Contractors
 

Hi everyone I'm involved in a small engineering firm here in Ireland. We're doing some design work on a new product at the minute, and would like to get some CFD work done on it. We don't have the resources or the knowledge ourselves, but we thought maybe there'd be a contractor somewhere who could do it. Does anyone know of such a service being available? As I said, we're in Ireland, but the contractor wouldn't necessarily have to be here (although we'd prefer that). Also, any idea of what sort of cost is this likely to incur? I'd be grateful if anyone could help us on this one. Regards Peter McMahon

Re: Contractors
 

You post an ad on the jobs database portion of this website. That way people who are interested in working with you can respond to your ad with their qualifications.

Chuck

Re: Contractors
 

Hi Peter,

Cost depends on the amount of work. I would say that you be looking at a $4K to $5K expense for one man-week of work. But as I said, total cost depends on how big the work is going to be.

Re: Contractors
 

(1). I would say that the average rate is somewhere around 50US dollars an hour or above. (say 50 to 100 US dollars an hour) (2). The time involved depends on several factors: (a). the time needed to model the geometry and the mesh. So, if the person has been doing similar types of the product, then he can follow the previous steps and get it done faster. Otherwise, it will take some trial-and-error period to model the geometry and create the mesh. (b). the time needed to get the converged solution. It depends on the complexity of the geometry, and the flow field. (it will be very complex when the chemical reaction is involved. In that case, it will become almost like a research project.) (c). the time needed to validate the solution. This includes the mesh refinement (run several cases with fine meshes), comparison with test data. (d). the time needed to put together a report. (3). From these items, you can estimate roughly the time needed to accomplish the project. (4). If the design is something new, and the flow field is unique, then it is not possible to get an accurate estimate of time. In this case, you can divide the project into several phases, and approach the problem in steps. In other words, fix the time and cost and hope that the result will be obtained in schedule and within cost. Then you can extend the contract and work on the remaining tasks. (5). At this point, you should have a rough idea of the size of your problem.

Re: Contractors
 

It would be helpful if the type of engineering your developing is mentioned.You state limited resources too. Is this your first excursion into CFD work.Is it also considered a vital need for the success of the final product.

Surely ,its well worth discussing your problem with the standard code developers such as found on this website.The more specialised your needs then the cost factor will be difficult to fully assess.

Re: Contractors
 

you should ensure that the contractors have experience in your area. it can be helpful to decide on an analysis plan before you start and have contractors bid on your project and show off previously done work. the cost will probably be from US$50 to $100 or more per hour. Some CFD vendors offer analysis services as well and this may be of interest to you. Consult with colleagues who may have used contractor services.