Computing In AE Graduate School

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the computing resources available for graduate studies in aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Participants explore whether students typically use personal computers or departmental supercomputers and workstations for intensive computing tasks such as programming, mesh generation, and code execution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for using their own computer for CFD tasks but questions whether this is feasible given the requirements of the work.
  • Another participant notes that most CFD methods require supercomputers or large clusters of processors, suggesting that personal computers may not be sufficient.
  • A participant mentions that their colleagues primarily use workstations provided by their advisors and run jobs on the department cluster, indicating that personal computers are not essential.
  • It is pointed out that CFD programs are typically run on department-provided computers due to software licensing issues and that these computers are dedicated solely to CFD tasks.
  • A participant reflects on their experience in undergrad, indicating that they spent significant time on campus and believes they could have been more efficient with a personal notebook.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that departmental resources are commonly used for CFD tasks, but there is no consensus on the necessity of personal computers for such work. Multiple views on the adequacy of personal computers versus departmental resources remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the computational requirements for different CFD methods are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the specifics of software licensing and resource availability.

jellofj
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I'll be concentrating in/researching aerodynamics and CFD. Will I be doing the programming/mesh generation/code execution (or any other intensive computing) on my own computer or the department's super computer/workstations?

I had a powerful desktop in ME undergrad and frankly it wasn't really needed. I also ended up working in the computer lab anyways because I was always on campus. If it is even possible to use my own computer for the above tasks I'd prefer to do that otherwise I am thinking of getting a portable/ultra-portable notebook this time around. If anyone has experience in the matter please feel free to share :smile:.
 
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I don't know much about CFD but depending on your method most flows of interest require super computers or a large cluster of processors.
 
Most of my CFD colleagues work primarily on workstations provided by their advisor and by running jobs on the department cluster. It would be nice to have a decent computer of your own but definitely not necessary to have a powerhouse.
 
As boneh3ad said, typically cfd programs are run on department provided computers because most of the software is licensed. Furthermore, the computers used for CFD are striped of all other programs and are dedicated for cfd purposes only.
 
Thank you for the replies! I spent a lot of time on campus during the last half of my undergrad and felt I could've been a lot more efficient with my own notebook.
 

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