INTRODUCING GRADUATE STUDENTS INTO PRE-PROCESSING TECHNIQUES FOR ADVANCED NUMERICAL MODELS: APPLICATION TO HYDRODYNAMIC MODELS

In this work, we describe our experience using numerical models, such as Delft3D, to understand and verify the concepts given in the theoretical lessons. In particular, we focused our attention on: (1) the assessment of the temporal and spatial scales to be considered to solve the problem; (2) the implementation of the necessary data for the initial and boundary to solve the problem; and finally, (3) writing the input data files to be introduced into the numerical model. After the application of this methodology, the students become familiar with the pre-processing processes. Students were also the responsible for identifying the variables that need to be calculated, collecting data from different sources and learning and understanding the different formats to ensure a proper implementation. The supervisors checked their work and introduced them into the whole sequence of the research processes: from gathering and introducing the data in the model to solving initial problems with real applications. With our experience, we conclude that the knowledge and skills acquired are an excellent basic tool to familiarize with real Engineering problems. Moreover, they will be able to face with other similar problems because this methodology can be extrapolated. Given it simplicity and low cost, it constitutes also a good method to introduce graduate student into research, since they can participate in all the research processes.