Course
Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become an essential analysis technique across various industries. CFD provides a powerful method to simulate and solve complex flow problems and thermal interactions that are difficult to analyse using traditional approaches. Thanks to technological advances in both software and hardware, we can now perform advanced simulations that were out of reach just a few years ago. This course provides a practical, software-independent introduction to help you use CFD efficiently and with confidence.

Course details

Training dates 2025
March 10–11–12, 2025
Duration
3 consecutive days
Location
Antwerp (BE)
Cost
1,525 euros (excluding VAT) – early bird price valid until February 9, 2025
1,695 euros (excluding VAT) – standard price from February 10, 2025
Language
Dutch
Cancellation policy
Up to two weeks before: no charge. From two weeks before: 50% of total cost. Less than five days before: full amount due.
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Why this course?

From the fundamentals of fluid dynamics to the basic principles of CFD and the validation & verification of CFD results — maximise the benefits of using CFD.

This course offers an in-depth, practical, and structured understanding of the key technical aspects of CFD simulations, which form the foundation for robust CFD solutions in a wide range of application areas. The course is divided into two parts:

  • Part one covers the fundamentals of fluid dynamics and serves as a refresher on the physical aspects of fluid mechanics.
  • Part two covers the basic principles of Computational Fluid Dynamics and serves as an introduction for those starting with CFD and as a refresher for experienced users.

Who is this course for?

  • Engineers and designers new to CFD simulation who want to gain a thorough foundation.
  • Engineers and designers looking to refresh their CFD knowledge and stay up to date with the latest techniques.
  • Technical managers who work with CFD simulation engineers and want to gain a better understanding of the processes and challenges within CFD.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to expand your existing knowledge, this course offers valuable insights and practical skills for anyone closely involved in CFD.

What will you learn?

  • A refresher on the fundamental principles of fluid dynamics.
  • The basic principles of Computational Fluid Dynamics.
  • Finite Difference vs. Finite Volume vs. Finite Elements.
  • The differences between various differentiation and meshing schemes.
  • Pressure-based vs. density-based solvers.
  • Implicit vs. explicit solutions.
  • Modelling turbulence and heat transfer.
  • How to correctly model boundary conditions.
  • The various errors and uncertainties in a CFD analysis and how to quantify and reduce them.

Benefits of the course

 Software independent
You will learn the fundamentals and basic techniques of CFD independent of the type of commercial software you use.
 Accelerated learning and accurate results
Reduce the time needed to master CFD. You will learn how to perform complex analyses faster and with greater precision, resulting in better design decisions and a more efficient design process.
 Quick return on investment
The investment in this course pays off quickly. You will learn how to maximise the potential of your software and hardware investments, minimising learning costs and maximising productivity.
 Avoid costly mistakes
Through our hands-on approach, with a large number of practical cases and a clear step-by-step plan, you will learn to avoid common pitfalls and errors in using CFD. This saves time and resources, and prevents potentially costly design errors.
 Build confidence in your results
Our course enhances your ability to correctly interpret and validate CFD results. This builds confidence within your team in the reliability and accuracy of your design decisions.

Course programme

Part I – Fundamental concepts in fluid dynamics

  • Definitions
  • Properties of fluids
  • Conservation laws
  • Bernoulli’s equation
    • Flow energy
    • Pressure loss and recovery
    • Streamlines
  • Dimensional analysis
  • Flow classification
    • Reynolds number
    • Laminar vs. turbulent flow
    • Multiphase flow
  • Forces acting on moving fluids
  • Drag and lift
  • Boundary layers
  • Heat transfer
    • Thermal boundary layer
    • Convection
    • Conduction
    • Thermal radiation

Part II – CFD: definition, role and general formulation

  • Definitions
  • Overcoming CFD challenges and analysis strategy
  • Use and role in industry
  • Standard formulations
  • Explicit vs. implicit formulation
  • Discretisation
    • Finite Difference
    • Finite Volume
    • Finite Elements
  • Governing principles
    • Governing physical laws
    • Assumptions
    • Simplification and model equations
  • Principles of the CFD process
    • Geometry
    • Meshing
    • Boundary conditions
    • Solving and monitoring the solution
    • Visualising results
    • CFD best practices

Part III – Turbulence

  • Understanding turbulence
    • The Kolmogorov hypothesis
    • Energy cascade
    • Sources of turbulence
  • Modelling turbulence
    • The Boussinesq approach
    • Various RANS-based models
    • Wall treatment
    • y+
    • Detached Eddy and hybrid models

Part IV – Verification and validation of CFD calculations

  • Background
  • Mesh refinement studies
  • Order of accuracy
  • Richardson extrapolation
  • Order of convergence
  • Error quantification

Ready to master Computational Fluid Dynamics?

Register for the next session or get in touch if you have questions about the course content, schedule or group bookings.

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Need a professional CFD analysis of your design? We also offer consulting services to simulate complex flow problems, thermal interactions and more.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about our CFD course.

Participants are required to have a basic knowledge of fluid mechanics and a basic knowledge of differential and integral mathematics. This prior knowledge is crucial for fully understanding and applying the concepts discussed during the course.

Pen and paper are sufficient. A laptop may be brought along, but is not necessary.

Yes. At the start of the course, all participants receive a printed version of the slides. In addition, the slides are sent as a PDF file to each participant. This PDF is a personal copy, named for each participant, and is intended for individual use only.

Absolutely. We believe in an interactive learning environment where both participants and instructors can learn from each other. Your questions contribute to a richer learning experience for everyone.

Yes, we are ready to answer your questions both during and after the course. Please note that our courses are software-independent, so we are unable to provide support for questions specific to certain software packages.

Yes. Participants receive a certificate of participation at the end of the course.

All our courses are delivered by engineers who are experts in their respective fields. Each instructor brings at least 15 years of hands-on experience, ensuring a rich, in-depth learning experience grounded in real-world practice.

We understand that circumstances can change. Our cancellation policy is as follows: if cancelled up to two weeks before the course, no charge is incurred. If cancelled from two weeks before the start, 50% of the total cost is charged. If cancelled less than three days before the start, the full amount is due. Please inform us as soon as possible if you need to cancel, so we can potentially offer your spot to another participant. For cancellations, please contact us by email.

The invoice for the course is sent two weeks before the start of the course. Invoices must be paid within 30 days of the invoice date.