Rajesh Bhaskaran’s work seeks to promote the “democratization of simulation” through effective integration of simulation tools into engineering education. He directs the Swanson Lab and has helped introduce industry-standard simulation tools into Cornell courses covering fluid mechanics, heat transfer, solid mechanics, and numerical analysis. Dr. Bhaskaran has led the development of SimCafe.org as an online portal for learning and teaching finite-element and CFD simulations. SimCafe is used worldwide in courses as well as for self-paced learning by students and industry professionals. Dr. Bhaskaran has developed a unified methodology for using simulation in disparate lecture-based and lab courses. This methodology teaches students to approach simulations like an expert rather than just pushing buttons and accepting results at face value. Dr. Bhaskaran’s professional interests include engineering applications of simulation technology, reliable deployment of advanced simulation by generalist engineers, and conceptual change in learners using simulations. He has organized two international workshops on simulation in engineering curricula.
Fluid Dynamics Simulations Using AnsysCornell Certificate Program
Overview and Courses
From aerospace to manufacturing, engineers often have a need to simulate fluid flow using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
This hands-on certificate program empowers you to create reliable and validated simulations without the need to focus on all the underlying mathematics. Using a proven methodology, these courses will help you approach CFD problems like an expert. Throughout the courses, you will simulate a variety of 2D and 3D flows, such as flows over a car body, cooling fan, and airplane body, using Ansys, the leading simulation platform for industrial applications. You will then apply the insights and experience gained in the coursework to solve new problems on your own. After practice with problem-based learning methodology on various types of flow problems, you will be able to apply this approach to create your own simulations for a wide array of situations. The examples have been developed in collaboration with Ansys Inc. engineers to be industry relevant.
You will be most successful in this course if you have a strong foundation in high school-level calculus, physics, and algebra.
We strongly recommend you use a desktop version of Ansys. If you don’t already have access to Ansys, be sure your machine meets the following hardware requirements in order to download and use the free student desktop version of Ansys:
- Supported platforms and operating systems: Microsoft Windows 10, 64-bit
- Minimum hardware requirements: Workstation class processor, 4 GB RAM, 25 GB hard drive space, Computer must have a physical C:/” drive present, professional workstation class 3-D graphics card and driver, OpenGL-capable.
If your machine does not meet these requirements, you may also use an online version of Ansys. Be sure you meet the following bandwidth requirements: 5Mbps download speed and 100 ms maximum roundtrip latency.
For the best experience in this program it is strongly recommended to take these courses in the order that they appear.
Course list
- Apr 9, 2025
- Jul 2, 2025
- Sep 24, 2025
- Dec 17, 2025
The framework used in this course for solving fluid dynamics problems can be applied to a wide array of situations and contexts. You will work on a 2D incompressible laminar flow problem in Ansys. Working with 2D flow simulations will help prepare you to create reliable fluid flow simulations for more complex 3D applications such as a car body, fan, and airplane.
You are required to have completed the following course or have equivalent experience before taking this course:
- Foundations of CFD
- Apr 23, 2025
- Jul 16, 2025
- Oct 8, 2025
- Dec 31, 2025
While 2D simulations are a good place to begin, many of the real-world applications of simulation require simulating 3D conditions. In this course, you will work on a 3D turbulent flow problem in Ansys. You will apply the ideas covered in the previous course on 2D laminar flow, now extending to 3D turbulent flow, which is relevant for many industrial applications of simulation.
You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:
- Foundations of CFD
- 2D Laminar Flows
- May 7, 2025
- Jul 30, 2025
- Oct 22, 2025
Rotating machinery is very important to consider in practice because it exists all around us in many forms, such as wind turbines, compressors, and fans. In this course, you will work on rotating machinery flow problems. This problem extends the same underlying physics and governing equations applied to 3D flows, with the added complexity of a moving physical body.
You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:
- Foundations of CFD
- 2D Laminar Flows
- 3D Turbulent Flows
- May 21, 2025
- Aug 13, 2025
- Nov 5, 2025
In high-speed flow, density changes are important to account for in order to accurately simulate the flow. In this course, you will work on compressible flow problems in Ansys. A classic example of such a flow problem is airflow over an airplane body. You will solve the governing equations for this type of problem and simulate the high-speed flow over an airplane body.
You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:
- Foundations of CFD
- 2D Laminar Flows
- 3D Turbulent Flows
- Rotating Machinery Flows
- Mar 12, 2025
- Jun 4, 2025
- Aug 27, 2025
- Nov 19, 2025
How It Works
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Faculty Author
Key Course Takeaways
- Create simulations using Ansys software for a range of practical flow problems
- Explain the mathematical model underlying each simulation, including governing equations, boundary conditions, physical principles, and assumptions
- Predict expected results using hand calculations
- Defend simulation results by undertaking a “verification and validation” procedure
Download a Brochure
Not ready to enroll but want to learn more? Download the certificate brochure to review program details.
What You'll Earn
- Fluid Dynamics Simulations Using Ansys Certificate from Cornell Engineering, Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- 70 Professional Development Hours (7 CEUs)
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Who Should Enroll
- Engineers who work with computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Engineering analysts
- Simulation engineers
- Mechanical engineers
- Naval engineers
- Aerospace engineers
- Physicists
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“As a child, I was captivated by mechanics and space but struggled with the education system’s lack of practical reference, leading me to pursue accounting and law. However, the desire to revisit my childhood passion grew. I transitioned into technology, relearning code, math, and physics, and embracing my dream of reaching for the stars thorough eCornell. This journey built my confidence and led to a venture in robotics, proving it’s never too late to realize childhood dreams.”
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Fluid Dynamics Simulations Using Ansys
| Select Payment Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| $3,900 | |