Computational fluid mechanics

This article presents Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as an engineering tool. The aim is to make the user aware of CFD, by presenting as clearly as possible the capabilities of this tool, but also its limitations. In particular, emphasis will be placed on the methodology to be adopted when carrying out a simulation, and on the questions to be asked at the various stages of its implementation. The physical models typically proposed by calculation codes will be described, as well as how to ensure the relevance of simulation results. When it's time to start practicing CFD, the user will have to resort to much more advanced descriptions of the models and, possibly, the methods used, which can be found in more exhaustive treatises on numerical fluid mechanics.