[CThib]

Hi all,

I've done beginner level work with CFX and OpenFOAM, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around some of the basic concepts related to how these solvers actually work.
What exactly is going on in the solver when it iterates to find a solution? I realize this question is so dependent on the type of analysis being conducted that it nearly renders the question invalid, but bear with me. Is it 'iterating' in the sense of how any non-linear solver might proceed, e.g., Newton-Raphson iteration in the simplest case or something as sophisticated as Excel's solver, or is the solution at each iteration a valid solution, just not the 'particular' solution requested (as manifested in the tolerance/residual parameters).


I do wish to pursue a Master's degree in this stuff, but until then, does anybody have any advice on how to tackle the theory on your own? I'm struggling with the disconnect between really great material that describes the theory (John Anderson Intro to CFD, CFX modeling guide, this forum), vs the actual, seemingly insurmountable difficulties of, well, actually implementing it in a computer program.

My proficiencies are in programming and use of potential flow codes for large marine structures (AQWA/WAMIT).
Thanks.

CThib