Under the “New Engineering Education” initiative, traditional fluid mechanics and aerodynamics experimental pedagogy faces challenges, such as insufficient integration with engineering practice, an overemphasis on verification-based experiments, and limited comprehensiveness and innovation. To address these issues, this study designs and develops an aerodynamic experimental teaching platform for wind-assisted drag reduction devices based on the Magnus effect. Centered on rotor wind tunnel experiments, the modular experimental platform integrates fluid mechanics theory, aerodynamic measurement techniques, and ship drag reduction engineering applications. This framework enables the systematic investigation of the aerodynamic characteristics and flow interference phenomena of rotating cylinders at varying inflow velocities, spin ratios, and rotor arrangements, providing intuitive and efficient experimental support for teaching complex aerodynamic mechanisms.

Regarding system design, the platform’s architecture integrates a variable-speed rotating cylinder device, a multicomponent force balance, rotational and wind speed measurement units, and a data acquisition and processing system. It enables the synchronous measurement of lift, drag, and aerodynamic torque with good stability and repeatability. Systematic experiments are conducted on single-and dual-rotor configurations to obtain aerodynamic response characteristics across different parameter combinations. Results demonstrate that the platform effectively clarifies the physical mechanism of rotation-induced lift within the Magnus effect, as well as the influence of inter-rotor flow interference on aerodynamic performance, providing reliable experimental evidence for wind-assisted propulsion and ship drag reduction applications.

Pedagogically, the platform is incorporated into fluid mechanics and ship engineering–related courses through a three-level experimental framework comprising fundamental verification, parametric analysis, and engineering extension. This approach guides students progressively from theoretical understanding to engineering application. Through these experiments, students systematically master wind tunnel diagnostics, rotating system control, multicomponent force measurement, data processing, and uncertainty analysis, significantly enhancing their experimental design proficiency, engineering intuition, and teamwork. Moreover, integrating research-oriented problems into experimental curriculum exposes students to complex nonlinear flows and engineering optimizations, stimulating their interest in cutting-edge technologies and innovative research.

Overall, the proposed experimental teaching platform effectively integrates “research-driven teaching and teaching-supported research,” enhancing the depth, challenge, and engineering orientation of experimental education while providing strong support for cultivating innovative and well-rounded engineering talents in ship and ocean engineering, as well as related disciplines. The study indicates that the platform has strong demonstrative significance and broad applicability for experimental curriculum development and engineering education reform under the New Engineering Education framework.