Accessible basic CFD software user course
Online course of 300 hours in basic use of accessible CFD software. 6 modules covering CFD fundamentals, geometry preparation, meshing, solving and post-processing, and validation and design studies, with an assigned technical tutor.
Accessible basic CFD software user course — studying from Canada
Canada's automotive industry is concentrated in Ontario, particularly around Windsor, Oshawa, Brampton and St. Catharines, with assembly plants and a dense supplier network. Companies such as General Motors Canada, Stellantis Canada and Toyota Canada operate production facilities, supported by a strong parts sector. Motorsport activity is present through national series and circuits such as Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Mosport. Engineers work on vehicle design, powertrain development, manufacturing engineering and supplier quality.
Fees for Canada: 1,150 CA$ (Canadian dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Canada
Typical roles
Questions from Canada
Will this qualification let me use the title Professional Engineer?
No. The title is regulated by provincial engineering regulators such as Professional Engineers Ontario or the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. Please check their requirements directly before assuming any eligibility.
What language are the programmes taught in?
All programmes are taught in English, which suits engineers working in English-language environments across Canada.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the equations and turbulence models used in CFD.
Prepare CAD geometries suitable for aerodynamic simulation.
Generate quality meshes with prism layers.
Set up and run steady-state cases in OpenFOAM or SimScale.
Interpret pressures, vortices and aerodynamic coefficients.
Validate results against experimental reference cases.
Carry out a complete CFD study of a racing component.
Who it's for
- Junior CFD engineers.
- Aerodynamics technicians.
- Simulation analysts.
- Bodywork designers.
- Vehicle development engineers.
- Formula Student team members.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to join racing teams.
What you'll work with
- ASME V&V 20-2009 (verification and validation in CFD and heat transfer)
- AIAA G-077-1998 (guide for verification and validation of CFD)
- SAE J1594 (vehicle aerodynamics terminology)
- ERCOFTAC Best Practice Guidelines for Industrial CFD
- FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations (aerodynamic testing restrictions)
- ISO 10303-21 (STEP format)
- OpenFOAM
- SimScale
- ParaView
- FreeCAD
- Python
6 modules
1.1Navier-Stokes equations and conservation1.2Incompressible flow at road speeds1.3Reynolds number and boundary layer1.4RANS turbulence models: k-epsilon and k-omega SST1.5Lift, drag and moment coefficients1.6Finite volume discretisation1.7Boundary conditions for a virtual wind tunnel1.8Convergence and residuals1.9Limitations of simulation versus the wind tunnel1.10Practical exercise: flow over a 2D NACA aerofoil
2.1Simplifying CAD for CFD2.2STEP and STL formats2.3Surface repair and watertightness2.4Half-car model with a symmetry plane2.5Computational domain and recommended size2.6Moving ground and rotating wheels2.7Defining refinement zones2.8Handling parts: wings, diffuser and mirrors2.9Case organisation and naming conventions2.10Workshop: cleaning up a single-seater CAD model
3.1Hexahedral, tetrahedral and polyhedral meshes3.2snappyHexMesh in OpenFOAM3.3Prism layers and y+ value3.4Wall functions versus resolving the sublayer3.5Mesh quality: skewness and non-orthogonality3.6Mesh independence study3.7Computational cost and cell count3.8Cloud meshing in SimScale3.9Typical meshing errors3.10Lab: three meshes and drag comparison
4.1Setting up the simpleFoam solver4.2Numerical schemes and relaxation4.3Parallel execution and decomposition4.4Monitoring forces during convergence4.5ParaView: cutting planes and streamlines4.6Pressure distribution and the Cp coefficient4.7Vortex visualisation with the Q-criterion4.8Skin friction maps4.9Aerodynamic balance and centre of pressure4.10Practical exercise: analysis of a touring car diffuser
5.1Verification and validation of CFD results5.2Comparison with published experimental data5.3The Ahmed body as a reference case5.4Wing angle sensitivity study5.5Effect of ride height5.6Aerodynamic maps for the simulator5.7Automation with Python scripts5.8Regulatory restrictions on the use of CFD5.9Communicating results to the technical team5.10Case study: validation with the Ahmed body
6.1Defining the case and objective6.2Geometry preparation6.3Meshing strategy and mesh study6.4Solver set-up6.5Force and coefficient results6.6Flow field visualisation6.7Proposed aerodynamic improvement6.8Discussion of uncertainties6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is OpenFOAM, SimScale, ParaView, FreeCAD and Python, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practice is based on real procedures: analysis of a single-seater rear wing, a mesh independence study and validation against the Ahmed body. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: ASME V&V 20-2009, AIAA G-077-1998, SAE J1594, ERCOFTAC Best Practice Guidelines for Industrial CFD, FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations, ISO 10303-21.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with OpenFOAM, SimScale, ParaView, FreeCAD and Python, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required; you need a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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