What in the world is Engineering Fluid Dynamics?

I am the first one to state that I want to be involved in, and learn how to use Engineering Fluid Dynamics. I have used and interpreted simulations done by the proes in Fluent, and I have timidly used SolidWorks (FluidFlow module), which is not competitive enough when dealing with complicated flow simulations, and boundary conditions that are difficult to define, unless you come with hard test data for the case study baseline. Unfortunately no matter how much you want to learn more, there are all sorts of walls in the way. If you are unemployed and have the time to learn, you don't have the software and can not buy a student edition, because you are not a full time student. You work for a company that needs CFD to upgrade their product lines,but: they either don't have the moneys, don't understand the need for, or if everything else works out in the end, will select only a happy few to train. There are excellent programs, but can not get close to a group that uses it, and are willing to accept a shinning eyes, full of hopes newbie and give them the possibility to learn. Any ideas, or suggestions on how to learn a competitive CFD program, are greatly appreciated.

Ms. Florea brings some excellent insight to this discussion. The shift is happening and is gathering momentum but perhaps at a slower pace than most progressive engineers like Ms. Florea would prefer. Many senior managers who have traditionally been adamant about keeping the two functions of analysis and design separate are beginning to understand that conducting analysis during the design phase relieves some of the pressure from their analysis group. If you're not lucky enough to be working for such a group, then there are other ways. Some engineers have taken it upon themselves to champion the cause within their organization with grass-roots efforts. One of our end-users in the Netherlands was due for some training. As a part of the process he arranged for a couple of extra seats of software for a few days. Then he sent out a note to all the design engineers in the group to see who'd be up for some training. He ended up having more volunteers than he had seats for in the training room! His effort achieved two goals: firstly, he was able to educate others within the group of the benefits of simulation and secondly their management team realized that more design engineers were willing to take on the extra challenge. In a slow economy where every penny counts this is fantastic news for not only managers but also the engineers involved. Some organizations are shy about technology because they were burned by vendors who promised them the moon and instead delivered a pebble. So you can't blame them for being cautious when it comes to spending money on the software. Or they quite simply just don't understand the benefits of simulation. In these cases, I'd like to suggest an educational approach. Most reputable vendors are more than happy to prove their technology to you so ask them to solve a typical design problem for you. Alternatively, request a short-term trial license -- this way you'll get an opportunity to play with the software to see if indeed it is the right tool for you. Armed with the results from both exercises you'll be able to prove to your managers that investment in the technology can not only pay for itself but also help the company bottomline. As a matter of fact, my new blog focuses on ROI of simulation. Please feel free to visit it at blogs.mentor.com/roi for more information. I do hope one of these scenarios proves helpful to Ms. Florea so she can break down the barriers to simulation.

Hello Nazita, Thank-you very much for the feed-back. I agree with everything you wrote above; my challenge in breaking the barriers to simulation are a bit more complex now. I lost my job; I worked a lot of contract project work for companies using fluid power, and that puts me in an awkward situation. First I have to get back to my feet, and get into a competitive design engineering position with a company that understands the need for simulation. Then I can apply the strategies you indicated. I tried to get training in the last 5 years through a company supported program, I didn't succeed. As a private person, I learned some of the SolidWorks Simulations programs, but I want to be able and learn more, and get trained in a more competitive software. As far as I know- and I might be wrong, the training is pretty expensive, and past the training, I need to be able to use the software to keep my skills active. Any advise for such situations, please? Learning a good simulation software is a must.

Hello Iris, I have a few suggestions! I'll send them directly to your email.

I'd like some of those suggestions also. Thanks!

Hi Ted, would you mind dropping me an email so I can send you my suggestions? My email is firstname_lastname@mentor.com