Learn OpenFOAM CFD (Level 2) from Udemy

Note - CFD results always need to be validated with experimental data before blindly relying on them.

This course will take you through all the basics required in order to simulate simple CFD problems using OpenFOAM.

Geometry preparation will be covered using Salome.
Meshing will be covered using Salome and snappyHexMesh.
Solving will be covered using OpenFOAM solvers.
Post-processing of results will be covered using Paraview.
All these software are available for free without any license costs.

CFD helps to reduce the cost of products by saving time and money in prototype testing phase. Rapid prototype testings can be done by using CFD technology to predict the future behavior of the product. It enables us to foresee any shortcomings in the product and rectify them before the actual manufacturing phase of the product. This is a young technology and can grow substantially in near future.

You will be able to draw CAD models using the dimensions of any given geometry. Then you will understand how to mesh the geometry in Salome to get appropriate results. Mesh size plays an important role in deciding the accuracy of your results. Assumption of boundary conditions is another important aspect in any CFD simulation. Replication of real-life conditions must be correctly implemented in the CFD boundary conditions. Finally good post-processing of the results helps you to deliver your results successfully to the non-technical

What's inside

Learning objectives

Multiphase simulation using interfoam
Conjugate heat transfer simulation using chtmultiregionsimplefoam
Ahmad body external aerodynamics simulation with validation using simplefoam
Geometry preparation using salome

Meshing using salome
Meshing using snappyhexmesh
Setting correct boundary conditions in openfoam
Post-processing using paraview

Multiphase simulation using interfoam
Conjugate heat transfer simulation using chtmultiregionsimplefoam
Ahmad body external aerodynamics simulation with validation using simplefoam
Geometry preparation using salome
Meshing using salome
Meshing using snappyhexmesh
Setting correct boundary conditions in openfoam
Post-processing using paraview

Syllabus

Air Flow Over Ahmad Body and Validation With Experimental Results

Introduction and Creating Fluid Domain

Refining the blockMesh

Setting up snappyHexMeshDict

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Covers geometry preparation using Salome, meshing using Salome and snappyHexMesh, solving using OpenFOAM solvers, and post-processing using Paraview, which are essential tools for CFD simulations

Emphasizes the importance of validating CFD results with experimental data, which is a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of simulations

Explores how CFD can reduce product costs by enabling rapid prototype testing and identifying potential shortcomings before manufacturing, which is valuable for product development

Focuses on setting correct boundary conditions in OpenFOAM, which is a critical aspect of obtaining accurate and meaningful simulation results

Requires familiarity with CAD modeling and meshing, which may necessitate additional learning for individuals without prior experience in these areas

Uses software such as Salome, OpenFOAM, and Paraview, which may require a higher level of computer literacy than other software

Reviews summary

Openfoam cfd workflow and applications

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive introduction covering the full CFD workflow using open-source tools like OpenFOAM, Salome, snappyHexMesh, and Paraview. Students appreciate the focus on practical applications, including aerodynamics validation, Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT), and multiphase flow using specific solvers like simpleFoam, chtMultiRegionSimpleFoam, and interFoam. However, some note that the nature of OpenFOAM itself presents a steep learning curve, particularly regarding case setup and troubleshooting, which may require dedicated effort outside the course material, especially if learners are not already familiar with basic CFD principles or Linux environments.

May require prior CFD or Linux basics.

"While it covers basics, having some prior CFD knowledge helps significantly."

"Familiarity with Linux terminal commands makes following along much easier."

"Newcomers to OpenFOAM might find the initial setup steps challenging without background."

Integrates Salome, snappyHexMesh, OpenFOAM, Paraview.

"Using snappyHexMesh alongside Salome for meshing provided a good perspective on different methods."

"Learning how to integrate these different open-source tools into a single workflow was key."

"The course shows how to leverage powerful, free software for complex simulations."

Focus on real-world applications and validation.

"The Ahmad body validation example was particularly useful for understanding real-world application."

"I appreciated the focus on validating results, which is crucial in CFD."

"Learning CHT and multiphase flow with specific solvers was very valuable for practical problems."

Learn geometry, meshing, solving, post-processing.

"I learned how to go from geometry creation in Salome all the way through post-processing in Paraview."

"It's great that the course covers the entire CFD pipeline using free software tools."

"The course structure walks you through the essential steps of a typical CFD project."

Setting up cases and troubleshooting can be hard.

"Getting the OpenFOAM case setup just right can be frustrating at times."

"Troubleshooting errors when running solvers requires a lot of patience and external resources."

"The command line interface and syntax of OpenFOAM configuration files take time to get used to."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn OpenFOAM CFD (Level 2) with these activities:

Review Fluid Mechanics Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of fluid mechanics principles, which are essential for comprehending CFD simulations in OpenFOAM.

Browse courses on Computational Fluid Dynamics

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Review key concepts like viscosity, pressure, and flow regimes.
Work through practice problems related to fluid flow and heat transfer.

Read 'An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics: The Finite Volume Method' by H. Versteeg and W. Malalasekera

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Gain a deeper understanding of the numerical methods used in OpenFOAM by studying this comprehensive textbook.

View An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics... on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to finite volume discretization and solution algorithms.
Work through the example problems provided in the book.

Follow OpenFOAM Tutorials on Cavity Flow

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Practice setting up and running a simple CFD simulation in OpenFOAM by following a step-by-step tutorial.

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Find a tutorial on simulating lid-driven cavity flow in OpenFOAM.
Set up the case, mesh the geometry, and run the simulation.
Post-process the results and compare them to known solutions.

Four other activities

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Document Your OpenFOAM Simulations

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Improve your understanding and communication skills by documenting your OpenFOAM simulation setup and results.

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Choose a simulation you have run in OpenFOAM.
Write a report describing the problem, geometry, mesh, boundary conditions, solver settings, and results.
Include figures and plots to illustrate your findings.

Simulate Flow Over a Cylinder

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Apply your OpenFOAM skills to simulate a common CFD benchmark problem and analyze the results.

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Create the geometry of a cylinder in Salome.
Mesh the geometry using snappyHexMesh.
Set up the OpenFOAM case, including boundary conditions and solver settings.
Run the simulation and post-process the results to calculate drag and lift coefficients.

Read 'The Finite Volume Method in Computational Fluid Dynamics' by F. Moukalled, L. Mangani, and M. Darwish

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Deepen your knowledge of the finite volume method with this advanced textbook, focusing on its application in CFD.

View The Finite Volume Method in Computational Fluid... on Amazon

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Focus on chapters detailing advanced discretization schemes.
Study the sections on implementing custom boundary conditions.

Contribute to the OpenFOAM Community

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Enhance your OpenFOAM skills and contribute to the open-source community by reporting bugs, writing documentation, or contributing code.

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Explore the OpenFOAM issue tracker on GitLab.
Identify a bug or feature request that you can address.
Submit a patch or contribute to the documentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn OpenFOAM CFD (Level 2) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Fluid Dynamics Specialist

Fluid Dynamics Specialists focus on the study of fluids in motion and their interactions with boundaries. This course helps build the skills for CFD simulations, a core competency for any fluid dynamics specialist. You will gain practical experience in geometry preparation, meshing, solving, and post-processing using industry standard open-source tools. It is important to know how to set correct boundary conditions in OpenFOAM, as taught in this course. The modules on multiphase simulation using interFoam and Ahmad Body external aerodynamics simulation with validation using simpleFoam will be particularly helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fluid Dynamics Specialist

CFD Engineer

As a CFD Engineer, you will use computational fluid dynamics software to simulate and analyze fluid flow, heat transfer, and related phenomena. This course helps you to build a foundation in CFD by covering geometry preparation using Salome, meshing with Salome and snappyHexMesh, solving with OpenFOAM solvers, and post-processing with Paraview. Taking this course will give you hands-on experience using industry standard open-source software. Knowing how to set correct boundary conditions in OpenFOAM is also extremely helpful in your role as CFD Engineer. You may find the modules on multiphase simulation using interFoam and conjugate heat transfer simulation using chtMultiRegionSimpleFoam to be particularly helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for CFD Engineer

Simulation Engineer

Simulation Engineers create and run simulations to analyze and optimize designs or processes. This course builds your understanding of CFD simulations using industry-standard open-source tools like OpenFOAM. This course may be useful as it covers geometry preparation, meshing, solving, and post-processing, providing a complete workflow for CFD. For a Simulation Engineer, knowing how to set correct boundary conditions in OpenFOAM is a foundational skill. It is also important for the Simulation Engineer to learn how to perform post-processing using Paraview.

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Thermal Engineer

Thermal Engineers specialize in the design and analysis of thermal systems. This course builds a foundation in CFD, which is crucial for simulating heat transfer and fluid flow. The course delves into geometry preparation, meshing, solving, and post-processing, equipping you with the tools to model thermal behavior. This will help you to set correct boundary conditions in OpenFOAM, an important skill for this role. The module on conjugate heat transfer simulation using chtMultiRegionSimpleFoam is especially valuable for a Thermal Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Thermal Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. This course will help you develop skills in CFD, which is essential for simulating airflow and aerodynamic performance. The course's coverage of geometry preparation using Salome, meshing using Salome and snappyHexMesh, solving using OpenFOAM solvers, and post-processing using Paraview will set you up for success. Given that Aerospace Engineers are very interested in aerodynamics, the module on Ahmad Body external aerodynamics simulation with validation using simpleFoam will be especially helpful. Post-processing using Paraview will allow you to communicate your findings clearly with the team.

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Computational Scientist

Computational Scientists apply computational methods to solve scientific problems. This course helps build essential skills in CFD simulations. The course provides hands-on experience in geometry preparation using Salome, meshing using Salome and snappyHexMesh, solving using OpenFOAM solvers, and post-processing using Paraview. The modules on multiphase simulation using interFoam and conjugate heat transfer simulation using chtMultiRegionSimpleFoam may be helpful as they give practical insights into complex simulations. It is important for a Computational Scientist to learn how to perform post-processing using Paraview.

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Design Engineer

Design Engineers create technical drawings and specifications for new products. This course helps you understand how CFD analysis informs better design decisions. The course covers geometry preparation, meshing, solving, and post-processing. Design Engineers may find that the the ability to set correct boundary conditions in OpenFOAM is extremely useful. It is also important for the Design Engineer to learn how to perform post-processing using Paraview, a skill taught in this course.

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Energy Engineer

Energy Engineers work to improve energy efficiency and develop new energy technologies. This course helps build a foundation in CFD, which is applicable to modeling energy systems. The course covers geometry preparation, meshing, solving, and post-processing for CFD simulations. The module on conjugate heat transfer simulation using chtMultiRegionSimpleFoam, which teaches conjugate heat transfer simulation using chtMultiRegionSimpleFoam, is particularly relevant to the work of an energy engineer. This will also help you to set correct boundary conditions in OpenFOAM.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical devices and systems. This course may be useful as it introduces you to the use of CFD for the design process, a skill increasingly valuable in mechanical engineering. The course covers geometry preparation, meshing, solving, and post-processing using industry standard tools. The ability to perform Ahmad Body external aerodynamics simulation with validation using simpleFoam and multiphase simulation using interFoam will make you that much more helpful to your team. It is important for a Mechanical Engineer to learn how to perform post-processing using Paraview.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice to organizations. This course helps you build skills in CFD that can be offered as a specialized service. The course covers geometry preparation, meshing, solving, and post-processing using open-source software. Understanding how to perform Ahmad Body external aerodynamics simulation with validation using simpleFoam, multiphase simulation using interFoam and conjugate heat transfer simulation using chtMultiRegionSimpleFoam will help you serve a broader client base. It is also important for the Consultant to learn how to perform post-processing using Paraview.

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Automotive Engineer

Automotive Engineers are involved in the design, development, and manufacturing of vehicles. This course may be useful as it provides a practical introduction to CFD, which is useful in optimizing vehicle design. The course covers geometry preparation, meshing, solving, and post-processing using open-source tools. The module on Ahmad Body external aerodynamics simulation with validation using simpleFoam will be particularly relevant. In addition to geometry preparation using Salome, this course may help the Automotive Engineer learn how to mesh using Salome, and learn how to mesh using snappyHexMesh, critical skills for this role.

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Product Development Engineer

Product Development Engineers are involved in the entire lifecycle of a product, from concept to market. This course helps you understand how CFD can be used to optimize product designs. This course may be useful as it covers geometry preparation, meshing, solving, and post-processing using open-source software, providing a practical toolkit for engineers. Replication of real-life conditions must be correctly implemented in the CFD boundary conditions. Learning how to perform post-processing using Paraview will help the Product Development Engineer communicate simulation results to non-technical audiences.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze complex data sets to gain insights and develop data-driven solutions. This course helps you develop skills in post-processing and visualizing CFD data, a valuable asset for enriching simulations. This may be helpful, teaching how to perform Ahmad Body external aerodynamics simulation with validation using simpleFoam, multiphase simulation using interFoam and conjugate heat transfer simulation using chtMultiRegionSimpleFoam. It is important for the Data Scientist to learn how to perform post-processing using Paraview, with this course offering advanced postprocessing techniques in Paraview.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish findings. This course may be helpful as it teaches the essentials for conducting CFD simulations, which can augment your research. The course covers geometry preparation, meshing, solving, and post-processing using open-source tools. Understanding how to perform multiphase simulation using interFoam and conjugate heat transfer simulation using chtMultiRegionSimpleFoam, which is covered in the modules, will contribute to your skillset. It is crucial for a Research Scientist to know how to perform post-processing using Paraview.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, process, and analyze data to extract meaningful insights. This course may be useful as it introduces you to the post-processing of CFD simulation data using Paraview. This is a good area to specialize in given the growth of CFD processes. This module will equip the Data Analyst to execute the visualization of snappyHexMesh in Paraview and teach advanced post-processing techniques in Paraview. Additionally, this role will require setting up Initial Boundary Conditions in 0 Folder.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn OpenFOAM CFD (Level 2).

An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics e...

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Provides a comprehensive introduction to the finite volume method, which is the numerical method used by OpenFOAM. It covers the theoretical foundations of CFD and provides practical examples of how to implement the finite volume method. This book is commonly used as a textbook in CFD courses and valuable reference for both students and professionals. It adds depth to the course by explaining the underlying numerical methods.

An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics e...

Paperback

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An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics e...

Kindle Edition

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The Finite Volume Method in Computational Fluid...

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Provides a detailed and advanced treatment of the finite volume method. It covers various aspects of the method, including discretization schemes, boundary conditions, and solution algorithms. It is particularly useful for understanding the more advanced features of OpenFOAM and for developing custom solvers. This book adds more breadth to the course by covering more advanced topics.

The Finite Volume Method in Computational Fluid...

Paperback

$$$

Learn OpenFOAM CFD (Level 2)

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Openfoam cfd workflow and applications

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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