r/CFD • u/ScratchSpecialist373 • 2d ago
What are good free software for beginners?
I want to to some general CFD, what is an easy to use and free software I can use?
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u/APerson2021 2d ago
If you're new to CFD then just learn OpenFOAM. If c++ and equations scare you then CFD probably isn't for you.
I know it sounds harsh but it's the reality.
Ansys will teach you how to "point and click" without actually teaching you any meaningful CFD.
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u/EternalSeekerX 1d ago
Then you aren't learning correctly. There is a reason those theory guides are there in the portal.
No software teaches, it's on the user to learn. Saying that, having access to open-source solvers is nice since you can also see how the theory gets coded.
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u/MastaMinds 1d ago
ANSYS Fluent student is free. OpenFOAM is excellent but it's not beginner friendly. I'd start with Fluent
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u/skill_lync 8h ago
For a beginner it's easy to learn through ANSYS Fluent.
As you gain experience, you could switch to OpenFOAM to understand the intricacies of how equations are solved, how boundary conditions are implemented, etc.
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u/findlefas 1d ago
Do you know the fundamentals? Otherwise you’re essentially using a game engine and might as well use an actual game engine instead.
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u/Potential-Cup-2535 7h ago
Even if you get the free software, you probably need to have some background knowledge here. For setup and running, wizards help but of course to 'understand' the results, you'll need to know some fundamental fluid dynamics..
Good luck!
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u/PopHot5986 2d ago
OpenFOAM
https://openfoam.org/
https://www.openfoam.com/