From supercomputers of the 1980s to today’s digital twins, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has transformed how we understand and design the world around us. In Prof Mahesh Panchagnula's Podcast's recent episode, Prof. S. Balachandar, University of Florida, traces this remarkable journey—exploring the Navier–Stokes equations at the heart of CFD, the rise of simulations as indispensable design tools, and their power to tackle the “impossible experiments” of nature, from volcanic eruptions to dust storms. He emphasises that CFD is more than just high-fidelity simulations—it’s about asking the right questions, balancing detail with purpose, and delivering useful, actionable predictions. From industrial applications in oil, gas, and aerodynamics to cutting-edge roles in medicine and climate science, CFD connects scales as small as blood flow to as vast as the atmosphere. Prof. Bala also shares how digital twins and hybrid physics-AI models are shaping the future, why turbulence remains a grand scientific challenge, and why validation and scepticism are essential for trustworthy predictions. For aspiring engineers, he highlights the multidisciplinary nature of simulation and the importance of mastering fundamentals while exploring modern tools and pathways. A deep dive into the evolution, applications, and future of CFD. Watch the full episode here: youtube.com/watch?v=XGQQBZF-…. @iitmadras #ComputationalFluidDynamics #DigitalTwins #EngineeringInnovation #IITMadras