Perspective: Validation—What Does It Mean?

Abstract

Ambiguities, inconsistencies, and recommended interpretations of the commonly cited definition of validation for computational fluid dynamics codes/models are examined. It is shown that the definition-deduction approach is prone to misinterpretation, and that bottom-up descriptions rather than top-down legalistic definitions are to be preferred for science-based engineering and journal policies, though legalistic definitions are necessary for contracts.