This course introduces the open source CFD toolbox, OpenFOAM. 
It provides a foundation for all aspects of OpenFOAM, from 
running cases to programming, so is useful to both new users 
and existing users wishing to broaden their basic knowledge 
of OpenFOAM.

Topics Covered
•	The OpenFOAM software distribution
•	Background in the use of Linux/UNIX
•	OpenFOAM applications
•	Basic meshing
•	Field initialisation and boundary conditions
•	Selecting models and setting parameters
•	Solution monitoring and control
•	Mesh conversion (example from Ansys)
•	Boundary conditions
•	Reynolds-averaged simulation for turbulence
•	Post-processing tools and visualisation
•	Mesh manipulation
•	Mapping fields
•	Running in parallel
•	Creating animations
•	Introduction to C++ and its use in OpenFOAM
•	Code structure and compilation
•	Code walk through for a simple utility
•	The important classes in OpenFOAM
•	The finite volume method and PISO/SIMPLE/PIMPLE 
algorithms
•	Programming OpenFOAM solvers
•	Introduction to programming boundary conditions

Course details
OpenFOAM USB stick
Participants undertake exercises in simulating cases and 
programming in OpenFOAM on desktop PCs running a live 
OpenFOAM/Linux installation provided on a USB memory stick. 
Participants may alternatively boot this live installation of 
OpenFOAM on their personal laptops if they wish — see 
“requirements for bootable USB stick” for further details. 
Participants keep the USB memory stick at the end of the 
course.

Course materials
A high-quality, A5-sized (80-100 page) wire-bound manual is 
provided with each course that participants can use during 
the course and can later work through in their own time.

Language
The language used in all OpenFOAM training courses is 
English.

Course times
The course is 2 days in duration and usually runs from 09.00 
to 17.30 (local time) each day.

Target audience
The Foundation course is suitable for new users and existing 
users seeking to broaden their basic knowledge, particularly 
in programming — see “information on course suitability” for 
further details.

Prerequisites
No prior knowledge of OpenFOAM, C++ or Linux is required but 
a basic knowledge of Linux and C++ is beneficial.