Computational Design Engineering: Maximizing Benefits from Additive Manufacturing (AM) for Enhanced Functionality.

This short course provides engineers and designers with practical computational design and simulation skills to unlock the full potential of Additive Manufacturing (AM). Focusing on performance-driven design for industrial applications, the course demonstrates how to optimise component functionality, efficiency, and manufacturability — with a case study on heat exchanger design.

This course is about using computational design and simulation tools to get the most out of Additive Manufacturing.

It’s aimed at engineers and designers who want to move beyond just printing parts — and start creating performance-optimised, functional components that are ready for real-world industrial applications.

We’ll focus on practical workflows, with a case study on heat exchangers to show how advanced design techniques can improve efficiency, performance, and manufacturability.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 02 - 03 Jul 2025
  • Duration2 days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • Cost£1,000 
    This includes: • Two days of on-site teaching and practical sessions at Cranfield University, • Access to all software and computing facilities during the course, • Refreshments and lunch on both days. Concessions available

Course structure

Participants will work through a complete design and simulation workflow for heat exchangers (HEX), using industry-standard tools including nTop for parametric modelling and design optimisation, OpenFOAM for thermal simulation, and FEA tools for structural analysis.

The course is highly practical and case-study driven, allowing attendees to apply what they learn directly to a real-world AM design challenge.

All sessions will take place in Cranfield’s advanced design and simulation facilities, providing a collaborative learning environment with expert guidance.

What you will learn

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

  • Gain practical skills in designing and simulating heat exchangers for Additive Manufacturing,
  • Hands-on experience with nTop, OpenFOAM and FEA tools,
  • Know how to optimise designs for performance, efficiency, and manufacturability.

Core content

  • Introduction to Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies and their role in performance-driven design 
  • Heat Exchanger (HEX) design workflow and best practices
  • Parametric modelling of heat exchangers
  • Thermal simulation and performance analysis for HEX
  • Stress analysis and structural simulation for HEX

Who should attend

Ideal for those involved in the design, development, and testing of components for performance-critical applications — particularly where AM offers opportunities for enhanced functionality.

It is suitable for engineers, designers, and technical specialists working in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing, who want to apply advanced computational design and simulation methods to optimise product performance.

No prior experience with nTop or OpenFOAM is required, but a basic understanding of CAD and engineering simulation principles will be beneficial.

Speakers

Dr Liang Yang

Concessions

  • Group Discount: Where more than three delegates are booking from within one site or one organisation, a discount of 10% for the course is offered. Please ask about discount scheme at time of booking. Accommodation fees are not included in the discount scheme.
  • Cranfield Alumni: 20% discount offered to Alumni having completed an award bearing course. 

Accommodation options and prices

This is a non-residential course. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information regarding our accommodation on campus can be found here.

Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.

London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world. 

For further location and travel details

Location address

Cranfield University
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford 
MK43 0AL

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.