As with any investment made by a company, you should make every effort to ensure full consideration and attention is taken when outsourcing a CFD analyst. With CFD being a fairly new practice, your selection of CFD analysts is limited. However, there a few important factors that should be taken into consideration when outsourcing a CFD analyst to ensure you are investing your time and money in the appropriate CFD analyst.
Below are a couple questions that should be asked when looking for an analyst. These questions will not only help make your decision-process easier but will help you select the CFD analyst that is most qualified for your company and project.
What is the analyst’s background in your field?
Experience with CFD codes is a given, but another area of concern is the analyst’s background in your field. An ideal candidate is one who has some experience in the “real world” of your product or process. CFD analysts are as diverse in their specialties as engineering itself. An aero specialist may have a pretty good handle on predicting shock formation on a detaching store from an F18, for example, but may not be able to relate to your engineers when discussing a hydraulic jump forming in a theme park water ride.
How much experience does the CFD analyst have?
The experience level of the analyst and his/her depth of understanding of the project should become apparent during the discussion of the project scope of work. At Ibis Group, on occasion, we have taken the trouble to run a sample case for a proposal to demonstrate our proficiency with a simulation. Getting a look at prior similar work may be possible so long as it is not in violation of government regulations or a confidentiality agreement with another client.
What other research should be done before hiring a CFD analyst?
Make sure you look at a CFD analyst’s testimonials to ensure that the company has a good history with its past clients. From the testimonials, you should be able to determine the analyst’s strengths. In conjunction, feel free to ask for referrals from the CFD analyst.
If you are looking to work with Ibis Group, please feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to share the company’s background and experience with you. Also, please make sure to read our testimonials. We look forward to hearing from you!