CFD for the job
 

First of all I am sorry for my irrelevant subject. But I need some tips about the future of aeronautics fields. Cause I must choose my lab in the university

I am wondering about the needs of the engineer on the studies not on the commarcial fields....

Re: CFD for the job
 

(1). Aeronautics field can be divided into two major parts, one is the commercial field (civil), and the other is the defense oriented field (military).(2). There are two major factors involved, one is the safety and economy for the civil aeronautics, and the other is the performance and reliability for the military aeronautics. (3). Unfortunately, both factors require high technology and thus high investment. (4). In the past, this was mainly absorbed by the military aeronautics, and therefore, the civil aeronautics did not have to worry too much about the investment in technology. (5). As the immediate need for military aeronautics is shrinking continuously from late 80's, the civil aeronautics field is also not getting the needed high technology. (6). The end result is that the advances in civil aeronautics will slow down. It is unlikely that the market will affect this and reverse the trend. (7). Even though the CFD is potentially more cost effective than testings, in the business field, it is even cheaper to eliminate all analysis. Unless, one can show that it is essential to have analysis done to identify the source of cancer or something like that. (8). In the aeronautics field, the government decision is your only guideline. So, whether to study CFD or not, first check the government budget or spending in aeronautics(military).

Re: CFD for the job
 

Thanks for your tips and attention!! And I'll do so.

Re: CFD for the job
 

you should also realize that aeronautical engineers (as well as CFD) are being employed in non-aircraft related fields example turbomachinery (aircraft engines, gas and steam turbines, turbochargers), automotive, civil engineering, consumer devices, etc. also you'll find that your country does all these things (i didn't have to tell you that :) so if you are interested in CFD go ahead and take it unless you really have to make a yes or no decision.

Re: CFD for the job
 

(1). It may be true from your observation, but I hope it is a joke. (2). Even a person experienced in the axial turbine design, can easily fail in the radial turbine design, if he has no experience. This is not a joke. (3). And even in the turbomachinery field, experienced engineers have been making mistakes, wrong assumptions, incorrect theories over the years. These codes are still being used today. (4). The reason why you are so lucky that the engine is still working is simply because they test the engine day and night. For those who are not testing their engines or turbomachinery, the first time failure rate is nearly 100%. (5). To run a CFD code, there is no need to have a degree. Engineering aide or assistant has been doing this for a long time. To be able to design and make it to work, most CFD codes are useless. It requires real talent and experience.

Re: CFD for the job,what happened to engine companies?
 

(1). There is a new engine company, Honeywell enignes by name, in the job database section. (2). What happened to the engine companies, like Lycoming engines, Allied Signal Engines, Westinghouse Power Generation, P&W Florida ? (3). To really have impact on design by CFD, there must be one CFD department dedicated to the method development and validation, and one CFD department dedicated to the application and design integration. (4). Since the technical problems will be very difficult to solve, without these core groups of engineers, most engine companies will change names and eventually disappears from the surface of the earth.