Integrating Theory and Practice: A CFD Education Approach

This paper introduces the design and implementation of a course in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) offered to senior undergraduate students at Syracuse University. The course utilizes a novel structure that integrates theoretical foundations with practical, "tutorial-based" experiences. The curriculum balances theoretical fundamentals, solidified through numerical solution implementation in Python, with hands-on experience using industry-standard Ansys Fluent software. Notably, the use of Python in the introductory phase prepares students for the increasing utilization of Python for customization and optimization within commercial CFD packages. Furthermore, the second part of the course adopts a unique problem-solving approach where students actively replicate pre-recorded tutorials, fostering deeper understanding compared to traditional lecture formats. This comprehensive and student-centered curriculum prepares future engineers with the critical skills and software proficiency required to address contemporary fluid mechanics challenges.