CFD Online Discussion Forums - Student looking for CFD software

Hello all,

I am a student at the undergraduate level, and it's come the time to start thinking about the senior research project I must complete next year. My strongest interest has always been in astrophysics, and just after this past summer, fluid dynamics and hydrodynamics pertaining to astrophysical systems has really hooked me.

I have been scrounging the net and my university's library for information about CFD: what kind of software to use and different techniques. I have tried contacting the engineering dept here asking for advice on CFD software that would be redily available to a student. However, I have given up on the hopes of getting a response (maybe on account of the politics between the physics and engineering depts).

Anyway, so I come here in hopes that I may get some useful information. I notice that most CFD codes need a unix OS although Ive seen maybe 2 that can run with Windows. I currently run Windows XP pro but have been reading up on linux. I dont think I really want to change the OS of my computer, and I dont have the money to go purchase another one. I did, however, acquire Knoppix which you all know is a bootable CD. I dont know if it will be useful for a CFD code because its not possible to access the harddrive when running knoppix (the CFD code I decide to use will most likely reside on my hard drive or on a CD).

..bringing me to my next question: Are there any quality freeware/shareware CFD programs available to students like myself? I see that most of the codes are available for purchase or only available to organizations or research groups.

Thanks for any advice!