"Any engineer whose work has anything to do with fluids might benefit from this course," Dr. Gianluca Iaccarino says about Computational Methods in Fluid Dynamics Using Commercial Codes (ME469B). "The techniques have a tremendously broad application-from bio-engineering design to food processing through aeronautics." ME 469B is an introduction to advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes, covering aspects of geometric modeling, grid generation, solution strategy, and post-processing. The final part of the course deals with the development of customized physical models in commercial CFD codes using User Defined Routines and command files for parametric studies and automation.

"These techniques are becoming so mature that you can virtually build and analyze your products on a computer," says Iaccarino, who has consulted with dozens of companies in a variety of industries. "This course can be especially useful for small companies exploring the use of CFD in their field, where engineers may have more of a process engineering background." Theory and Application in Industry-Friendly Framework In fact, the course was designed specifically to bridge the gap between theoretical analysis and industrial applications. It is rich in real-life examples and demonstrations. "The idea is to have a balance of theory and practical focus," says Iaccarino. "I explain the algorithms and what they mean, but dive into their application rather than discussing the details of code development. There is enough information to give you confidence in your understanding, but we focus on how to use the software efficiently and accurately."

Iaccarino sees the benefits of industry interaction in his classroom. "The creativity and individuality of the students-not just the faculty-make all the difference here," he explains. "These students say 'let's get something out of this' and they do the extra work. They generate extremely exciting and interesting problems for their projects: flow inside hard-drive systems and flow around parachutes, the impact of fluid dynamics around coral reefs' growth." Iaccarino incorporates many of these industry application-oriented projects directly into the curriculum, keeping it fresh and relevant.

"We have lab-sessions that are broadcast. I use the code right in front of the class, so they can see how it works. We do not have an official final-it's a final individual project. Students are free to propose their own projects, and can address their own problems for work. All the notes, manuals and a number of examples are available for downloading."

Flexibility Works for Industry Students Andre Chan, an engineer for Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, completed the course in 2003. "It is geared toward commercial packages used in industry, and even though you may use a different code in your work, I think the course can be very useful."

Tim Cormier, Project Manager for Pratt & Whitney, UTC in Connecticut, agrees that the course has strong practical application. He was the first industry student to complete the course at a distance. "This was one of my earliest courses as a doctoral student," he says. "These are tools we work with every day, not strictly theory in an abstract sense. Three short projects led to one final big project, and you have the freedom to work on a problem for your project that applies to your work. Computational methods in CFD was something I'd done in the past, but having someone three thousand miles away give me guidance showed me that distance education really can work."

ME 469B is offered each Spring quarter, and fulfills an elective requirement for the Certificate Program in Computational Fluid Dynamics, a graduate program developed by the Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics & Astronautics Departments, specifically designed to address industry needs. All courses for certificate requirements are broadcast via SCPD.