Need some tips to start
 

Hi everyone!

I'm fairly new to the world of CFD but I find this subject fascinating. I'm currently studying physics engineering and plan to maybe study in the field of fluid dynamics later. I've recently bought John D. Anderson "Computational Fluid Dynamics: The Basics With Applictions" and I've read a big chunk of it. I found it really interesting and now I want to start doing some simulations (really basic ones) like 2d airfoil for a formula SAE car.

Therefore, I took a look at OpenFOAM and really want to learn how to use it since it seems like a really complete package. Here is my problem: I'm lost. I understand the book really well, but here's the thing: it only treats the matter of finite difference. As I read in the user guide, OpenFOAM is working with finte-volume.

Actually, the big problem I have is with the schemes. I know what it is, I know what it does (in theory and in finite-difference), but how do I chose the one that suits the best a given case (I know it's not really specific :p )? Section 4.4 and 4.5 of the OpenFOAM user guide are the ones that I have problems with.

I understand meshing, that's not a problem, and the vast majority of the other stuff. I've worked with STAR-CCM+ before but this thing is a black box and I would like to understand what I do instead of following a flow chart, closing my eyes and pressing buttons.

I don't ask for a list of every command and everything they do (except if you have one :D ) but maybe some advice as where to seek the information. I'm gonna finish the book I bought, I like reading, so if anybody has a good recommendation, I'll read it if it can help me. I looked at the online course section but didn't find anything (I prefer books anyway).

I just finished my first year of university, I've completed all my math course so I don't think I lack the ability to understand CFD, but a little help would be appreciated. I run a water hammer analysis at my work using Microsoft Excel and it works well using finite difference, but finite volume may be more useful for the future. Where did you learned, how, and maybe how long it took you to understand the basics?

Cheers!