What should I expect as a graduate student studying CFD combustion research?

[Aero51]

Hey everyone, I've got a question that been in the back of my mind for a few months now. Hopefully someone on this forum can provide me with some guidance.

I just finished my undergraduate career in aeronautical engineering; I'll be starting graduate school this coming August. On a gut feeling I decided to look for graduate programs in combustion/propulsion systems. After a long battle within myself I finally selected a university and a program. I am pretty sure my research will be on turbulent combustion simulation. As a graduate student going into CFD what type of work (aside from the obvious) should I expect?

On another note:
When I was an undergrad I taught myself a lot of aerodynamics and it is a subject I truly have a passion for. After learning that there is virtually no theoretical research being conducted in this field I decided to study reacting flows. I am hoping that this branch of fluid mechanics is both broad and theoretical so I can develop my professional foundation to pursue my own research interests.

Basically, I am asking if anyone here can provide me with some insight into this type of graduate work or if they could describe a similar situation that they've experienced. What were your outcomes?

Thanks!

 

[TonyG]

Hello there,

As a scientist with a background in aeronautical engineering, I can certainly provide some guidance on your question. It's great that you have a passion for aerodynamics and have decided to pursue graduate studies in combustion/propulsion systems. This is an exciting and rapidly evolving field, and I'm sure you will have many opportunities to contribute to it.

As a graduate student in CFD, you can expect to work on a variety of projects related to turbulent combustion simulation. This may include developing and validating new models, conducting simulations of different combustion systems, and analyzing data to gain insights into the underlying physics of turbulent combustion. You may also have the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers and industry partners, which can provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

In terms of your interest in theoretical research in aerodynamics, I would encourage you to continue exploring this area in your graduate studies. While it may not be as prevalent as experimental or computational research, there is still a need for theoretical work in aerodynamics, particularly in the development of new models and theories to better understand complex flows. You may also find opportunities to apply your knowledge of aerodynamics to your research in turbulent combustion, as the two fields are closely related.

In my own experience, I have found that graduate studies provide a great platform to pursue your own research interests and develop your professional foundation. It's important to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you, such as attending conferences, networking with other researchers, and seeking out collaborations. These experiences can lead to exciting outcomes, such as publications, patents, and job opportunities in academia or industry.

I hope this provides some insight into your question. Best of luck in your graduate studies and your future research pursuits!