The Neil Ashton Podcast

In this conversation, Neil Ashton and Prof. Siddhartha Mishra, and Prof. Johannes Brandstetter discuss their recent paper on AI foundation models in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). They explore the backgrounds of the speakers, the journey to writing the paper, the role of AI in CFD, and the challenges of scaling laws and data generation. The discussion also covers model training costs, open questions, and future directions for research in this field.

Fluid Intelligence: A Forward Look on AI Foundation Models in Computational Fluid Dynamics : https://arxiv.org/abs/2511.20455v1

In this episode, Neil Ashton discusses various conferences and workshops in the automotive, aerospace, and machine learning fields. He highlights the importance of these events for networking, education, and staying updated with industry trends. From the SAE and AIAA events to machine learning workshops, Neil provides insights into what attendees can expect and the value of participating in these gatherings.

In this episode of the Neil Ashton podcast, the host revisits key trends in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) from the past year, focusing on the rise of GPUs, advancements in AI and machine learning, the shift to cloud computing, the increasing adoption of high fidelity methods, and ongoing mergers and acquisitions in the industry. Each trend is explored in depth, highlighting the implications for the future of engineering and technology

In this episode, Professor Brian Launder (Professor at the University of Manchester and Fellow of the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineers) shares his remarkable journey through academia, detailing his early fascination with heat transfer, his transition to MIT, and his significant contributions to turbulence modeling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). We touch upon the key role that Professor Brian Spalding had on his career as well as work that led to the breakthrough k-epilson turbulence model as well as the pioneering work on second-moment closure model. Prof Launder highlights the key role of collaborators and ex students such as Professors Hector Iacovides, Tim Craft, Bill Jones, Kemal Hanjalić and many more. He ends with advice for early-stage researchers and reflections on more than 50 years worth of academic research.

Chapters

00:30 Introduction
05:00 Early Academic Journey
10:06 Transition to MIT and Research Focus
16:21 Return to Imperial College and Early Career
21:06 Research Projects and PhD Students
27:46 Development of the k-epilson model
33:18 CHAM and Career Changes
36:24 Move to UC Davis and New Research Directions
44:05 Challenges and Opportunities in Research
47:07 The Interview Experience
51:14 Transition to Manchester University
52:23 Research Innovations in Turbulence Modeling
57:45 The Development of the TCL Model
01:03:15 Nonlinear Eddy Viscosity Models
01:05:58 Advanced Wall Functions and Their Applications
01:10:09 Reflections on Career and Contributions
01:15:49 Legacy and Impact on Turbulence Modeling

Top Turbulence Modelling contributions (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Y3JbAK8AAAAJ&hl=en)

In this episode, Joris Poort, CEO and founder of Rescale, shares his personal journey on founding Rescale as well as his thoughts on the future of CAE. He discusses the challenges of introducing HPC to the cloud market, the traits that make successful founders, and the importance of perseverance and execution in entrepreneurship. Joris reflects on the early days of Rescale, the significance of early investors, and the evolving landscape of cloud computing and AI integration in engineering. The conversation highlights the complexities of transitioning to cloud solutions and the future potential of HPC in various industries. In this conversation, Joris discusses the transformative impact of AI on engineering, particularly in the context of inference, simulation, and automation. He emphasizes the importance of efficiency in engineering processes and how AI can significantly reduce the time required for complex simulations. The discussion also touches on the cultural shifts within organizations as they adapt to AI technologies, the potential for AI surrogates to revolutionize engineering practices, and the challenges of closing the sim-to-real gap. Joris offers insights for aspiring founders, encouraging them to pursue meaningful work that can drive innovation and societal progress.

Chapters

00:00 Introductions
03:30 The Genesis of Rescale: A Cloud Computing Journey
05:21 From Engineering to Entrepreneurship: The Leap of Faith
09:28 Traits of a Successful Founder: Courage and Perseverance
14:51 Tactical Steps to Startup Success: Building from the Ground Up
22:10 Milestones and Breakthroughs: The Early Days of Rescale
30:54 Navigating Challenges: The Role of Cloud Providers in HPC
35:24 The Intersection of HPC and AI Training
37:05 Cloud vs On-Premise: The Cost Debate
39:54 Complexities of HPC in Enterprises
42:27 The Slow Shift to Cloud Adoption
44:34 Optimizing Workloads with Rescale
46:50 Usability Challenges in Enterprise Software
48:32 The Rise of Neo Clouds and Competition
51:18 Speed and Efficiency in AI Training
54:34 AI's Transformative Impact on Engineering
58:54 The Future of AI Surrogates in Design
01:03:28 Agentic AI: The New Paradigm in Engineering
01:14:21 Solving Real Business Problems
01:19:26 The Impact of AI on Engineering
01:22:27 Innovation in Aerospace and Beyond
01:25:19 Cultural Change in Organizations
01:28:34 The Future of AI and Engineering
01:39:09 Advice for Aspiring Founders

Keywords

HPC, cloud computing, startup journey, Rescale, entrepreneurship, AI, technology, innovation, engineering, business, AI, engineering, inference, simulation, automation, digital twin, innovation, aerospace, machine learning, technology