Dr. Sharad N. Pachpute (PhD., IIT Delhi)
CFD Engineer, Pune, Maharashtra
1) What is CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)?
- CFD is a technique for flow prediction using fluid mechanics, numerical methods, and computer science. It is widely used in many mechanical, chemical and aerospace industries, and weather forecasting. This is also a virtual experiment to predict new results instead of carrying out experiments in laboratories. Fluid flows (like air, water, and milk flows) have a lot of application in our real life and nature. Therefore, this subject has been important of many scientists and engineers
- The CFD modelling is an interdisciplinary subject. This subject is based on some subjects like mathematics, physics and chemistry of flow, advance numerical method, programming, high performance computing (HPC)
- In CFD modelling, computer science plays a significant role. To solve real world problems like weather forecasting, we require super-computer. Hence, in many fields the scope supercomputer (high performance computing), parallel computing, GPU, artificial intelligence is increased
- CFD modelling comprises three major steps
- Pre-processing: Geometry and meshing
- Solver setting and simulation
- Post-processing and results analysis
2) What are applications of CFD?
CFD modelling is widely used in many mechanical, aerospace, and chemical industries to design or improve the system. It can help innovate new products and system.
- Automobile, Aeronautical and manufacturing industries
- Cement and process industries
- Chemical Industries
- Industries in Turbo machinery (fan, blowers, and pumps etc.)
- Thermal power Plant industries
- Energy sector (Windmills, solar energy, and Battery applications)
- Environmental pollution
- Heating and ventilation
- Weather forecasting
- Defence and space applications
- Space industries like NASA, ISRO, SpaceX etc.
- Biomedical applications
3) How much time does it take to learn basics of CFD before starting any project in it?
It depends on type and complexity of problems. Familiarity of commercial CFD tools like fluent, star CCM COMSOL etc takes 1 to 2 months. For open source CFD solver, OpenFOAM takes 6 months to 2 years to decode solver setting as it involves C++ programming.
Refer this article for CFD tools:
Basics of CFD Modelling for Beginners – CFD Flow Engineering
4) Is it necessary to learn programming to become a CFD engineer?
For initial phase, the programming language is necessary to understand how governing equations dicretised to get numerical solutions. Programming will help for customization of function in CFD solver like ANSYS fluent, OpenFOAM.
5) What type of maths knowledge is required for CFD?
The knowledge of partial differential equations, vector algebra, integration and numerical methods are important as per governing equations.
6) What are the steps to learn CFD from the basics to become an expert, so that I can write my own CFD codes?
1.Learn governing equations for fluid mechanics and heat transfer
2. Numerical methods like finite volume methods and its application
3. Advanced programming for mesh interface, parallel computing, and GUI
4. CFD tool for geometry, meshing, simulation, and processing
Basics of CFD Modelling for Beginners – CFD Flow Engineering
5. Learn CFD modelling of complex flow like turbulent flow, multiphase flow etc
Turbulent Heat Transfer and Its CFD Modelling – CFD Flow Engineering
Basics of Multi-phase Flow and its CFD Modelling – CFD Flow Engineering
7) How can I get opportunities for CFD engineers?
During your B.Tech or M.Tech degree, take any projects related CFD analysis. That will help you to learn CFD softwares like ANSSY Tools. For students, ANSYS provides free softwares which can be downloaded from their website and start learning using tutorials. Those are good in C++ programming, they can install OpenFOAM on Linux platform. Learn how the conde CFD solver is developed.
Based on your CFD projects, companies will select for jobs in mechanical, chemical, and aerospace engineering. Prepare some basic equations for your interview: Important Questions for CFD Engineers
8) What is the future of CFD engineers?
CFD is widely in many mechanical, chemical, and aerospace industries for design and analysis. Whenever there is research and innovation, CFD will be used in industries. Different jobs will be created as per type of work or expertise.
9) Is a PhD in computational fluid dynamics a good option for a career in the industry?
PhD in computation fluid dynamic (CFD) along with experiment is the best option to get good publication easily. CFD is widely used in industries for analysis and design of systems. Hence having a CFD background is always a privilege for future jobs.
10) Which is the best institute for learning CFD in India?
There are many academic and non-academic institutes in India to provide CFD training. See the website, experience, and background of trainer. CFD is a very vast field. Specialized or experienced trainer are required for some topics. Check your training requirement.
There are reputed centres that provide online training for CFD: ANSYS FLUENT ARK, CFD Flow Engineering, Skill-Lync, Simulation Hub, etc
CFD Flow Engineering – CFD Analysis | Flow Engineering | Industrial Application
Blog by Dr. Sharad N. Pachpute (CFD Engineer, Pune, Maharashtra)
Good articles! Very useful for engineering students from mechanical, chemical and aerospace engineering.