Track: Physics for Fluids Engineering

The Physics for Fluids Engineering track focuses on continuum and molecular phenomena and processes over a wide range of time and length scales in their mutual dependence. This includes the interplay between chemical reactions, turbulent eddies, bubbles, flow and convective transport of industrial plants, and also ranges from blood flow to climate models. 

Thesis project
You will carry out your Master’s thesis project in the department of Chemical Engineering, the Fluid Mechanics or Multiphase Systems sections, the Clouds and Climate (Wind and Turbulence) group or in Reactor Physics.

If you wish to graduate in the Physics for Fluids Engineering track, you can choose between projects in the following areas: computational reactor engineering, multiphase flows, thermal & materials processes, reactive flows & explosions, and clouds, climate & air quality. The great potential of a wide variety of computer simulations (computational fluid dynamics, large-eddy and direct numerical simulation, Lattice-Boltzmann simulations, Monte-Carlo techniques) makes it possible to simulate fundamental flow phenomena and also most aspects of industrial and environmental processes in great detail and very close to reality. Advanced measuring techniques allow us to delve deep into the details of the flow and transport phenomena that occur in process equipment, and to analyse their mutual relations and their impact on physical and chemical processes. Environmental issues, including cloud dynamics and cloud microphysics, as well as atmospheric dispersion (fine dust) in urban areas, are studied to improve computational and climate/weather models. A detailed understanding of the underlying principles leads to a better control of various processes, producing better products in a cleaner, safer and more efficient way.

Course modules
For students in the Physics for Fluids Engineering track, it is important to acquire sufficient knowledge of the physics of fluid flow and turbulence. It is therefore strongly advised that, prior to starting your thesis project, you should take the following modules: Continuum Physics (AP3032), and at least two modules from Advanced Physical Transport Phenomena (AP3171) or Applied Physical Transport Phenomena (CH3053), Applied Multiphase Flow (AP3181), Turbulence (ME45031) and Advanced Fluid Dynamics (ME45041).
Regardless of the track, the Applied Physics programme also includes mandatory mathematics and ethics modules, and a choice of general advanced physics modules.

The programme and all modules are described in detail in the study guide.