From Student Challenge to Professional Journey: An Intern’s Story at Cadence

At Cadence, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. This is especially true regarding our internship program, where we welcome some of the brightest young minds worldwide. Today, we are thrilled to share the story of one such intern who earned their place through our competitive Student Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Challenge.

Meet Mathieu Boyer

My time at Cadence has been transformative, both professionally and personally. As an intern working on creating a validation manual for the latest Fidelity PBS Solver, I have gained invaluable insights into the world of CFD from a developer's perspective. This blog post captures my journey, challenges, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Daily Routine and Work Process

I’m an early riser, so my day at Cadence typically starts around 8:30 am, and I dive right into the tasks I left off the previous day. My primary responsibility involves building new meshes in Fidelity Pointwise to improve upon existing ones, refining them in crucial areas to capture complex fluid flows more accurately. Once satisfied with a mesh, I export it into a format readable by Fidelity PBS and run the solver.

Post-processing the results is a critical step, and I use Python scripting to automate this process. These scripts generate graphs of various parameters, which I then compare with NASA’s experimental data. Depending on the complexity and issues encountered, I can run five or six different meshes before noon. Lunch is a delightful break where I often enjoy fresh, handmade sushi with my coworkers at the Cadence cafeteria.

The afternoons are spent refining meshes, running solvers, and analyzing results. This iterative process is both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to hone my skills and contribute meaningfully to the project.

Learning Curve and Technical Growth

Coming from a mechanical engineering background, transitioning to using a Linux virtual machine was initially daunting. However, with guidance from a coworker in San Jose, I quickly adapted and mastered the necessary functionalities. This experience broadened my understanding of CFD, particularly from a developer’s viewpoint.

Before this internship, my interaction with CFD codes was limited to a user interface with minimal bugs. At Cadence, I delved deeper into the solver code, understanding its intricacies and the importance of versatility. This knowledge empowered me to use Python scripts for post-processing, streamlining the workflow, and enhancing efficiency.

Broader Perspectives and Insights

My aspiration to apply CFD to innovative engineering projects, such as Formula 1 racecars, rockets, or fluid loops on satellites, remains unchanged. However, my perspective on CFD has evolved significantly. I realized a disconnect often exists between CFD developers and users. Developers possess comprehensive product knowledge, while users often have a surface-level understanding sufficient to meet their needs. My time at Cadence has bridged this gap, transforming me from a mere CFD user to someone with a deeper, more holistic understanding of the field.

Memorable Experiences and Cadence Culture

One standout moment during my internship was Megan Smith’s talk at Cadence Pridefest. Her inspiring words and experiences left a lasting impact on me. Cadence’s commitment to bringing such influential speakers to campus is incredibly motivating.

Additionally, the global recharge days at Cadence were a much-needed respite. Having transitioned directly from the end of the school year to the internship, these breaks helped me recharge and maintain my motivation.

Support and Mentorship

The support from my mentors and colleagues has been instrumental in my success. Initially, I felt lost, but their guidance helped me quickly become productive. Regular one-on-one meetings with my manager provided a platform to discuss progress and address any questions, ensuring I stayed on track.

Advice for Future Interns and CFD Enthusiasts

Extensive research before starting the project is crucial for future participants in the CFD competition. It helped me eliminate certain configurations and make informed decisions. My advice for prospective interns at Cadence is don’t hesitate to seek help. A few hours of guidance at the beginning can significantly impact your productivity and achievements.

Conclusion

My internship at Cadence has been a remarkable journey from a surface-level CFD user to someone with a developer’s perspective. This experience has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to excel in my future endeavors as a CFD engineer. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to apply what I’ve learned wherever I go next.

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