Advanced Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer Measurement Course | NPTEL | Prof. Saptarshi Basu
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 74 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Minor 1 in Chemical, Propulsion, Energy Systems |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 19 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Mastering the Invisible: A Deep Dive into Advanced Measurement Techniques
In the realms of aerospace, energy, and chemical engineering, understanding the intricate dance of fluids and heat is paramount. For postgraduate students and industry professionals, moving beyond theory to capture precise, real-world data is the key to innovation. The NPTEL course "Advanced Measurement Techniques in Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer", led by the distinguished Prof. Saptarshi Basu of IISc Bangalore, is designed to be the definitive guide for experimentalists in this field.
Course Overview: Bridging Theory and Cutting-Edge Practice
This intensive 12-week postgraduate course is meticulously crafted to transform your understanding of experimental thermo-fluid sciences. It delves beyond textbook principles, focusing on the sophisticated tools that make the invisible—complex flow patterns, temperature gradients, and combustion phenomena—visible and quantifiable.
Intended Audience: M.Tech and PhD students, as well as R&D professionals in industries such as Siemens, GE, NAL, GTRE, and other aerospace, propulsion, and energy systems sectors.
Prerequisites: A foundational knowledge of Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer, along with a basic understanding of undergraduate-level measurements.
Learn from an Expert: Instructor Profile
The course is helmed by Prof. Saptarshi Basu, a Pratt and Whitney Chair Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. With a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut and prior faculty experience at the University of Central Florida, Prof. Basu brings a wealth of academic and research expertise. His research spans multiphase transport, advanced laser diagnostics, combustion, bio-fluidics, and even AI-driven pattern detection in complex fluid systems. His practical experience ensures the course content is both rigorous and relevant to contemporary challenges.
What You Will Learn: Course Modules and Techniques
The course is structured to build from fundamental concepts to advanced applications, culminating in practical lab demonstrations.
Weeks 1-4: Building a Strong Foundation
The first month is dedicated to cementing the core principles essential for advanced diagnostics:
- Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer: Core concepts revisited from an experimental perspective.
- Optics and Lasers: The backbone of most modern measurement techniques.
- Scattering & Spectroscopy: Understanding light-matter interaction for measurement.
- Uncertainty Analysis: Learning to quantify and minimize errors in measurements—a critical skill for any experimentalist.
- Basics of Imaging: Principles of capturing and interpreting visual data.
Weeks 5-9: Core Measurement Techniques
This segment forms the heart of the course, exploring state-of-the-art techniques in detail:
| Week | Key Techniques Covered | Application Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6 | Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) | Quantitative, whole-field velocity measurement in flows. |
| 6-7 | Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) | Measuring species concentration and temperature fields. |
| 7 | Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) | High-precision, in-situ gas temperature and concentration measurement. |
| 8 | Hot-Wire Anemometry (HWA) | High-frequency point measurement of flow velocity. |
| 8-9 | Shadowgraphy & Schlieren Imaging | Visualizing density gradients in transparent media (shock waves, heat convection). |
| 9-10 | IR Thermography | Non-contact surface temperature mapping. |
Weeks 10-12: Application and Demonstration
The course concludes with a strong emphasis on practical knowledge:
- Lab Demonstration Videos: Each discussed technique is accompanied by detailed lab demonstration videos. This provides invaluable insight into the actual hardware setup, operational practicalities, and challenges faced in a real experimental environment.
Essential Reference Materials
To supplement the course lectures, Prof. Basu recommends several authoritative texts:
- Particle Image Velocimetry – A Practical Guide by Raffel et al. (Springer)
- Hot-wire Anemometry by H. H. Bruun (Oxford University Press)
- Schlieren and Shadowgraph Techniques by G.S. Settles (Springer)
- Springer Handbook of Experimental Fluid Mechanics by Tropea, Yarin, & Foss
Industry Relevance and Career Impact
This course is directly relevant for industries engaged in experimental research and development. Mastery of these techniques is crucial in:
- Aerospace & Propulsion: For turbine design, combustion analysis, and aerodynamic testing.
- Energy Systems: In optimizing heat exchangers, boilers, and renewable energy systems.
- Chemical Engineering: For reactor design and process optimization.
- Optics & Instrumentation: For developing next-generation measurement systems.
By completing this course, you will not only understand the theory behind these advanced methods but also gain a practical appreciation for their application, making you a valuable asset in any high-tech R&D environment. Enroll to start visualizing the fundamentals that drive modern engineering.
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