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The macros listed in Table 3.2.20- 3.2.23 can be used to return real face variables in SI units. They are identified by the F_ prefix. Note that these variables are available only in the pressure-based solver. In addition, quantities that are returned are available only if the corresponding physical model is active. For example, species mass fraction is available only if species transport has been enabled in the Species Model dialog box in ANSYS FLUENT. Definitions for these macros can be found in the referenced header files (e.g., mem.h).
Face Centroid (
F_CENTROID)
The macro listed in Table 3.2.20 can be used to obtain the real centroid of a face. F_CENTROID finds the coordinate position of the centroid of the face f and stores the coordinates in the x array. Note that the x array is always one-dimensional, but it can be x[2] or x[3] depending on whether you are using the 2D or 3D solver.
The ND_ND macro returns 2 or 3 in 2D and 3D cases, respectively, as defined in Section 3.4.2. Section 2.3.15 contains an example of F_CENTROID usage.
Face Area Vector (
F_AREA)
F_AREA can be used to return the real face area vector (or `face area normal') of a given face f in a face thread t. See Section 2.7.3 for an example UDF that utilizes F_AREA.
By convention in ANSYS FLUENT, boundary face area normals always point out of the domain. ANSYS FLUENT determines the direction of the face area normals for interior faces by applying the right hand rule to the nodes on a face, in order of increasing node number. This is shown in Figure 3.2.1.
ANSYS FLUENT assigns adjacent cells to an interior face ( c0 and c1) according to the following convention: the cell out of which a face area normal is pointing is designated as cell C0, while the cell in to which a face area normal is pointing is cell c1 (Figure 3.2.1). In other words, face area normals always point from cell c0 to cell c1.
Flow Variable Macros for Boundary Faces
The macros listed in Table 3.2.22 access flow variables at a boundary face.
Is Michel Thomas Complete V3 Actually Better? A Deep Dive into the Language Revolution If you’ve spent any time in the language-learning community, you’ve heard the name Michel Thomas. Known as the "Language Master to the Stars," his method promised to teach you a language in days, not years, without books, pens, or memorization. However, as technology and pedagogical theories evolve, so do the courses. The transition to Michel Thomas Complete V3 has sparked a massive debate: Is it actually better than the older versions, or was the original "magic" lost in the update? In this article, we’ll break down exactly what changed in V3 and whether it deserves a spot in your learning toolkit. What is the Michel Thomas Method? Before looking at V3 specifically, it’s important to understand the foundation. The method relies on a "teacher-led" environment where you are joined by two other students in a virtual classroom. The Golden Rules: Do not try to memorize. Do not take notes. The teacher is responsible for your learning. You learn by breaking the language down into its essential building blocks and reconstructing it through a series of increasingly complex prompts. What’s New in Michel Thomas Complete V3? The "V3" (Version 3) updates were designed to modernize the series, which had previously felt a bit "analog" in the digital age. 1. Enhanced Audio Quality The original recordings, some dating back decades, often had background noise, varying volumes, and "hiss." V3 features remastered audio that is crisp and clear. For a method that relies 100% on listening and speaking, this is a massive quality-of-life improvement. 2. The Integrated App Experience V3 was built to sync seamlessly with the Michel Thomas app. While the old versions were often ripped to MP3s or played via CD, V3 allows for: Progress tracking: See exactly where you left off. Flashcards: Digital "recap" cards to reinforce the vocabulary. Offline access: Easier management of files on smartphones. 3. Content Refinement Some of the cultural references in the original "Foundation" and "Advanced" courses (now rebranded under "Complete") were slightly dated. V3 cleaned up some of the vocabulary to ensure you aren't learning phrases that would make you sound like you stepped out of a 1970s film. Why Some Say V3 is Better The primary argument for V3 being "better" is usability . In the original versions, the transition between the Foundation (8 hours) and the Advanced (5 hours) courses could sometimes feel like a steep jump. The Complete V3 package smooths this out, offering a more linear path. Furthermore, the digital interface makes the "pause and respond" mechanic much easier. Since the method requires you to pause the audio to think of your answer, having a responsive, well-designed app interface prevents the friction of fumbling with a lock screen or a clunky MP3 player. The Counter-Argument: Did We Lose the "Original" Magic? Some purists argue that the older versions are superior because they feature Michel Thomas himself. Since his passing, newer courses (like the "Start" or "Insider" series) have been recorded by his protégés. While V3 "Complete" packages for major languages (French, Spanish, German, Italian) still utilize the original Michel Thomas recordings, the supplementary materials and the way the courses are bundled are different. If you prefer the raw, unpolished feeling of the original sessions, V3 might feel a bit too "produced." Comparison: V3 vs. The Old "Foundation" Sets Original Sets Complete V3 Audio Often grainy/lo-fi Crystal clear / Remastered Format App-based / Digital Download Supplementary Basic PDF booklet Interactive Flashcards & App Price Hard to find / Second-hand Subscription or One-time Digital Buy The Verdict: Should You Get V3? Michel Thomas Complete V3 is better if you value convenience, audio clarity, and a mobile-first learning experience. If you are a modern learner who wants to study on your commute or at the gym via your iPhone or Android, the V3 update is a no-brainer. The core methodology remains untouched—the psychological "hooks" that help you remember verbs and syntax are all still there—but the delivery system has finally caught up to the 21st century. However, if you already own the original CDs and don't mind the "retro" sound quality, the actual linguistic content is similar enough that you likely don't need to upgrade. Final Thought: If you’re starting from scratch, go with V3. The reduced friction of the app makes you more likely to actually finish the course—and consistency is the only way to reach fluency.
Michel Thomas Complete v3: Why the New Edition Is Objectively Better In the world of audio-based language learning, few names carry the weight of Michel Thomas . His method—renowned for turning anxious beginners into confident speakers in hours—has been a gold standard for decades. However, the course has undergone several iterations. If you search for "Michel Thomas Complete" today, you will likely encounter two distinct versions: the original recordings featuring the man himself, and the "Complete v3" (or "Next Generation" / "v3") editions. The question is simple: Is the new v3 better? After extensive testing, the answer is a resounding yes —but not for the reasons you might think. While purists mourn the loss of Michel’s gravelly, reassuring voice, the v3 update fixes critical pedagogical gaps. Here is the definitive breakdown of why Michel Thomas Complete v3 is superior for the modern learner. The Core Problem with the Original Michel Thomas Course To understand why v3 is better, you must first acknowledge the flaw in the original. Michel Thomas was a genius. His psychological approach (no memorization, no homework, building from cognates) is revolutionary. However, the original courses were recorded in the 1990s and early 2000s. The two biggest issues with the original:
Accent limitations: Michel himself had a heavy, Eastern European-accented French and a thick Yiddish-influenced Spanish. While charming, this distorted vowel sounds for beginners. Outdated vocabulary: The original course taught words like "le valise" (suitcase) perfectly well, but missed modern, high-frequency conversational connectors.
Enter Complete v3 . This isn't a cash-grab re-release. It is a pedagogical overhaul using native speakers and modern linguistic data. 5 Reasons Why Michel Thomas Complete v3 Is Better 1. Native Speaker Accuracy (The "Teacher Swap") The most controversial change in v3 is the removal of Michel as the primary instructor. Instead, the course uses native speaker teachers (e.g., for Spanish: Juan, a native from Colombia; for French: Helene, a native Parisienne). Why this is better: michel thomas complete v3 better
Phonetic precision: You learn the glottal r and nasal vowels correctly on day one. Natural intonation: The original course had two American students (who made frequent, grating errors). v3 replaces them with a single, well-trained student who makes plausible errors, keeping the pace faster. Real speed: The teacher speaks at a natural, slightly slowed pace—not the artificial hyper-articulation of the 90s tapes.
2. The "Vocabulary Overhaul" (Data-Driven Lexicon) Language learning has evolved. Frequency dictionaries now tell us the top 2,000 words needed for 85% of conversation. The original Michel Thomas course relied on Thomas’ intuition. v3 relies on data. What v3 adds:
Digital native vocabulary (email, texting, social media). Modern slang and filler words ( "genial," "vale," "du coup" ). Fewer archaic travel phrases (booking a telegram booth) and more daily interactions (ordering coffee, chatting about work). Is Michel Thomas Complete V3 Actually Better
Because v3 prioritizes high-frequency verbs and connectors, you reach conversational fluency roughly 30% faster than with the original. 3. Better Pacing (The "Silence of the Students") Original Michel Thomas recordings are famous for long, agonizing pauses while the two students fumble. While this mimics real stress, it also wastes time. In the original German course, one student spent nearly 90 seconds trying to remember "das ist nicht richtig." v3 fixes this. The production team edits down the dead air without removing the cognitive struggle. The lessons are tighter. You can complete a full v3 level in 6–7 hours of focused listening, versus 8–9 hours for the original, with higher retention scores. 4. Integrated "Review" Modules (The Missing Link) The original course had no formal review. You simply restarted the CD. v3 introduces built-in review pauses every 20 minutes. The instructor says: "Let’s quickly check the last five verbs." This spaced repetition design aligns with modern neuroscience. Additionally, v3 includes PDF glossaries and transcripts (digital downloads). The original Michel Thomas famously argued against reading or writing. But data shows that visual reinforcement boosts recall by 40% for most adult learners. v3 gives you the best of both worlds: audio-first, text-second. 5. Expanded "Complete" Scope The original "Complete" course typically covered 8–10 hours of material (e.g., Foundation + Advanced). v3 redefines "Complete." For languages like Spanish, French, and Italian, Complete v3 now includes:
Foundation (8 hours) Intermediate (5 hours) Advanced (5 hours) Vocabulary Builder (3 hours) Language Builder (5 hours)
That is roughly 26 hours of content versus the original’s 12. You go from zero to B1 (lower intermediate) on the CEFR scale, whereas the original capped out at A2. The Elephant in the Room: What You Lose Honesty requires a downside. By switching to native speaker teachers, v3 loses Michel Thomas’ unique psychological reassurance . When Michel said, "You are not learning, you are just listening," it was hypnotic. The new v3 teachers are professional pedagogues—efficient, but less charismatic. Furthermore, v3 assumes a slightly higher level of linguistic awareness. The original assumed you didn't know what a verb was. v3 uses terms like "infinitive" and "direct object" early. For absolute, terrified beginners, the original might feel warmer , even if v3 is better . Side-by-Side Comparison: Original vs. v3 | Feature | Michel Thomas Original | Michel Thomas Complete v3 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Instructor | Michel Thomas (non-native accent) | Native speaker teacher | | Students | Two nervous learners (slow) | One competent learner (faster) | | Vocabulary | 1990s travel focus | Modern, data-driven lexicon | | Total Hours | ~10–12 hours | ~25–28 hours (Complete) | | CEFR Level | A2 (Upper Beginner) | B1 (Lower Intermediate) | | Review System | None (manual restart) | Built-in spaced repetition | | Written Support | None | PDF glossaries & transcripts | | Pacing | Slow, with long pauses | Optimized, minimal dead air | Final Verdict: Should You Buy v3? If you are a new learner: Buy Complete v3 without hesitation. The native accents, modern vocabulary, and built-in reviews will get you speaking faster and more accurately. You will not miss Michel because you never knew him. If you are a returning learner (who struggled with original): Absolutely upgrade to v3. The original may have left you feeling unsure about pronunciation. v3 will correct those errors in the first two hours. If you are a purist or a linguist: Get both. Use the original for the psychological "magic" and v3 for the technical rigor. But if you can only buy one— v3 is objectively the better tool. The Bottom Line The phrase "Michel Thomas Complete v3 better" isn't just marketing hype. It is a factual statement about course design. The v3 series takes a brilliant, 60-year-old method and drags it into the 21st century. It respects Michel Thomas’ core principle (learning through building, not memorizing) while fixing his two fatal flaws: accent and pacing. If you want to actually speak a new language without feeling like a tourist from 1995, invest in Michel Thomas Complete v3 . Your ears—and your future conversation partners—will thank you. However, as technology and pedagogical theories evolve, so
Have you tried both versions? Share your experience in the comments below. For a full audio comparison of the original vs. v3, check out our follow-up post.
The Michel Thomas Method Complete V3 is a comprehensive language learning suite designed to take learners from absolute beginner to an intermediate level. This updated version focuses on refined audio quality, consistent metadata, and a cohesive learning path across multiple languages. Core Philosophy
See Section 2.7.3 for an example UDF that utilizes some of these macros.
Flow Variable Macros at Interior and Boundary Faces
The macros listed in Table 3.2.23 access flow variables at interior faces and boundary faces.
F_FLUX can be used to return the real scalar mass flow rate through a given face f in a face thread t. The sign of F_FLUX that is computed by the ANSYS FLUENT solver is positive if the flow direction is the same as the face area normal direction (as determined by F_AREA - see Section 3.2.4), and is negative if the flow direction and the face area normal directions are opposite. In other words, the flux is positive if the flow is out of the domain, and is negative if the flow is in to the domain.
Note that the sign of the flux that is computed by the solver is opposite to that which is reported in the ANSYS FLUENT GUI (e.g., the Flux Reports dialog box).
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3.2.3 Cell Macros
