Fundamentals of Compressible Flow Course | IIT Guwahati NPTEL
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 50 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Mechanical Engineering, Computational Thermo Fluids, Computational Engineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Fundamentals of Compressible Flow: Your Gateway to High-Speed Aerodynamics
For engineers aspiring to design the next generation of high-speed aircraft, rockets, or propulsion systems, a deep understanding of compressible flow is non-negotiable. Often referred to as Gas Dynamics, this field forms the critical bridge between core principles of Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, explaining the unique behavior of fluids traveling at speeds comparable to or exceeding the speed of sound.
We are excited to present a detailed overview of the comprehensive course, "Fundamentals of Compressible Flow," offered by a distinguished expert from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. This 12-week program is meticulously designed to build a robust foundation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and practicing engineers.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Niranjan Sahoo
The course is led by Prof. Niranjan Sahoo, a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Guwahati. With a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Prof. Sahoo brings over 15 years of rich teaching and research experience.
His expertise spans Fluid and Thermal Engineering, with courses taught in Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Combustion, and Aircraft Propulsion. A prolific researcher with over 100 publications and extensive experience guiding PhD scholars, Prof. Sahoo is also a seasoned contributor to the NPTEL platform and national mission projects, ensuring the course content is both academically rigorous and practically relevant.
Course Overview: Why Study Compressible Flow?
This course delves into the fundamental theory governing fluids at high speeds. It answers critical questions: What happens when an object breaks the sound barrier? How do shockwaves form? How are rocket nozzles designed for optimal thrust? The syllabus serves as the backbone for aerodynamic engineers and is essential for research in high-speed vehicle design.
The journey begins with a review of essential fluid and thermodynamic concepts before advancing to the core theories of compressible flow phenomena. The course uniquely integrates theoretical foundations with practical insights into high-speed experimental facilities and measurement diagnostics.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The curriculum is structured to ensure a logical and thorough understanding, building complexity week by week.
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Review Concepts of Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics |
| Week 2 | Wave Propagation in Compressible Medium |
| Week 3 | Quasi-One Dimensional Isentropic Flow |
| Weeks 4-5 | Normal Shock Waves |
| Weeks 6-8 | Oblique Shocks and Expansion Waves |
| Week 9 | Nozzles and Diffusers |
| Week 10 | Compressible Flow with Heat Transfer and Friction |
| Weeks 11-12 | Measurement Diagnostics and Experimental Facilities for Compressible Flow |
Essential Reference Books
To supplement the video lectures and assignments, the course aligns with several authoritative textbooks, enabling deeper study:
- John D. Anderson Jr. (1990): Modern Compressible Flow with Historical Perspective, McGraw-Hill.
- J. John and T. Keith (2010): Gas Dynamics, 3rd Edition, Pearson.
- E. Rathakrishnan (2012): Gas Dynamics, 4th Edition, PHI Learning.
- Robert D. Zucker and Oscar Biblarz (2002): Fundamentals of Gas Dynamics, John Wiley and Sons.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is perfectly suited for:
- Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students in Mechanical, Aerospace, and Chemical Engineering.
- Engineers and Researchers working in domains like propulsion, turbomachinery, automotive aerodynamics, and high-speed fluid systems.
- Academics seeking to strengthen their knowledge base in thermo-fluid sciences.
- Professionals in Computational Thermo-Fluids and Computational Engineering fields.
By the end of this 12-week journey, participants will gain a solid, application-oriented understanding of compressible flow, empowering them to tackle complex challenges in high-speed aerodynamics and propulsion. Enroll today to accelerate your expertise with guidance from an IIT Guwahati expert.
Enroll Now →