The vocational training CAS Computational Fluid Dynamics consists of the following three modules, which can also be attended separately and for which ECTS credits are awarded with the final certificates:

• Mathematics and Computational Methods:
  The mathematical basis for simulations
• Fluid Dynamics, Heat Transfer and Turbulence Modelling:
  The physics of flows
• Best Practice in CFD:
  Application of a CFD simulation to a real problem at your company

By completing the CAS Computational Fluid Dynamics you will receive 15 ETCS credits. This correlates to 144 hours of teaching time. Additionally you will be expected to spend around 150 hours preparing for the lessons and the exams as well as 90 hours for your personal project.

Content of this on-the-job vocational training

If you want to be proficient in simulation processes, you will soon learn that flow simulations are far more than just the application of simulation software. You need to understand the underlying laws of physics and how these laws can be applied using computational numerical methods. This is the only way to be able to detect errors in the process effectively and to assure the quality of the simulation results.

Module A: Best Practice in CFD

The successful application of flow simulations to real problems in your company requires a lot of experience. Our lecturer helps you learn the best way to transfer your knowledge gained from the other modules from theory into practice:

• Simulation processes: modelling, meshing and validation
• Typical sources of errors
• Available CFD software
• Success stories

CFD project

Bring your own problem from your professional environment and work on it with CFD simulations in a defined project, which will be supported by our experts. This way you can apply the knowledge you learn in the other modules directly and guarantee the transfer of your knowledge from theory into practice. The project includes:

• Definition of the problem
• Modelling and simulation with the help of CFD software of your choice (ANSYS CFX is available, but ideally you will work with the software that is available to you in your company, such as ANSYS Fluent, ANSYS CFX, OpenFOAM, etc.).
• Validation, evaluation, interpretation and presentation of the results

Goals

• You are able to assess the possibilities, error sources and limitations of CFD simulations and evaluate its quality.
• You know how to apply CFD simulations to a real problem from your company.
• You are able to evaluate and present the value of the simulation results with regard to your problem.

Module B: Fluid Dynamics, Heat Transfer and Turbulence Modelling

Fluid Dynamics

Flows obey the laws of fluid dynamics. You will learn about these laws and gain insights into their complexity. Additionally, you will discover the influence of boundary layers, turbulence and compressibility. This part of the module consists of:

• Terms and definitions
• Dimensional analysis
• Conservation equations (Navier-Stokes equations)
• Boundary layers, turbulent flows and compressibility

Heat Transfer

In many fluid applications, thermodynamic processes play an important role. You will get to know different models for simulating thermodynamic and fluid dynamics problems. This part of the module includes:

• Heat conduction, heat transfer and conjugate heat transfer
• Convection
• Radiation and radion models

Turbulence Modelling

Turbulence refers to are small-scale vortices in a flow. You learn how turbulence influences the flow and why turbulence modelling is still such a challenge. This part of the module involves:

• Characteristics of turbulent flows
• Statistical description of turbulence (Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations)
• Turbulence modelling: available models with their pros and cons

Goals

The learning targets of the three parts of this module are:

• You are aware of the most important physical properties of flows.
• You understand the influence of thermal energy on flow.
• You recognize the challenges of turbulence modelling and you know how to apply the available turbulence models correctly.

Module C: Mathematics and Computational Methods

Flow simulations are based on numerical solutions of partial differential equations (PDE). In this module you will elaborate on the mathematical concepts for understanding PDEs and get to know different numerical methods for solving such equations computationally. This module includes:

• Systems of ordinary differential equations
• Partial differential equations: classification and key examples
• Numerical solutions to systems of equations
• Numerical solutions of differential equations
• Finite Difference Method and Finite Volume Method

Goals

• You understand the mathematical basis for the appropriate physical laws.
• You have learnt various numerical methods for solving the equations describing these laws.

With hands-on learning to success

Everyone learns differently. At OST we pay special attention to a well-balanced mix of learning methods:

• Lectures and presentations: Sharing of knowledge.
• Exercises and examples: for the application and deepening of knowledge.
• Supported project work: CFD analysis of a real problem at your company with support from our experts.
• Presentations and inputs from external experts.
• Self-study

You will deepen your knowledge independently in groups or self-study.

You deepen your knowledge technically and methodically for a successful application of fluid dynamics simulations in your business environment.

Technical

• You can apply the current best-practice methods for the execution of CFD simulations.
• You are able to evaluate the quality of CFD models and you are aware of possible sources of errors.
• You understand the fundamental physical laws and models in CFD simulations.
• You know how to solve physical laws with numerical methods computationally.

Methodical

• You understand that a CFD analysis is a process from the problem to the solution.
• You are aware of the possibilities and limits of CFD models and available CFD software.
• You are able to present your findings from a CFD analysis.
• In an independently executed CFD analysis you learn to link theoretical knowledge with your personal experience.

Additionally, you widen your professional network of simulation experts through contact with lecturers and the other participants and you benefit from the knowledge of your colleagues and solve questions from your work directly.