A rocket launching.

Thermo-fluid Sciences

Thermal-fluid sciences deals with the transfer and conversion of energy from nano-scale devices to global-scale systems. Along with this spectrum of scales is a corresponding spectrum of applications including biomedical implants, municipal energy storage, and cryogen-fueled rockets. Along with this spectrum of applications is a spectrum of technology advancement from the most fundamental and basic science measurements to advanced applied systems engineering. The thermal-fluid sciences faculty at WSU are conducting research in nearly every area of this field and partner with leading industries in Washington State and leading scientific labs around the world.

A depiction of airlflow around a formula one vehicle.
Airlflow around a formula one vehicle.

Topics in Thermo-fluid Sciences

  • Microfluids and nanofluidics
  • Transport modeling for thermal, chemical and biological systems
  • Thermophysical property modelling and measurement
  • High-performance marine craft
  • Nanoscale transport phenomena
  • Ground-effect aerodynamics
  • Free-surface hydrodynamics
  • Energy storage dynamics and integration with renewable sources
  • Heat transfer across nanoparticles
  • Micro/Nano-fluidic and bio-fluidics
  • Electrokinetic transport and electrowetting
  • Capillary flows

Faculty in Thermo-fluid Sciences