Objective: Learn all fundamental concepts of Computational Fluid Dynamics necessary for successful simulations. ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CFD is provided in this comprehensive foundation session, preparing you for hands-on ANSYS Fluent applications in later sessions.

Key Concepts:

• CFD Fundamentals: Definition, components, and applications
• Governing Equations: Continuity, Navier-Stokes, energy conservation
• Numerical Methods: FEM, FDM, Finite Volume Method (FVM)
• Solution Algorithms: SIMPLE, SIMPLEC, PISO, Coupled
• Turbulence Modeling: RANS, DNS, LES, URANS approaches
• Meshing Essentials: Quality metrics and best practices

Description:

This foundational session introduces the world of Computational Fluid Dynamics through both theoretical concepts and practical applications. You’ll learn how CFD is applied across diverse engineering fields including aerospace, power generation, process engineering, environmental modeling, and biomedical applications.

The session thoroughly covers the mathematical foundations of fluid simulation through conservation equations and their numerical methods. You’ll understand the critical differences between pressure-based and density-based solvers, convergence criteria assessment, and the proper selection of under-relaxation factors. Special attention is given to turbulence modeling approaches essential for accurate simulations, including Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) techniques and time-dependent considerations with URANS. We’ll explore the Courant number concept for time-step selection in unsteady simulations.

The session concludes with critical meshing concepts including orthogonal quality and skewness metrics that directly impact simulation accuracy and stability. Through this comprehensive introduction to CFD theory, you’ll develop the knowledge base required to confidently begin hands-on work with ANSYS Fluent in subsequent sessions, understanding not just the “how” but also the “why” of computational fluid dynamics.

Objective: Master internal pipe flow simulation and VALIDATE friction factor and pressure drop calculations against benchmark problems from Cengel’s Fluid Mechanics textbook.

Key Concepts:

• Flow Regimes: Laminar vs. turbulent classification and characteristics
• Reynolds Number: Critical parameter determining flow behavior
• Hydraulic Diameter: Calculation method for non-circular passages
• Fully Developed Flow: Entry length concepts and velocity profile development
• Moody Diagram: Practical application for friction factor determination
• Pressure Loss: Calculation techniques and validation approaches

Description:

In this hands-on session, we bridge essential fluid mechanics theory with practical simulation skills using ANSYS Fluent. Beginning with fundamentals from respected references (Cengel and Fox & McDonald’s Fluid Mechanics), we explore how internal flows behave in various engineering systems.

We’ll take a comprehensive approach to internal flow analysis by working through a complete simulation workflow:

First, we’ll review the critical parameters affecting pipe flow behavior including Reynolds number fundamentals and flow regime classifications. The practical application of the Moody diagram for engineering calculations will be demonstrated before we move to simulation.

The hands-on ANSYS implementation includes a step-by-step process of geometry creation, mesh generation with appropriate refinement, boundary condition setup, and solution configuration. Our goal is to successfully validate a pipe flow problem directly from Bergman’s textbook, focusing specifically on accurate pressure loss and friction factor calculations.

The validation results are remarkable - achieving less than 2% error between our simulation and the analytical solutions! This precision demonstrates the power of properly configured CFD for engineering applications and provides you with confidence in your simulation results.

By the end of this session, you’ll have practical experience with internal flow simulation and validation techniques that can be immediately applied to real-world engineering challenges in HVAC systems, process piping, and fluid transport applications.

Objective: Understand external flow dynamics with a focus on boundary layer development and VALIDATE simulation results against analytical solutions from Cengel’s Fluid Mechanics textbook. 

Key Concepts:

• External Flow Fundamentals: Characteristics and applications
• Boundary Layer Theory: Development and significance
• Boundary Layer Thickness: Calculation and interpretation
• Displacement Thickness: Effect on streamline displacement
• Momentum Thickness: Momentum flux reduction analysis
• Skin Friction: Local and average coefficient determination
• Flow Transition: Laminar to turbulent boundary layer behavior
• Near-Wall Meshing: Techniques for capturing sublayer and buffer layer phenomena

Description:

This session explores the physics of external flows with particular attention to boundary layer phenomena. Drawing from Cengel and Fox & McDonald’s fluid mechanics textbooks, we’ll examine how boundary layers develop along surfaces, understanding their growth proportional to distance and the significance of Reynolds number in determining thickness and transition points.

You’ll learn to distinguish between the outer inviscid region and the inner boundary layer where viscous effects dominate. We’ll analyze key parameters including boundary layer thickness (δ), displacement thickness, and momentum thickness with their proportional relationships.

The hands-on ANSYS implementation focuses on specialized mesh generation techniques essential for capturing sublayer and buffer layer behavior near walls - critical for accurate boundary layer simulation. This advanced meshing approach enables precise resolution of velocity gradients and skin friction developments.

Our simulation workflow culminates in validation against Cengel’s analytical solution, achieving remarkable accuracy with just 1.57% error in skin friction prediction and 5% error in boundary layer thickness measurements - demonstrating your ability to confidently simulate and analyze external flows for real engineering applications.

Objective: Master the computational analysis of the classic lid-driven cavity problem and VALIDATE simulation results against the benchmark GHia paper, developing advanced skills in vortex dynamics visualization and quantitative flow validation techniques.

Key Concepts:

• Lid-Driven Cavity Physics: Fundamental confined flow dynamics
• Vortex Formation: Primary and secondary flow structures
• Corner Vortices: Formation mechanisms of Moffatt eddies
• Boundary Layer Development: Near-wall flow behavior
• Validation Techniques: Quantitative comparison methods

Description:

Objective: Apply CFD to convection heat transfer problems by simulating flow over a cylinder, achieving remarkable accuracy with <1.5% error in Nusselt number and heat transfer coefficient predictions compared to Bergman’s analytical solutions.

Key Concepts:

• Convection Heat Transfer: Fundamentals and mechanisms
• Boundary Layer Effects: Impact on heat transfer
• Nusselt Number: Calculation and significance
• Heat Transfer Coefficient: Determination methods
• Empirical Correlations: Hilpert and Zukauskas approaches
• Flow Separation: Effect on thermal performance

Description:

This session examines heat transfer in external flows using the classic cylinder in cross flow problem from Bergman’s “Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer.” Beginning with heat transfer theory fundamentals, we’ll explore how fluid motion enhances heat transfer through convection and the critical role of boundary layer behavior in determining thermal performance.

The hands-on implementation guides you through the complete workflow: geometry creation, mesh generation with appropriate refinement for thermal boundary layers, solver configuration for coupled flow and energy equations, and proper post-processing techniques to calculate key parameters.

You’ll learn effective validation methods by comparing simulation results against Bergman’s analytical solutions, achieving exceptional accuracy with less than 1.5% error in both Nusselt number and convection heat transfer coefficient predictions. The session emphasizes creating proper validation plots that clearly demonstrate agreement between CFD and theoretical solutions - an essential skill for engineering analysis and technical reporting.

By mastering this fundamental heat transfer problem, you’ll develop skills applicable to a wide range of thermal-fluid applications in HVAC, electronics cooling, heat exchanger design, and other thermal management challenges.

Objective: Master automotive aerodynamics simulation using the industry-standard Ahmed body benchmark, VALIDATE results against experimental data, and implement innovative passive flow control techniques to achieve significant drag reduction.

Key Concepts:

• External Aerodynamics: Principles for ground vehicles
• Flow Structures: Separation, vortices, and wake dynamics
• Ahmed Body: Industry standard benchmark geometry
• Drag Reduction: Passive flow control techniques
• Comparative Analysis: Performance improvement metrics
• Validation Methods: Against published experimental data

Description:

Objective: Master advanced CFD simulation of rotating machinery using the sliding mesh technique, and implement a complete performance analysis of a Savonius vertical-axis wind turbine based on published research methodologies.

Key Concepts:

• Sliding Mesh Technique: Implementation for rotating machinery
• Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines: Physics and performance characteristics
• Y+ Requirements: For accurate boundary layer resolution
• Reference Value Selection: Critical for accurate coefficient calculation
• Performance Parameters: Torque and power coefficient determination
• Tip Speed Ratio (TSR): Optimization and significance
• Transient Analysis: Time step selection for rotating systems

Description:

This session explores advanced CFD modeling of rotating machinery through a comprehensive analysis of a Savonius vertical-axis wind turbine using the sliding mesh technique. Based on established research paper methodology from “PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF VERTICAL-AXIS OFF-SHORE SAVONIUS WIND AND SAVONIUS HYDROKINETIC TURBINE,” we implement a complete workflow for accurate performance prediction.

You’ll begin by understanding fundamental wind turbine concepts, comparing horizontal and vertical axis designs, and examining the specific characteristics of drag-based Savonius turbines. The session emphasizes critical simulation parameters including proper Y+ values for boundary layer resolution, appropriate reference values for coefficient calculations, and optimal time step sizing for rotational analysis.

The hands-on implementation demonstrates how to create an effective sliding mesh configuration, establish proper interfaces between stationary and rotating domains, and implement transient settings for accurate torque and power prediction. Special attention is given to extracting time-dependent performance data and calculating key metrics including power coefficient (Cp), torque coefficient, and performance at different tip speed ratios (TSR).

By mastering these techniques, you’ll develop specialized skills applicable to a wide range of rotating machinery simulations including turbines, pumps, fans, and propellers - essential capabilities for renewable energy, HVAC, marine, and other industries where accurate prediction of rotating equipment performance is critical.

Objective: Master supersonic flow simulation through 3D airfoil analysis, and implement professional structured meshing techniques for capturing complex compressible flow phenomena including shock wave formation and propagation.

Key Concepts:

• Supersonic Aerodynamics: Fundamental principles
• Shock Wave Physics: Formation mechanisms and characteristics
• Structured Grid Generation: 3D techniques for complex geometries
• Density-Based Solvers: Configuration for compressible flows
• Mach Number Effects: Impact on aerodynamic performance
• Compressibility Phenomena: Visualization and analysis methods

Description:

This advanced session explores the challenging realm of supersonic flow simulation, focusing on 3D airfoil analysis where compressibility effects dramatically alter flow behavior. You’ll learn how fluid properties change across shock waves and how to properly capture these discontinuities through specialized meshing and solver techniques.

The hands-on implementation demonstrates professional structured grid generation strategies essential for accurate supersonic flow simulation. Special attention is given to mesh refinement in regions of expected shock formation and boundary layer development - critical for capturing the complex flow physics that emerge at transonic and supersonic speeds.

This session builds essential skills for aerospace applications including aircraft design, propulsion systems, and high-speed aerodynamics.

Objective: Master computational modeling of indoor environments through comprehensive mixing ventilation analysis, and VALIDATE simulation results against the benchmark Nielsen paper

Key Concepts:

• Mixing Ventilation: Principles and effectiveness metrics
• Thermal Comfort Parameters: Standards and assessment methods
• Indoor Air Quality: Contaminant transport and distribution
• Validation Techniques: Against Nielsen benchmark data

Description:

This session focuses on advanced HVAC simulation through a detailed mixing ventilation analysis based on Nielsen’s renowned benchmark paper. You’ll implement the computer simulated person (CSP) methodology used in controlled wind tunnel experiments to predict airflow patterns, thermal comfort conditions, and ventilation effectiveness in indoor environments.

The implementation begins by exploring fundamental HVAC concepts including temperature control, moisture management, and air quality parameters, establishing the theoretical foundation for effective ventilation system design. You’ll learn to distinguish between ventilation strategies including displacement, mixing, and low momentum approaches, with emphasis on their comparative advantages for different applications.

Through ANSYS simulation, you’ll set up the benchmark case with proper boundary conditions, mesh refinement for thermal plumes and near-wall regions, and appropriate turbulence modeling for indoor airflows. Special attention is given to extracting velocity profiles and thermal parameters that enable direct VALIDATION comparison with the benchmark data.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll develop specialized skills directly applicable to building design, HVAC engineering, and indoor environmental quality assessment - essential capabilities for creating healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient built environments.

Objective: Master industrial heat exchanger simulation through conjugate heat transfer analysis of a baffled shell and tube system, based on methodologies from Applied Thermal Engineering research.

Key Concepts:

• Conjugate Heat Transfer: Fluid-solid thermal interaction
• Shell and Tube Design: Components and configurations
• Baffle Geometry: Impact on flow patterns and performance
• Flow Arrangements: Counter-current, parallel, and cross flow
• Material Considerations: Thermal conductivity effects

Description:

This session examines advanced heat exchanger simulation through detailed analysis of a baffled shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE) based on research methodology from Applied Thermal Engineering. Beginning with foundational heat exchanger principles from Serth and Lestina’s process heat transfer textbook, you’ll develop expertise in modeling these critical industrial components.

The hands-on implementation covers a complete conjugate heat transfer simulation with copper tubes carrying cold water and aluminum baffles directing hot water flow through the shell side. You’ll learn specialized techniques for creating complex heat exchanger geometry including tube bundles and baffle configurations based on El Maakoul’s research.

You’ll master the proper setup for conjugate heat transfer analysis, including appropriate mesh generation for fluid and solid domains, interface treatment between different materials, and solver settings that ensure accurate heat flux calculations across solid-fluid boundaries. Advanced post-processing demonstrates how to extract key performance metrics including overall heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, and temperature distributions.

Objective: Master thermal radiation simulation through step-by-step solar chimney analysis, with focus on implementing the Discrete Ordinates (DO) model and solar ray tracing techniques for accurate prediction of buoyancy-driven flows with radiative heat transfer.

Key Concepts:

• Radiation Fundamentals: Physics and mathematical models
• Discrete Ordinates (DO) Model: Implementation approach
• Solar Ray Tracing: Configuration and parameters
• Model Selection Criteria: Optical thickness considerations
• Radiation Parameter Setup: Angular discretization and iterations

Description:

This session demystifies thermal radiation modeling through practical implementation of a small-scale solar chimney simulation. Beginning with fundamental radiation principles from Bergman’s “Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer,” you’ll learn to distinguish between absorption, reflection, and transmission phenomena and understand when radiation becomes a dominant heat transfer mechanism.

The implementation focuses on the Discrete Ordinates (DO) radiation model. You’ll learn proper parameter selection including angular discretization, radiation iterations, and solar load modeling through a step-by-step workflow.

Special attention is given to model selection criteria based on optical thickness considerations, helping you confidently choose between S2S, DO, P1, Rosseland, and other radiation models for different applications. The session addresses common implementation challenges including stability issues, computational expense management, and solution accuracy.

By mastering these radiation modeling techniques, you’ll develop specialized thermal analysis capabilities applicable to solar energy systems, high-temperature industrial processes, combustion applications, and building energy performance - expanding your CFD toolkit to include the full spectrum of heat transfer mechanisms.

Objective: Master fundamental combustion simulation techniques through analysis of hydrogen-enriched methane MILD combustion, implementing species transport modeling based on methodology from FUEL Journal research.

Key Concepts:

• Combustion Chemistry: Reaction mechanisms and stoichiometry
• Species Transport Modeling: Implementation methodology
• Turbulence-Chemistry Interaction: Modeling approaches
• Flame Types: Premixed, non-premixed, and partially premixed
• Equivalence Ratio: Rich and lean mixture effects
• Fast Chemistry vs. Finite Rate Models: Selection criteria

Description:

This session introduces combustion CFD through hydrogen-enriched methane MILD combustion simulation based on FUEL Journal research. You’ll implement species transport modeling for CH₄ + 2H₂ + 3O₂ → CO₂ + 4H₂O reactions with appropriate turbulence-chemistry interactions.

Building from Turns’ combustion fundamentals, you’ll master essential concepts of stoichiometry, equivalence ratio, and flame classification (premixed, non-premixed, partially-premixed). The session emphasizes turbulence-chemistry interaction approaches, comparing fast chemistry models (EDM) with finite-rate approaches (Laminar Finite Rate, EDC) and their selection criteria based on Damköhler numbers.

The hands-on implementation covers Species Transport Model setup including reaction mechanisms, boundary conditions for MILD combustion, and analysis of temperature and species concentration profiles. These foundational skills are directly applicable to power generation, industrial furnaces, and clean combustion technologies.

Objective: Master advanced CFD techniques through combined multiphase and rotating machinery simulation, implementing the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method with Sliding Mesh approach for renewable energy turbine performance analysis.

Key Concepts:

• • Multiphase Modeling Approaches: VOF, Mixture, Eulerian, and DPM models
  • VOF Implementation: Free surface water-air interface tracking
  • Sliding Mesh Technique: Rotating turbine simulation
  • Open Channel Flow: Configuration and boundary conditions
  • Animation Extraction: Visualization of dynamic results

Description:

This session integrates multiphase modeling with rotating machinery simulation through a CrossFlow water turbine case study. Based on foundations from Crowe’s “Multiphase Flows with Droplets and Particles,” you’ll implement the VOF model combined with sliding mesh technique to accurately capture free surface dynamics and turbine rotation.

The implementation includes comprehensive coverage of all major multiphase approaches (VOF, Mixture, Eulerian, and DPM), with focus on selection criteria and appropriate applications for each. Special attention is given to VOF implementation for the water-air interface and proper configuration of the sliding mesh for turbine rotation.

You’ll learn to extract performance metrics for renewable energy assessment and create animations showing dynamic blade-water interaction. This practical application develops specialized skills for hydro turbine design, tidal energy systems, and other water-based power generation technologies.

Objective: Master advanced heat transfer simulation through hybrid nanofluid analysis, and implement a research-based validation study comparing CFD predictions against established correlations and published experimental results.

Key Concepts:

• Hybrid Nanofluid Physics: AlN-Al₂O₃ particle combinations
• Single-Phase Approach: Homogeneous fluid modeling
• Multiphase Modeling Options: Comparison of methodologies
• Property Models: Effective thermal conductivity and viscosity
• Validation Techniques: Nusselt number and friction factor comparison
• Model Selection Criteria: When to use single vs. multiphase approaches

Description:

This session demonstrates rigorous validation methodology through simulation of a hybrid nanofluid (AlN-Al₂O₃) flowing through a tube using the single-phase approach. Based on recent thermal engineering research, you’ll implement a comparative analysis between CFD predictions and established correlations for heat transfer performance.

The implementation begins with fundamentals of nanofluid physics, exploring how particle concentration, size, shape, and combinations influence thermal properties. You’ll learn to apply appropriate property models for effective thermal conductivity, viscosity, density, and specific heat - essential for the single-phase modeling approach.

The session explores both single-phase and multiphase modeling strategies, providing selection criteria for different applications and concentration ranges. Special attention is given to validation techniques comparing Nusselt number and friction factor predictions against Dittus-Boelter correlations and published experimental data, achieving excellent agreement with minimal error margins.

Objective: Master porous media modeling techniques through simulation of a catalytic converter, implementing the Ergun equation methodology for accurate representation of flow through porous substrates.

Key Concepts:

• Porosity: Void fraction calculation and classification
• Permeability: Fluid transmission capacity in porous media
• Momentum Sink Term: Viscous and inertial resistance components
• Ergun Equation: Resistance parameter calculation
• Pore Classification: Micropores, mesopores, macropores
• Directional Resistance: Anisotropic porous media implementation

Description:

This final session of our ANSYS Fluent course addresses one of the most crucial topics in CFD: porous media modeling. Based on Bear’s “Dynamics of Fluids in Porous Media,” you’ll implement a comprehensive simulation of an automotive catalytic converter with aluminum porous substrate.

The session begins with fundamental concepts of porosity and examines different pore classifications. You’ll learn to properly calculate and implement momentum sink terms including both viscous (Darcy) and inertial resistance components using the Ergun equation framework.

The implementation demonstrates how to correctly translate theoretical porous media parameters into ANSYS Fluent inputs, including viscous resistance, inertial resistance, and porosity values. 

Through this automotive application, you’ll develop specialized simulation capabilities for diverse porous media systems - from catalytic converters to filters, packed beds, and permeable membranes - completing your CFD skill portfolio with techniques essential for chemical processing, environmental control, and automotive emissions systems.