[e13drd]

I developed an interest for CFD when I took classes in heat transfer and fluid dynamics a few years ago. I also self-studied Anderson a little bit. I like using computations/modeling/simulation for many kinds of physical problems, whether it be for molecular dynamics simulations, CFD, the electronic structure and properties of materials, electromagnetics, optics, etc. I'm not interested in things like circuits, antennas, etc. However, I want to work in industry not academia

I am in the middle of a Physics Phd program now. I took a year off for a leave of absences. At this point, I no longer want the PhD and I'm not sure if I should finish my Masters in Physics or apply to MS mechanical engineering programs. My physics dept has no one doing CFD research. I will get funding in the Physics program and can enter in Fall 2014. For MechE, I can't start until Fall 2015 and won't get funding.

Should I just finish the Physics program now and then self-learn CFD if I want to have a career in CFD? Or wait until Fall 2015 to enter a mechanical engineering program?

[Totalsim]

I'd finish the PhD.
An aborted PhD looks pretty bad on the CV and takes some explaining in a cover letter.

[Jonas Holdeman]

As a physics PhD, I agree with Totalsim -- as long as you don't get stuck with an advisor or program that requires a long "apprenticeship". On the other hand, you may be happier in the short term doing something you like to do. Stay flexible. We don't know what the future holds for us.