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Advanced CFD Methods
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:30
Abstract
Fundamental and advanced numerical methods used in commercial and open-source CFD codes will be explained. The main focus is on numerical methods for conservation laws with discontinuities, which is relevant for trans- and hypersonic gas dynamics problems, but also CFD of incompressible flows, Direct Simulation Monte Carlo and the Lattice Boltzmann method are explained.
Objective
Knowing what's behind a state-of-the-art CFD code is not only important for developers, but also for users in order to choose the right methods and to achieve meaningful and accurate numerical results. Acquiring this knowledge is the main goal of this course. Established numerical methods to solve the incompressible and compressible Navier-Stokes equations are explained, whereas the focus lies on finite volume methods for compressible flow simulations. In that context, first the main theory and then numerical schemes related to hyperbolic conservation laws are explained, whereas not only examples from fluid mechanics, but also simpler, yet illustrative ones are considered (e.g. Burgers and traffic flow equations). In addition, two less commonly used yet powerful approaches, i.e., the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) and Lattice Boltzmann methods, are introduced. For most exercises a C++ code will have to be modified and applied.
Content
- Finite-difference vs. finite-element vs. finite-volume methods - Basic approach to simulate incompressible flows - Brief introduction to turbulence modeling - Theory and numerical methods for compressible flow simulations - Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) - Lattice Boltzmann method
Resources
Lecture Notes
Part of the course is based on the referenced books. In addition, the participants receive a manuscript and the slides.
Literature
"Computational Fluid Dynamics" by H. K. Versteeg and W. Malalasekera. "Finite Volume Methods for Hyperbolic Problems" by R. J. Leveque.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- None
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Advanced CFD Methods |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Advanced CFD Methods |
|
1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Additional Electives from the Fields of Specialization (CSE Master) (recognition of 227-0662-00L and 227-0662-10L requires the successful completion of both course units)
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Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
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Fluid Dynamics (One of the course units 151-0208-00L Computational Methods for Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer Problems 151-0212-00L Advanced CFD Methods is compulsory.)
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Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
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Deep Track Aerospace Engineering (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)
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