Gecko wrote:OpenFOAM is an excellent tool but has a very steep learning curve. Indeed it offers the majority of the functionality of the commercial codes, with the added bonus that the algorithms are open for anyone to see and modify if so desired. It also now comes with an automated meshing tool (castellated mesh type, very similar to Harpoon) which should have you run flows around complex geometris with little effort if at somewhat reduced fidelity.
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I am just being anal here, but STEEP learning curve means the curve of learning over time is steep, i.e. high slope. That means you learn a lot in a short amount of time.
flynfrog, my opinion is that its better to do analytical work. The wrong answer is worse than no answer, as it sends you chasing after things that don't exist. The value of flowworks in design is useless, but it does have value in starting to learn about CFD.