Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) Course infisim

Author: Niaz Ahmed

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is defined as that aspect of fluid mechanics that deals with solutions to fluid flow related problems making use of numerical analysis and data structure. Its principal is based on equations that describe the relationships between the velocity, temperature, density and pressure of a fluid in motion. These equations are better known and called the Navier-Stokes equations. The calculations involved in CFD are primarily done with the aid of a computer by just keying in the required parameters and setting boundary conditions. Some software applications have also been developed over time, just to help resolve with easy and speed some complex fluid flow simulations. Some examples of the complex simulation include transonic or turbulent fluid flow.

Seeing its importance therefore, CFD course programs have been founded and have been taught from time to time by many engineering software programming companies. The training courses most times has been designed for final year students, graduates and PG students of various department of engineering mostly chemical, civil, aerospace and mechanical departments because these department all deal closely with flow of fluid and heat transfer in their everyday field and practical experience. However both professional and aspiring scientists would still be allowed to attend the course is they show interest. The CFD course focuses on teaching the numerically applied solution of the various equations that govern the flow of fluids. The course does not take for granted the fact that these fluid governing equations has been developed and has been in constant use for over 100 years now and that many people are supposed to be accustomed with its usage and application.

What does it take to enroll and where can the knowledge be applied

As mentioned early, the CFD courses are usually designed for some set of person, engineering student and Aspiring or professional scientists inclusive. However if you fall in neither of these two groups of people listed but you desire to study the course, you can enroll and be accepted if you have basic knowledge in any of the following courses; fluid mechanics, numerical techniques and in computer programming course. These are the minimum requirements to become a participant of these courses. Areas of application for the knowledge acquired are mainly in the automobile industry, power generation industry and in Process industries, although there could be much more.

Expected Course Outline

The CFD course will run for as long as the organizers and instructors deem it fit to run, however, despite the duration determined, these basic topics are what to expect as part of the course when you enroll; Introduction, calculations and derivation of the governing equations of fluid flow, setting of required boundary conditions in incompressible fluid flow, using Navier stokes equation to solve for both compressible and incompressible fluid flow, basic and advanced method of solving linear algebra equations etc.