10 Best Computational Fluid Dynamics Courses and Certifications Online

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a highly specialized field that requires proficiency in numerical analysis, fluid mechanics, and computer science. It plays a critical role in the aerospace, automotive, and energy industries, as well as in academic research. With the advancements in technology and the increasing demand for CFD experts, online courses have become a popular option for individuals looking to acquire or enhance their skills in this field. This article aims to provide an overview of the best online courses for learning Computational Fluid Dynamics.

Here’s a look at the Best Computational Fluid Dynamics Courses and Certifications Online and what they have to offer for you!

10 Best Computational Fluid Dynamics Courses and Certifications Online

1. Mastering Ansys CFD (Level 1) by Sijal Ahmed (Udemy) (Our Best Pick)

The Mastering Ansys CFD (Level 1) course is designed to teach students computational fluid dynamics (CFD) from the basics to advanced concepts using Fluent, CFX, ICEMCFD, and Ansys Workbench. The course includes lectures, previews, and assignments covering important commands and concepts to understand CFD and its application to sample problems. The course provides complete guidance on using commercial CFD codes, defining problems, creating geometry, setting up problems in CFX Pre or Fluent, solving problems in both CFX and Fluent solver, and post-processing Fluent and CFD Post.

The course also teaches students how to check mesh independence, compare results with experimental data, and conclude the results. The course includes supplemental resources such as books, input/output files, solution files, ppt slides for all lectures, software links, and instruction to install them. The course has over 24.5 hours of on-demand video content spread over 185 lectures and 65+ supplemental resources. Full lifetime access is provided to the course, and it can be accessed on mobile, TV, desktop, and laptop.

The course has around 8700+ satisfied students from 170 countries around the world, making it the number 1 best-selling ANSYS course on Udemy for the last 3+ years. The course has over 1400+ ratings, with over 1000 reviews, and total time taught is 28000 hours in the last 3+ years. The course has 33 sections, including a new section added on August 20, 2021, covering one way FSI (fluid structure interaction) of power plant cooling tower and a section added on June 6, 2022, covering tank emptying CFD simulation using Fluent.

The course is suitable for students who have no prior knowledge of any CFD software. Students have access to the instructor to clarify any doubts within 24 hours.

2. Mastering Ansys CFD (Level 2) by Sijal Ahmed (Udemy)

The Mastering Ansys CFD (Level 2) course is an online course that focuses on external aerodynamics and turbomachinery CFD using Ansys Fluent, ICEMCFD, Space Claim, and Design Modeler. The course is designed to enhance learners’ CFD skill level from basic to advanced. CFD is a scientific field that solves fluid dynamics and heat transfer problems using numerical models on a computer. The course emphasizes the process of CFD simulation, which includes extracting important information from data, creating geometry, cleaning geometry, and creating a domain around it. Learners will also learn about meshing, solution and processing, post-processing, and data monitoring.

One of the latest workshops added to the course on August 15, 2021, is “CFD Analysis of Complete Aircraft Model: Lockheed P3C Orion.” The course is divided into several sections, including an introduction to the course, problem description of workshop on missile, geometry processing in Spaceclaim, Tetra Prism mesh generation in ICEM CFD, problem setup, solution, and post-processing in Fluent for Missile, and more. The workshops cover a range of topics from centrifugal fan modeling to Ahmed Body CFD and hexa meshing of Ahmed Body.

The Mastering Ansys CFD (Level 2) course is designed to teach learners how to solve complex engineering problems in fluid dynamics using CFD techniques. The course takes learners through each step of the CFD simulation process, from geometry to meshing to solution and processing. The course is practical, enabling learners to apply the techniques learned to real-world problems. Learners will also learn how to post-process results, how to understand them, and how to compare them with available analytical and/or experimental data. The course emphasizes best practices to ensure the highest quality of CFD analysis.

3. Computational Fluid Dynamics Fundamentals Course by Dr Aidan Wimshurst (Udemy)

The Computational Fluid Dynamics Fundamentals Course is an introductory course that teaches the basics of CFD. The course is designed for researchers, scientists, and engineers who use CFD to solve complex fluid dynamics problems such as weather prediction, aircraft flight, and turbomachinery. The course starts with first principles and provides Excel sheets and Python source code to help you develop your first CFD solution. By the end of the course, you will have a better understanding of upwind differencing, Peclet number, and mesh resolution.

The course is open to anyone with no prior experience or specific CFD code/coding experience. You do not need ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, Star CCM, or any other CFD to use this course. The course is divided into several sections, which include Welcome and how to use this course, Introduction to Transport Equations, The Diffusion Equation, The Convection-Diffusion Equation, Upwind Differencing, and CFD Fundamentals Quiz.

The course instructors are Dr. Aidan Wimshurst, who has extensive experience in teaching and researching in the field of CFD. The course short description emphasizes the importance of first principles and the use of CFD to solve complex fluid dynamics problems. The long description expands on the topics covered in the course, including the Excel sheets and Python source code provided to help you develop your first CFD solution.

Overall, the Computational Fluid Dynamics Fundamentals Course is a comprehensive course that covers the basics of CFD. The course is designed for anyone with an interest in CFD and no prior experience or specific CFD code/coding experience is needed. By the end of the course, you will have a better understanding of upwind differencing, Peclet number, and mesh resolution, which are important concepts in CFD.

4. Simulation using ANSYS – Fluent English version by Hussien Hafez (Udemy)

The Simulation using ANSYS – Fluent English version course is designed to teach participants how to professionally work with ANSYS CAD software, meshing tools, and CFX and Fluent programs. The course is split into three parts, with a total of 34 projects. Prior basic knowledge of fluid dynamics is required to take the course.

In the first part, participants will learn how to use ANSYS CAD software ‘space claim’ to make assemblies and import parts from other CAD software. The second part focuses on ANSYS meshing tools, including measuring mesh quality. The third part covers working with CFX and Fluent programs and viewing results on CFD-post. The course provides a step-by-step understanding of each program’s GUI, every option available, and the physics behind using each option.

The course’s instructor will be available throughout the course to answer technical questions. The course is separated into seven sessions, each covering a different topic. Session one covers the introduction to FEA and Space Claim, including 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D drawings. Session two will delve deeper into space claim, importing drawings from other CAD software, drawing flow domain for a 3D wing, and assembling parts.

Session three will introduce participants to meshing, ANSYS meshing tools’ GUI, and meshing three main parts. Session four will cover the introductory CFD, the GUI of CFX, turbulence models, and boundary conditions. In session five, participants will learn about Fluent’s GUI and solving flow in various cases. Session six will cover using CFD-post to view results and solving various cases. Lastly, session seven will cover advanced cases, including VAWT, pipe in a wall heat transfer, and centrifugal compressor.

Overall, the Simulation using ANSYS – Fluent English version course provides a comprehensive understanding of ANSYS CAD software, meshing tools, and CFX and Fluent programs.

5. Maya Bootcamp – Projects Based Course by Raffi Bedross (Udemy)

The Maya Bootcamp – Projects Based Course is designed for beginners who want to learn Maya from scratch. The course features short and sweet projects, making it more fun and engaging for beginners. The first section quickly covers Maya’s most important features to help students get started. Then, the course dives into creating a variety of professional and high-quality short projects and effects, including creating landscapes using xGen, simulating cloth and particles, and creating water effects.

The course covers a range of techniques, including 3D modeling fundamentals, working with 2D and 3D containers, complete nParticles section, expressions, Maya fields, and creating various effects such as helicopter landing dust effect and rocket smoke. The Maya Bootcamp – Projects Based Course is ideal for those interested in creating 3D models, game assets, smoke, fire, and dust, as well as those who want to understand the basics of fluid and rigid body dynamics in Maya.

One student review describes the course as “excellent” and helpful in understanding the basics. The course is organized into sections, including Quick Intro to Maya, Modeling, Arnold, Landscape, Fluids, Rigid Bodies, Fields and Solvers, Intro to Maya Particles, Expressions, nCloth, and Bifrost. The course promises to cover all the techniques needed to become comfortable with Maya, starting super simple and gradually becoming more advanced. Enroll now for an enjoyable and comprehensive learning experience.

6. Computational Fluid Dynamics Fundamentals Course 2 by Dr Aidan Wimshurst (Udemy)

This course is titled “Computational Fluid Dynamics Fundamentals Course 2” and is taught by Dr. Aidan Wimshurst. The course covers topics such as wall functions, 2D simulations, and boundary conditions. Building upon the concepts from the previous course, this course provides a detailed understanding of wall functions (U+, y+, and y*) and Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. Students will utilize Excel, MATLAB, or Python to create working CFD solutions. Upon completion of the course, students will understand the significance of heat flux balances, residuals, and wall functions. This course also includes a unique example for temperature wall functions that has not been previously seen on the internet. No prior experience is required, and specific CFD code/coding experience is not necessary. The course does not focus on teaching students how to use specific functionality in different CFD packages, but rather provides fundamental understanding that can be applied to all CFD codes. The course is essential for any world-class CFD engineer.
The course is divided into several sections, including an introduction and instructions, Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions, transport equations in 2D, wall functions, a quiz, and final thoughts.

7. Computational Fluid Dynamics Fundamentals Course 3 by Dr Aidan Wimshurst (Udemy)

The Computational Fluid Dynamics Fundamentals Course 3, taught by Dr. Aidan Wimshurst, covers the topic of unstructured meshes and mesh quality metrics in fluid dynamics. The course builds upon the concepts, derivations, and examples presented in Parts 1 and 2 of the course. The course aims to provide an understanding of how the CFD equations are discretised for unstructured meshes. The course utilizes Excel sheets and Python source code to rapidly develop CFD solutions from first principles.

The course covers the main quality metrics used to assess unstructured meshes, including aspect ratio, non-orthogonality, skewness, and Jacobian Determinant. Students will learn how to calculate these metrics and understand their significance. The discretisation approach for unstructured meshes is a natural extension of the approach for structured meshes, which were covered in Parts 1 and 2 of the course. CFD codes such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, Star CCM, and Saturne, constructed in an unstructured way, can handle cells of any size and shape.

This course does not require any prior experience or specific knowledge in CFD coding. Students do not need to have ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, Star CCM or any other CFD code to use this course. The course content is divided into sections, including a welcome and introduction, finite volume discretisation for unstructured meshes, mesh quality, a quiz, and closing remarks.

Overall, the Computational Fluid Dynamics Fundamentals Course 3 offers a comprehensive introduction to unstructured meshes and mesh quality metrics for CFD. The course covers a wide range of topics and provides practical examples and tools for students to develop their understanding and skills in fluid dynamics.

8. An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) by Robert Spall (Udemy)

This course, titled “An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD),” is designed to teach students how to write their own codes using the finite volume method. The course will cover the basics of this method for incompressible flows on two-dimensional Cartesian grids, including topics such as discretization procedure, interpolation techniques, boundary conditions, flow visualization using ParaView, and CFD errors and uncertainty.

Throughout the course, students will write three codes: the first code solves a pure diffusion problem, the second solves a pure convection problem, and the third solves the Navier-Stokes equations using the SIMPLE pressure-velocity coupling procedure. The Navier-Stokes solver will be used to solve the “driven cavity” problem, and a problem involving the developing flow in a channel. These three codes are also available for download to aid students in studying the solution procedure or debugging their own code.

Upon completion of the course, students will possess a strong understanding of the basics of the finite volume method, which will enable them to use commercial CFD solvers more effectively and provide them with the necessary background to study more advanced CFD techniques.

The course is divided into six sections, including an introduction and a review of finite difference approximations and iterative methods. The remaining sections cover finite volume method for diffusion problems, finite volume method for convection problems, finite volume method for the Navier-Stokes equations, and errors and uncertainty in CFD.

Overall, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to the finite volume method for incompressible flows on two-dimensional Cartesian grids, with a focus on enabling students to write their own codes and understand the basics of CFD.

9. OpenFOAM CFD – Theories and Practical Applications by Hasbullah Padzillah (Udemy)

The course titled “OpenFOAM CFD – Theories and Practical Applications” is designed to teach students how to conduct Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations using the free software OpenFOAM. The course is suitable for both students and working professionals in the fluid dynamics field who want to gain an edge over their colleagues and competitors using expensive commercial software. OpenFOAM is a comprehensive open source CFD software widely used in academia and industries. The course covers the installation process of OpenFOAM and provides a theoretical background on CFD. It also includes step-by-step instructions for conducting simulations using incompressible flow and meshing using SnappyHexMesh. Additionally, the course shows students how to validate simulations against experimental data and how to efficiently extract data from the results using post-processing scripts. The course instructor, Hasbullah Padzillah, is a PhD holder in Fluid Dynamics and Turbomachinery area, with over 10 years of experience in conducting CFD simulations. The course provides on-going content, with new materials uploaded every week to maximize the value for students. Overall, the course is suitable for both beginners and advanced learners, providing a comprehensive introduction to OpenFOAM and CFD simulations.

10. Ansys Fluent- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) by Sahin Kaymak (Udemy)

The Ansys Fluent- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) course is designed to help students understand the basics of fluid flow in Ansys. The course is geared towards beginners and includes examples of different CFD models.

One of the main benefits of using analysis programs like Ansys is the ability to save money by avoiding the need for physical testing. By learning one analysis program, engineers can improve their skill set and make themselves more valuable in the job market.

Ansys is a widely used analysis program that can analyze structural, fluent, heat transfer, vibration, and more. This course specifically focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), covering topics such as geometry creation, meshing, setting up conditions, and selecting the best solver for a given problem.

The course includes examples of various CFD models, including a T-Connector, air conditioning system, car, airfoil, and two-phase flow. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of fluid flow basics in Ansys and be equipped with the skills to tackle CFD problems.