Fluid Mechanics Unit

drawing of big wave in the ocean

The Fluid Mechanics Unit studies how substances flow, be it the turbulent churning of typhoons or oil streaming through a pipeline. The unit meticulously analyzes motion through soap films and pipes to learn crucial details of how energy disperses in two and three dimensions. Modeling these phenomena can help predict motion, enhance our response to adverse weather conditions, and improve the management of oil-pipeline networks.

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Photo of Pinaki Chakraborty

Pinaki Chakraborty

Fluid Mechanics Unit

Research Specialties

Engineering and applied sciences

Fluid dynamics

Mechanics

Unit News

Research Update

Diamonds in the sky

The concepts behind the arrangement of sand and sugar can explain the diamond shape of two asteroids spinning millions of miles away.

Research Update

Scientists expose the cold heart of landfalling hurricanes

Using simulations, researchers uncover a key clue as to whether hurricanes will decay or re-intensify after hitting land.

Research Update

Climate change causes landfalling hurricanes to stay stronger for longer

Warming oceans means hurricanes weaken more slowly and inflict more destruction farther inland, new study shows

Research Update

Going with the Flow: New Insights into Mysterious Fluid Motions

Scientists gain a deeper understanding of turbulent and transitional pipe flows.

Continuum Physics & Fluid Mechanics Units in the News

Research Update

Space Detectives! Sandbox Craters Reveal Secrets of Planetary Splash Marks and Lost Meteorites

OIST researchers inspired by school science to crack the conundrum of planetary craters.

Research Specialties

Engineering and applied sciences

Fluid dynamics

Mechanics

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