Professors: prof.dr.ir. F.T.M. Nieuwstadt, prof.dr.R.V.A. Oliemans, prof.dr.ir. B.H.A.A. van den Brule.

The research programme of the fluid mechanics group is aimed at the investigation of phenomena in fluid flow of practical importance. Examples of research topics are: drag reduction by making small grooves on surfaces or by adding small amounts of polymers to the flow, the separation of water drops from oil and the transport of two phases (gas/liquid) in pipelines. The research can often be characterized as "basic research". That means that one does not consider just how phenomena happen but also why. Besides experimental and numerical work also theoretical work is done.

Research and "afstuderen" (graduation)

The research of the fluid mechanics group is built around three main themes

turbulence
rheology
multiphase flow

Turbulence is the study of fluctuating and chaotic behaviour of fluid flows. This phenomenon plays an important role in transfer- and mixing processes. An example is the dispersion of a chimney plume. Rheology considers flow processes and phenomena in non-Newtonian fluids, such as fluids that have viscous as well as elastic behaviour. Examples are the extrusion of polymers during the manifacturing of plastic products. In the theme multiphase flow phenomena are studied which occur in fluids that consists of different phases, such as gas-liquid, solid-liquid where several flow patterns can occur. Examples can be found in oil- and gas industrie.

According to their preference, students can make a choice, within each of the three themes, out of experimental, numerical or theoretical work. The project will often be connected to the research of a Ph.D. student. When a student is interested in another subject, a new graduation project can be formulated. Also research work in the industry or in a research institute is possible.

Fluid mechanics phenomena occur in many application areas. For this reason there are a large number of possibilities for students who graduate to find work in the industry, research institutes or engineering firms.

More information and a folder with descriptions of current research topics in the group fluid mechanics and examples of graduation projects for students can be obtained at "Panta Rhei", Room 110, Laboratory of Aero- and Hydrodynamics, Rotterdamseweg 145, tel. 015-2782991.

For a detailed description of all the requirements regarding courses needed for graduation in the fluid mechanics group, we refer to the study guide which can be obtained at the secretary of the Fluid Mechanics Section in the Laboratory for Aero- & Hydrodynamics, Rotterdamseweg 145, Delft.