Thanks Cliff!

Hi,

I think its a great idea. I am a user of a commerical code, but in reality I have very little knowledge about how it works. It is a big black box. It would be nice to have substantial libraries of information available which will explain CFD theory from the ground up. You are right that it is necessary to integrate this kind of study into the use of the codes, but I don't think that is done in very many places. A black box is the bain of my life, a little more knowledge aobut its construction would at least allow me to put things into it in an educated manner. J. Keays.

(1). In the past, I have written numerious CFD codes, modified existing CFD codes, and used several commercial CFD codes. (2). It is hard to write a brand new code, it is even harder to decode existing code and modify it. So, in order to use a commercial CFD code, one needs a completely different approach. (3). I think, it is useless to learn CFD by using a commercial CFD code, because it is not designed to serve that purpose. (4). I think, the main issue is still a financial one. Just like the minimum number of readers interested in this forum (or one of the code forum), which is required to keep this site alive, the information needed to provide a general insight of the various aspects of CFD requires "time" and "interest" from the author and the readers. (5). I am taking time off from my consulting work for the engine companies. I think, I need the time off, and at the same time, I am thinking about putting together some information in this area on a CD. ( an introduction, or CFD/FAQ ) So, it will help the reader to ask more intellegent questions. (6). If I put the CD out at the book rate of $50~$100, then 100 users are not going to cover the cost of time creating the CD. But for a subject on C++, it is likely that there will be over 10,000 readers of the CD. In that case, it does make sense to create something useful, because he will have some extra money left over. And if readers are all looking for free information (this forum is free), then no one is going to work in the CFD field at all. (7). If I succeed in putting such CFD/FAQ CD together, I will let you know here first, so you can send in the money order or the card number for it. It is not difficult for me, it just needs time. (I think, it is more productive to spend the same amount of time on the creation of a CD for C++ or JAVA. And I am studying JAVA2 right now.) (8). So, I will put the CFD/FAQ CD on my priority list, and there is still a chance that you can learn a lot from it by spending $50~$100 only. I think, I need to start promoting this CD from now, otherwise you are not going to see it in the future.