FLUENT/CFX/STARCD as CFD modelers

carlos

Hi all, I am in the proccess of assesing software for CFD modeling. I have some experience in Star CD but I have no experience on others such as CFX or Fluent. My main task will be heat transfer optimisation in vented brake discs. I've mainly got two questions:

1) easyness of usage? (among CFX, Star CD and Fluent). Considering that my budget does not cover any training.

2) Does anyone know if any of these firms may allow "student or university" releases for free or for low cost?... in return, of course, they would be able to publish any achievable good result.

3) Does any of you have experienced IDEAS as CFD modeler? (sorry about this question, but I have to do it, jus for the sake of generality).

I very much appreciate your comments (any) on this.

Carlos (research student)