Covered from the vantage point of a user of a commercial flow package‎,‎ Essentials of Computational Fluid Dynamics provides the information needed to competently operate a commercial flow solver‎.‎ This book provides a physical description of fluid flow‎,‎ outlines the strengths and weaknesses of computational fluid dynamics ‎(‎CFD‎)‎‎,‎ presents the basics of the discretization of the equations‎,‎ focuses on the understanding of how the flow physics interact with a typical finite‎-volume discretization‎,‎ and highlights the approximate nature of CFD‎.‎ It emphasizes how the physical concepts ‎(‎mass conservation or momentum balance‎)‎ are reflected in the CFD solutions while minimizing the required mathematical/numerical background‎.‎ In addition‎,‎ it uses cases studies in mechanical/aero and biomedical engineering‎,‎ includes MATLAB and spreadsheet examples‎,‎ codes and exercise questions‎.‎ The book also provides practical demonstrations on core principles and key behaviors and incorporates a wide range of colorful examples of CFD simulations in various fields of engineering‎.‎ In addition‎,‎ this author‎:‎ * Introduces basic discretizations‎,‎ the linear advection equation‎,‎ and forward‎,‎ backward and central differences * Proposes a prototype discretization ‎(‎first‎-order upwind‎)‎ implemented in a spreadsheet/MATLAB example that highlights the diffusive character * Looks at consistency‎,‎ truncation error‎,‎ and order of accuracy * Analyzes the truncation error of the forward‎,‎ backward‎,‎ central differences using simple Taylor analysis * Demonstrates how the of upwinding produces Artificial Viscosity ‎(‎AV‎)‎ and its importance for stability * Explains how to select boundary conditions based on physical considerations * Illustrates these concepts in a number of carefully discussed case studies Essentials of Computational Fluid Dynamics provides a solid introduction to the basic principles of practical CFD and serves as a resource for students in mechanical or aerospace engineering taking a first CFD course as well as practicing professionals needing a brief‎,‎ accessible introduction to CFD‎.‎