How can I use openFOAM to run wind tunnel simulation on F1 diffuser?

krypto · January 2, 2025, 09:16

Hi all!

I am a machine learning engineer, currently working on a personal project on the intersection of geometric deep learning and aerodynamics. To that end, the workflow I have on my mind is the following:

1. Starting with a diffuser's geometry (STL file or similar).
2. Running a wind tunnel simulation to extract aerodynamic performance data (e.g., pressure, velocity).

What I've done so far:

1. I got the diffuser from this model https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/per...-project/28931 and exported the STL file

2. I am in the process of learning openFOAM and understand how to import the STL file and run the simulation.

Could someone provide a walkthrough?

Thank you!

Tobermory · January 2, 2025, 10:35

Do you have any previous experience in CFD modelling? If not, I'd suggest that you find a simpler topic ... unless you're prepared to spend a 3 yr apprenticeship learning the basics of CFD. OpenFOAM is not like a calculator where you can just pick it up, press some buttons and get an answer out. It is like a carpenter's toolboox, i.e. a bunch of tools that can generate excellent results in expert hands, but will generate junk otherwise.

krypto · January 2, 2025, 14:19

Thank you for the answer!

I really don't mind spending time learning the fundamentals. Do you know of any sources I can start from?

I don't have CFD experience. My BSc is in informatics, and I will be defending my PhD within 2025. While working on my PhD I have also worked for Big4, startup and scale-up companies. My specialization is machine learning (ML).

It's important for me to start learning about aerodynamics - and probably ICEs - specific to motorsports, while finding ways to combine them with computer science, and more specifically ML.

January 2, 2025, 09:16	How can I use openFOAM to run wind tunnel simulation on F1 diffuser?	#1
krypto New Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	Hi all! I am a machine learning engineer, currently working on a personal project on the intersection of geometric deep learning and aerodynamics. To that end, the workflow I have on my mind is the following: 1. Starting with a diffuser's geometry (STL file or similar). 2. Running a wind tunnel simulation to extract aerodynamic performance data (e.g., pressure, velocity). What I've done so far: 1. I got the diffuser from this model https://www.simscale.com/forum/t/per...-project/28931 and exported the STL file 2. I am in the process of learning openFOAM and understand how to import the STL file and run the simulation. Could someone provide a walkthrough? Thank you!

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January 2, 2025, 10:35		#2
Tobermory Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: UK Posts: 841 Rep Power: 16	Do you have any previous experience in CFD modelling? If not, I'd suggest that you find a simpler topic ... unless you're prepared to spend a 3 yr apprenticeship learning the basics of CFD. OpenFOAM is not like a calculator where you can just pick it up, press some buttons and get an answer out. It is like a carpenter's toolboox, i.e. a bunch of tools that can generate excellent results in expert hands, but will generate junk otherwise.

January 2, 2025, 14:19		#3
krypto New Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	Thank you for the answer! I really don't mind spending time learning the fundamentals. Do you know of any sources I can start from? I don't have CFD experience. My BSc is in informatics, and I will be defending my PhD within 2025. While working on my PhD I have also worked for Big4, startup and scale-up companies. My specialization is machine learning (ML). It's important for me to start learning about aerodynamics - and probably ICEs - specific to motorsports, while finding ways to combine them with computer science, and more specifically ML.