What is the best way to learn FEA and CFD? (3d year bsc mechanical engineering student)

Next schoolyear i will be a 4th year bsc industrial product design student and can at the same time finish my bsc in mechanical engineering. Possibly with a small delay as i do a double degree. Over the years ive become more and more interested in SW simulation and want to improve at this more in my free time. I have had classes in lineair,non lineair situations and vibration analysis, but only the basics (solidworks simulation).

I also want to learn more about cfd and combined models. Currently im thinking i should learn ansys since this program is also more frequently used in my country.

What is the best way to learn more indepth about all the facets of simulating, so meshing, lineair, non lineair, thermal, flow etc? I was looking into 3 different books (Finite Element Procedures by klaus jurgen, Nonlinear Finite Elements For Continua And Structures, Practical Finite Element Analysis for Mechanical Engineers by Dominique Madie) and maybe a few solidworks/ansys books but i am quite overwelmed with choices. These books aren't cheap aswell. If you have experience with any of these i'm happy to hear!

Im inclined to use books so i can learn a bit more whilst i travel too and from school each day. I want to make sure i learn more about the program but also what goes on in the background and reasoning. Any other tips or info is welcome aswell.

Posted Jul 7, 2025, 9:45 PM UTC

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