Why Should Engineers Learn About OpenFOAM?

Computational modeling has become increasingly crucial in modern engineering and industry, and the demand for skilled professionals in this field is only expected to rise in the coming years. OpenFOAM is an exceptional tool for learning this method, as it greatly enhances the ability to tackle complex engineering problems. 

Since computational modeling is becoming increasingly essential in diverse sectors, the demand for professionals with expertise in OpenFOAM is also increasing. As a result, attending OpenFOAM workshops and training programs can be an excellent way to learn this software.

An OpenFOAM tutorial can greatly benefit engineering students and professionals, as it equips them with the skills to tackle real-world problems using computational modeling. By harnessing the power of OpenFOAM, engineers can gain a deeper understanding of fluid flow behavior and optimize their designs for better performance.

What Is OpenFOAM?

OpenFOAM is a powerful CFD (computational fluid dynamics) software available to users for free and has been developed by OpenCFD Ltd since 2004. Its versatility has made it a popular choice among engineers and scientists in both commercial and academic organizations. With its wide range of features, OpenFOAM can tackle complex fluid flow problems, including those involving turbulence, chemical reactions, and heat transfer, as well as other fields such as solid mechanics, acoustics, and electromagnetics.

Initially developed by Henry Weller in 1989 under the name "FOAM," OpenFOAM was released as open-source software in December 2004 by Henry Weller, Mattijs Janssens, and Chris Greenshields. Since then, the software's been continuously developed and managed, with new versions released annually. The latest version of OpenFOAM is 10, which includes many improvements and new features.

The "open" aspect of OpenFOAM refers to its free and open-source nature, which is twofold.

• It is free to download and install on your computer without any cost. 
• Also, it is free regarding the "freedoms" it provides, including the freedom to use it for any purpose, modify it to fit your needs, share it with others, and share the changes you make.

“FOAM” is the acronym for Field Operation And Manipulation. It is a powerful C++ toolbox for solving thermo fluid transport problems involving fluid mechanics and heat transfer. These problems are called “field” problems because they involve calculating the pressure, velocity, temperature, density, concentration, and other fields that describe the behavior of fluids and their interactions with sinks and heat sources.

OpenFOAM: Benefits

OpenFOAM is a free and open-source CFD (computational fluid dynamics) software. Listed below are some of the advantages of using OpenFOAM:

• One of the prime advantages of OpenFOAM is that it is free to download and use without any licensing costs.
• OpenFOAM comes with a comprehensive library of pre-built models and applications, which can be easily adapted to your needs.
• OpenFOAM provides an excellent opportunity for non-CS engineers to improve their programming skills, particularly in C++, while working on practical engineering problems.
• OpenFOAM's open-source nature and flexible structure allow for extensive customization and development of new features and models. Users can adapt and modify existing functionalities to fit their needs or create their tools and models from scratch. It provides an excellent opportunity for users to tailor the software to their specific requirements and create individualized solutions.
• Although OpenFOAM is still an open-source software, it is supported by a commercial entity providing additional services.

A Brief about the OpenFOAM Workshop in India

OpenFOAM has become a top-rated tool for students and working professionals in fluid dynamics, with over 100,000 users. According to a survey conducted by the OpenFOAM Foundation in 2020, the software is being used in over 70 countries, with the majority of users being academics (56%) and industry professionals (34%).

Contrary to its earlier reputation of being difficult to learn and heavily involved in programming, OpenFOAM has become more accessible and user-friendly. Leveraging OpenFOAM for computational fluid dynamics simulations can give you an edge in your studies or career compared to those who rely on expensive commercial software. OpenFOAM is currently the most comprehensive open-source CFD software available, and its popularity in academia and industry continues to grow.

OpenFOAM Workshop: Course Content

Skill-Lync proactively conducts many workshops on cutting-edge technologies, including OpenFOAM. You can watch the recorded sessions on YouTube or unlock our library of workshops and free courses in the Grow by Skill-Lync platform.

Upon completing the workshop, participants will have gained the ability to:

• Configure, run, and analyze CFD simulations using OpenFOAM.
• Understand pre-processing tools to generate a mesh, set boundary, and initial conditions, establish grid independence, and control simulations.
• Use ParaView to visualize and interpret simulation results.
• Implement flow and heat transfer models, including turbulence, laminar, conduction, and convection.
• Gain hands-on experience with the CFD simulation process and develop the necessary skills to apply these concepts to real-world applications.

Benefits of the OpenFOAM Workshop

Upon completing the OpenFOAM workshop, participants will have gained valuable knowledge and skills to apply in their academic or professional pursuits. Specifically, they will be able to:

• Develop a fundamental understanding of CFD using OpenFOAM.
• Perform simulations of flow and heat transfer problems using OpenFOAM.
• Master the essentials of post-processing techniques.
• Receive a certificate of completion for the OpenFOAM workshop, which can serve as a testament to their new skills and knowledge.

The Future of OpenFOAM

CFD analysis is widely used in various mechanical, automobile, aerospace, and process and chemical industries. With the rise in computational power and the availability of well-established CFD software, simulations have become affordable for both medium and large-scale enterprises. Leading companies like AMD, General Motors, Fisker Inc, Oak Ridge, and Rivian, among many others, have recognized the value of leveraging OpenFOAM for their computational fluid dynamics simulations.

These companies seek professionals with OpenFOAM experience to help them with their engineering and design needs. So, attending OpenFOAM workshops and becoming proficient in the software can undoubtedly increase your job prospects and make you a desirable candidate in the industry.

According to payscale.com, the average salary of a CFD analyst in India is around ₹6,83,000 per year. In the global market, the average salary of a CFD analyst is around $84,000 per year, as per Glassdoor. These statistics suggest that CFD analysts can earn a good salary in India and globally.

Conclusion

In 2020, there were more than 4000 job vacancies for CFD Engineers in India and over 27,000 vacancies abroad. The global CFD market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth of 8.2%, as per the IMARC Group. It indicates a promising career opportunity for individuals with the right skill sets.

Skill-Lync’s Advanced CFD using OpenFOAM is a comprehensive online course that provides you with essential skills. Talk to our experts to know more about the offerings.