OpenFOAM CFD Essentials

OpenFOAM CFD Essentials

This course teaches OpenFOAM from the ground up, starting with installation, environment setup, and fundamental concepts. You will learn how OpenFOAM works, how its directory structure is organized, how to run cases, and how to control simulations using scripts and command-line tools.

You will understand CFD preprocessing through mesh generation using blockMesh, snappyHexMesh, and mesh converters. Then you will explore modelling techniques including turbulence models, thermophysical modeling, multiphase flow, radiation models, and boundary condition setup.

The course also covers important solvers such as pimpleFoam, rhoPimpleFoam, twoPhaseEulerFoam, reacting solvers, and multiphase solvers. You will learn how solution algorithms work and how to choose the right solver for a given problem.

You will use ParaView for post-processing, learn sampling techniques, create animations, and work with case manipulation tools to extract meaningful CFD results. The course includes advanced tools like pyFoam, swak4foam, automation scripts, and using ChatGPT for debugging and understanding complex CFD concepts.

The course concludes with multiple capstone projects covering cavity flow, mixer simulations, turbulence studies, elbow flow analysis, Pitz-Daily, and dynamic meshing cases. These projects help you apply OpenFOAM to real CFD problems.

By the end of this course, you will be able to set up, run, troubleshoot, and analyze OpenFOAM CFD simulations confidently.

By Shubham Saxena · Professor, IIT Roorkee

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Learn 40+ Mech Tools

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  • matlab company logo
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  • simulia abaqus logo logo
  • fusion 360 logo
  • freecad logo
  • autodesk cfd logo

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of fluid mechanics (helpful, not required)
• Linux or terminal familiarity recommended
• OpenFOAM installed (free and open-source)
• No prior CFD experience required

What to expect from this course

You will understand what OpenFOAM is, where it is used, how to install it, and how to set up the working environment. You will also learn essential references and quick-start guidelines.

You will explore units, dimensions, directory structure, and file organization in OpenFOAM. You will learn how to run cases, stop simulations, automate runs with scripts, and navigate through the OpenFOAM system.

You will learn how to prepare geometry and generate meshes using blockMesh, snappyHexMesh, and various mesh converters. This teaches the complete preprocessing workflow for CFD.

You will study turbulence models, thermophysical models, radiation, Eulerian and Lagrangian multiphase concepts, and how to define boundary conditions correctly for different simulation cases.

You will understand OpenFOAM solvers, solution algorithms, and how to choose the right solver. You will work with pimpleFoam, rhoPimpleFoam, multiphase solvers, and reactive flow solvers.

You will learn post-processing using OpenFOAM tools and ParaView. You will visualize results, extract data, run sampling functions, generate animations, and organize case files for reporting.

You will explore advanced tools like pyFoam, swak4foam, blockMeshDG, automation scripts, and develop custom code. ChatGPT will help explain commands, debug errors, and speed up workflows.

Finally, you will work on real CFD projects such as cavity flow, SRF mixers, turbulence studies, elbow case analysis, Pitz-Daily, and dynamic meshing simulations. These projects give you strong hands-on experience.

The Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to OpenFOAM

  • What is OpenFOAM? Overview and Applications

  • Discovering OpenFOAM

  • Installing OpenFOAM Part-1

  • Installing OpenFOAM Part-2

  • Setting up the OpenFOAM Environment

  • Useful References

Module 2: Understanding OpenFOAM Basics

Module 3: Pre-processing with OpenFOAM

Module 4: Modelling in OpenFOAM

Module 5: OpenFOAM Solvers

Module 6: Post-processing in OpenFOAM

Module 7: Advanced Tools and AI Assistance

Module 8: Capstone Projects – Part 1

Module 9: Capstone Projects – Part 2

Module 10: Capstone Projects – Part 3

Module 1: Introduction to OpenFOAM

  • What is OpenFOAM? Overview and Applications

  • Discovering OpenFOAM

  • Installing OpenFOAM Part-1

  • Installing OpenFOAM Part-2

  • Setting up the OpenFOAM Environment

  • Useful References

Module 2: Understanding OpenFOAM Basics

Module 3: Pre-processing with OpenFOAM

Module 4: Modelling in OpenFOAM

Module 5: OpenFOAM Solvers

Module 6: Post-processing in OpenFOAM

Module 7: Advanced Tools and AI Assistance

Module 8: Capstone Projects – Part 1

Module 9: Capstone Projects – Part 2

Module 10: Capstone Projects – Part 3

Module 1: Introduction to OpenFOAM

  • What is OpenFOAM? Overview and Applications

  • Discovering OpenFOAM

  • Installing OpenFOAM Part-1

  • Installing OpenFOAM Part-2

  • Setting up the OpenFOAM Environment

  • Useful References

Module 2: Understanding OpenFOAM Basics

Module 3: Pre-processing with OpenFOAM

Module 4: Modelling in OpenFOAM

Module 5: OpenFOAM Solvers

Module 6: Post-processing in OpenFOAM

Module 7: Advanced Tools and AI Assistance

Module 8: Capstone Projects – Part 1

Module 9: Capstone Projects – Part 2

Module 10: Capstone Projects – Part 3

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Learn from Subject Experts:

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Complex topics are broken down into simple, actionable lessons that engineers can implement immediately.

instructor pic

Learn from Subject Experts:

Courses are created and reviewed by professionals with real manufacturing and design experience, ensuring every lesson is accurate, practical, and industry-ready.

Learning That Works:

Complex topics are broken down into simple, actionable lessons that engineers can implement immediately.

instructor pic

Learn from Subject Experts:

Courses are created and reviewed by professionals with real manufacturing and design experience, ensuring every lesson is accurate, practical, and industry-ready.

Learning That Works:

Complex topics are broken down into simple, actionable lessons that engineers can implement immediately.

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Course Categories

Learn What Actually Matters

From CAD Design to Digital Manufacturing

Core Mechanical Fundamentals

Engineering Drawing

GD&T

Basics of IC Engine

Manufacturing Technologies

Basics of Material Handling

Best for: 1st & 2nd Year Engineering Students

CAD / Product Design & Modeling

AutoCAD

SolidWorks 2024

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

PTC Creo

Fusion 360

Simulation using SpaceClaim

FreeCAD

Best for: 1st & 2nd Year Engineering Students

CAE, Simulation & Multiphysics

Basics of FEA with ANSYS

ABAQUS CAE

ANSYS Fluent

Autodesk CFD

OpenFOAM for CFD

EV Battery Cooling

COMSOL Multiphysics

Best for: 3rd & 4th Year Engineering Students

Programming, Automation & Robotics

MATLAB Programming

Python for Mechanical Engineers & Robotics

PLC Programming and Automation

Introduction to Mechatronics (Robotics)

C and C++ for Mechanical Engineers

Best for: 3rd & 4th Year Engineering Students

Manufacturing Excellence & Productivity

CNC Programming

Basics of 6 Sigma

TQM, Kaizen and 5S System

Lean Manufacturing Tools

7 QC Tools

Engineering Metrology & 3D Measurement

Uncertainty Measurement and of ISO 17025:2017

Best for: 3rd & 4th Year Engineering Students

Industry 4.0 & Smart Manufacturing

Introduction to Industry 4.0

3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) for Industry 4.0

Digital Twins

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Basics of Digital Manufacturing

Smart Materials Science

Material Informatics

Best for: Working Professionals Upgrading to Industry 4.0 and Digital Manufacturing roles

Course Categories

Learn What Actually Matters

From CAD Design to Digital Manufacturing

Core Mechanical Fundamentals

Engineering Drawing

GD&T

Basics of IC Engine

Manufacturing Technologies

Basics of Material Handling

Best for: 1st & 2nd Year Engineering Students

CAD / Product Design & Modeling

AutoCAD

SolidWorks 2024

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

PTC Creo

Fusion 360

Simulation using SpaceClaim

FreeCAD

Best for: 1st & 2nd Year Engineering Students

CAE, Simulation & Multiphysics

Basics of FEA with ANSYS

ABAQUS CAE

ANSYS Fluent

Autodesk CFD

OpenFOAM for CFD

EV Battery Cooling

COMSOL Multiphysics

Best for: 3rd & 4th Year Engineering Students

Programming, Automation & Robotics

MATLAB Programming

Python for Mechanical Engineers & Robotics

PLC Programming and Automation

Introduction to Mechatronics (Robotics)

C and C++ for Mechanical Engineers

Best for: 3rd & 4th Year Engineering Students

Manufacturing Excellence & Productivity

CNC Programming

Basics of 6 Sigma

TQM, Kaizen and 5S System

Lean Manufacturing Tools

7 QC Tools

Engineering Metrology & 3D Measurement

Uncertainty Measurement and of ISO 17025:2017

Best for: 3rd & 4th Year Engineering Students

Industry 4.0 & Smart Manufacturing

Introduction to Industry 4.0

3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) for Industry 4.0

Digital Twins

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Basics of Digital Manufacturing

Smart Materials Science

Material Informatics

Best for: Working Professionals Upgrading to Industry 4.0 and Digital Manufacturing roles

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