Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics research in the Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science department focuses on the following areas:

  • Convection in porous media
  • Magnetic bearings
  • Melting and solidification
  • Natural convection
  • Second law analysis
  • Thermal design by entropy generation minimization
  • Tribology
  • Energy harvesting
  • Two-phase heat transfer

Example research projects include design with constructal theory; optimal distribution of cooling during gas compression; networks of channels for self-healing composite materials; magnetic suspension to the control of vibrations in rotating machinery; nonlinear behavior of a magnetic bearing system; propulsion and power generation at the micro scale; impurity diffusion mechanisms and point defects in silicon and III-V compounds; line defects; precipitation and gettering; kinetic processes of defect evolution; x-ray scattering and electron microscopy; and crystal growth in nano-scale.

Opportunities for Graduate Study

The department offers an M.S./Ph.D. study track in mechanical engineering with a core in thermal fluids with a focus on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and transport phenomena.

The department also offers a program of study towards the Masters of Engineering (M.Eng) in Mechanical Engineering. This 30-credit degree program includes course work towards departmental requirements, an area of specialization, business and management fundamentals, and an internship or applied research experience. Students have the flexibility to focus on topics of thernodynamics, heat transfer, and thermal and fluid systems relevant to preparation for an industrial career.

Thermodynamics Faculty

Adrian Bejan
J. A. Jones Distinguished Professor
Professor Bejan's research covers a wide range of topics in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, convection and porous media. More recently, he developed the constructal law of design in nature.
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Chuan-Hua Chen
Alfred M. Hunt Faculty Scholar and Assistant Professor
Our research deals with experimental and theoretical investigations of small-scale physicochemical hydrodynamics, where transport and interfacial phenomena closely interact with each other. By manipulating surface tension actively and passively, e.g. using electric fields and surface structures, we...
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Nico Hotz
Assistant Professor
My research interests are in the area of interfacial transport phenomena and thermodynamics in energy technology including phenomena at the micro- and nanoscale. Thermodynamics aspects of photovoltaics, novel sustainable energy conversion technologies, and chemical reactions are an essential part...
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Josiah Knight
Associate Professor and Co-director, Energy & Environment Certificate; Associate-Director, Gendell Center
Fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and dynamics
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Xuanhe Zhao
Assistant Professor
Dr Zhao's research is to understand the fundamental mechanics and physics of materials and phenomena emerging on the interface between engineering and biological systems and to design new materials and structures capable of extraordinary functions. He is currently particularly interested in soft...
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