NPTEL Course: Heat Transfer & Combustion in Multiphase Systems | Prof. Saptarshi Basu
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 11 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Mechanical Engineering |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 28 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Mastering Complex Flows: An In-Depth Look at the NPTEL Course on Heat Transfer and Combustion in Multiphase Systems
Multiphase systems, where different states of matter like liquid, gas, and solid interact, are the unsung heroes of modern engineering. From the efficient burning of fuel in a jet engine to the precise patterning of materials at the microscale, understanding these complex flows is critical. The National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) offers a pivotal course, Heat Transfer and Combustion in Multiphase Systems, designed to demystify these phenomena. Led by the distinguished Prof. Saptarshi Basu from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, this 8-week program is a deep dive into the science that powers industries.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Saptarshi Basu
The course is guided by the expertise of Prof. Saptarshi Basu, a Pratt and Whitney Chair Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IISc Bangalore. With a rich academic background including a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut and prior teaching experience at the University of Central Florida, Prof. Basu brings a wealth of knowledge. His research spans advanced laser diagnostics, thermo-fluid sciences, bio-fluidics, and even AI applications for analyzing droplet systems. His practical and research-oriented approach ensures the course content is both foundational and cutting-edge.
Who Should Enroll in This Course?
This course is meticulously designed for:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students (BE/ME/MSc/PhD) in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, and Energy Engineering.
- Researchers and practicing engineers in fields like propulsion, energy systems, and materials processing.
- Professionals in industries such as Gas Turbines, Solar Thermal, Micro-nano scale engineering, and Materials Processing.
Course Prerequisites
To fully benefit from this advanced course, a solid understanding of core subjects is recommended:
- Combustion
- Heat Transfer
- Fluid Mechanics
Learners can brush up on these topics through other NPTEL courses like Convective Heat Transfer and Introduction to Fluid Mechanics.
What Will You Learn? A Week-by-Week Breakdown
The 8-week curriculum is structured to build knowledge from fundamental concepts to specific, high-impact applications.
| Week | Topic | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Multiphase Systems | Ubiquity, classifications, and basic concepts of multiphase flows. |
| Week 2 | Fundamentals of Interfacial Heat and Mass Transfer | Physics governing transport at the interface between phases. |
| Week 3 | Governing Equations | Mathematical formulation of conservation laws for multiphase systems. |
| Week 4 | Transport Processes and Interface Phenomena | Detailed analysis of momentum, energy, and mass transfer at interfaces. |
| Week 5 | Heat Transfer and Droplet Vaporization Models | Theory and models describing how isolated droplets vaporize. |
| Week 6 | Transport Phenomena in Vaporizing Droplets | Advanced internal and external flow dynamics in evaporating droplets. |
| Week 7 | Atomization and Sprays | Process of liquid breakup (atomization) and the characteristics of spray systems. |
| Week 8 | Droplet / Spray Combustion and Boiling | Combustion dynamics of single droplets and sprays, alongside fundamentals of boiling heat transfer. |
Why This Course is Essential for Engineers
The applications of multiphase heat transfer and combustion are vast and critical to technological advancement:
- Power Generation & Propulsion: Optimizing combustion in gas turbines (GE, Siemens) and rocket engines (GTRE) for efficiency and lower emissions.
- Renewable Energy: Enhancing design and efficiency in solar thermal power plants and advanced cooling systems.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Controlling processes in materials synthesis, coating, and 3D printing.
- Microfluidics & Biomedical Engineering: Designing lab-on-a-chip devices and understanding respiratory droplet dynamics (highly relevant post-COVID-19).
This course bridges the gap between theoretical principles and these real-world, industry-relevant applications, making it invaluable for career growth in core engineering sectors.
Conclusion
The NPTEL course on Heat Transfer and Combustion in Multiphase Systems is more than just an academic module; it's a gateway to mastering the complex fluid-thermal phenomena that drive innovation across industries. Under the expert guidance of Prof. Saptarshi Basu, participants will gain not only theoretical knowledge but also insights into practical challenges and solutions. Whether you are a student aiming to specialize or a professional seeking to upskill, this 8-week journey will equip you with the tools to analyze, model, and innovate within the fascinating world of multiphase systems.
Ready to decode the science behind the systems that power our world? Enroll in the course today and take the first step towards becoming an expert in this fundamental engineering domain.
Enroll Now →