solving skills.
In early July, I also participated in the Summer Class organized by the School of Fluid Mechanics Engineering at NTUA. During this program, I systematically studied the theoretical foundations and practical operation of wind tunnel experiments, including the structure and working principles of low-speed wind tunnels, experimental measurement techniques, and flow-field data acquisition and processing methods. Hands-on operation of real wind tunnel facilities gave me a much deeper understanding of the crucial role that experimental validation plays in scientific research and engineering applications.
Erasmus+ Exchange Experience
Erasmus+ is a flagship European Union programme supporting international cooperation in education, training, research, and innovation. Through mobility and joint projects, it promotes academic exchange, cross-cultural communication, and collaboration among higher education institutions.
For this exchange, I was fortunate to receive a three-month Erasmus+ grant. Due to the international mobility arrangements and funding procedures, the administrative process was relatively complex and required the preparation of numerous official documents, including the learning agreement, bank information, and tax certificates.
Throughout the entire application process, the administrative staff from our university and Mrs. SKORDALAKI Eleftheria, coordinator of the NTUA Erasmus+ Office, provided invaluable assistance. Thanks to their professionalism, patience, and efficiency, I was able to complete all administrative procedures smoothly and within the required deadlines.
Cultural Exploration and Personal Experience
Beyond academic research, this exchange experience also allowed me to fully immerse myself in European culture.
Living in Athens, surrounded by historical monuments carrying thousands of years of civilization, I deeply experienced the influence of ancient Greek philosophy, science, and art on Western civilization. This direct encounter with history gave me a more intuitive understanding of the origins of many modern intellectual traditions and inspired deeper reflection on the development of human civilization.
During my travels in Italy, I visited the headquarters of Ferrari and Lamborghini, where I strongly felt the passion and creativity embodied in the machinery industry. It represented not only the pursuit of speed and performance, but also the combination of engineering excellence and human imagination.
I also had the opportunity to visit Paris, where I reunited with classmates studying at PSL University. We exchanged experiences about studying and living in Europe, discussed academic projects, and shared our future aspirations. Paris impressed me deeply through its harmonious coexistence of historical heritage and modern urban life, allowing me to better appreciate the diversity and vitality of European culture.
Conclusion and Outlook
My participation in the Erasmus+ Programme at NTUA enabled me to engage deeply in the complete process of CFD numerical simulation research, significantly strengthening my academic foundation in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, and numerical modeling. At the same time, practical experience with real wind tunnel experiments further enhanced my engineering and experimental capabilities.
Close interaction with my supervisor and international colleagues also improved my scientific thinking, communication abilities, and cross-cultural understanding. In addition to academic growth, the opportunity to travel across several European countries enriched my cultural perspective and broadened my vision of both engineering and society.
These five months represented not only an important stage in my professional development, but also an unforgettable journey of cultural exchange and personal growth. This valuable experience has laid a solid foundation for my future scientific research and career development.
