CFD Developer
CFD Developers model fluid flow to build models that represent a variety of physical systems. These models represent how fluids interact with other fluids, objects, and external forces. CFD Developers are implementers of fluid dynamics, the study of fluids and their behavior, by applying computational intelligence to describe the flow of fluids in detail and produce visual output to aid analysis. They work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. This technological exploration can be accomplished with CFD software, which numerically solves fluid dynamics equations (PDEs) for a specified physics model and boundary conditions.
Essential Skills and Knowledge
CFD Developers should have a strong understanding of fluid dynamics, numerical analysis, and computer programming, as well as familiarity with CFD software. They should also be able to communicate their findings clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Educational Background
CFD Developers typically have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
Day-to-Day
CFD Developers typically work in an office setting, using CFD software to model fluid flow. They may also spend time in the field, gathering data or observing fluid flow in real-world applications.
Projects
- Designing and running CFD simulations to analyze fluid flow in a variety of applications
- Developing new CFD methods and algorithms
- Creating visualizations of CFD results
Career Growth
CFD Developers can advance to positions such as CFD engineers, CFD managers, or CFD researchers. They may also choose to start their own CFD consulting businesses.