Computational Gas Dynamics Course | IIT Kanpur & Guwahati | NPTEL
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 114 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Thermo Fluids, Propulsion |
| 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 |
Unlock the Secrets of High-Speed Flows: A Deep Dive into Computational Gas Dynamics
The realm of high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and advanced aerospace design is governed by the complex behavior of compressible flows. Understanding and predicting phenomena like shock waves, expansion fans, and supersonic nozzle flows is critical for innovation in these fields. This is where Computational Gas Dynamics (CGD) becomes an indispensable tool, bridging theoretical physics with practical engineering solutions through numerical simulation.
We are excited to present a detailed overview of a premier 12-week postgraduate course designed and delivered by leading experts from the Indian Institutes of Technology. This course offers a structured journey from the fundamental physics of gas dynamics to the implementation of state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques.
Course Overview: Bridging Theory and Computation
This intensive course is meticulously structured into two cohesive parts:
- Part 1: Foundational Gas Dynamics – Establishes a strong physical understanding of compressible flow behavior, covering isentropic relations, shock waves, expansion fans, and nozzle dynamics.
- Part 2: Computational Methods & Implementation – Transitions into the numerical realm, teaching you how to solve the governing equations using shock-capturing schemes, Riemann solvers, and the Finite Volume Method (FVM).
The course culminates in the practical development of solvers capable of simulating classic problems like the shock tube and oblique shock interactions.
Meet Your Distinguished Instructors
The course brings together the expertise of two renowned academics from India's premier institutions.
| Instructor | Affiliation & Credentials | Research & Teaching Expertise |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. Rajesh Ranjan | Assistant Professor, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur. M.E. (IISc), Ph.D. (JNCASR). Former Postdoc at The Ohio State University and researcher at Tata Computational Research Labs. | Computational Fluid Dynamics, Turbomachinery, High-Speed Flows, Unsteady Aerodynamics. Thrice awarded the Director’s Commendation for Outstanding Teaching at IIT Kanpur. |
| Prof. Niranjan Sahoo | Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Guwahati. Ph.D. (Aerospace Engg., IISc). Over 16 years of teaching and research experience. | Broad expertise in Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Combustion, and Propulsion. Supervised 15+ Ph.D. students and published 100+ research papers. Active contributor to NPTEL and virtual labs. |
Who Should Enroll?
- Intended Audience: Undergraduate (final year) and Postgraduate students in Mechanical, Aerospace, and related engineering disciplines.
- Prerequisites: A solid foundation in Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Engineering Mathematics is required to fully grasp the advanced concepts.
- Industry Support: The skills taught are highly valued in leading national and international organizations including HAL, NAL, ISRO, DRDO, Airbus, Boeing, and Tata Motors.
Detailed 12-Week Course Curriculum
Weeks 1-4: Core Physics of Compressible Flows
The course begins with a crucial review of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics principles before diving deep into compressible flow theory.
- Week 1: Governing laws, speed of sound, Mach number, and flow classification.
- Week 2: Steady 1D isentropic flow equations, Area-Mach number relation, and nozzle flows.
- Week 3: In-depth analysis of Normal & Oblique Shock Waves and Prandtl-Meyer Expansion Fans.
- Week 4: Quasi-1D flow analysis with friction (Fanno) and heat addition (Rayleigh), and C-D nozzle dynamics.
Weeks 5-8: Introduction to Numerical Methods
This module builds the mathematical and numerical foundation for computational solutions.
- Week 5: Hyperbolic systems, conservation laws, and the Euler equations.
- Week 6: Basic discretization: Finite Difference methods, upwind schemes, and stability analysis (CFL condition).
- Week 7: Numerical methods for conservation laws (Lax-Friedrichs, Lax-Wendroff) and flux splitting.
- Week 8: The heart of CGD: Riemann Solvers (Exact, Roe, HLLC) and Godunov's method.
Weeks 9-12: Advanced Techniques & Applications
The final segment focuses on robust, high-fidelity solver development and practical application.
- Week 9: Shock-capturing, TVD schemes, and limiters (minmod, van Leer) to prevent numerical oscillations.
- Week 10: The Finite Volume Method (FVM) formulation, MUSCL scheme for higher-order accuracy.
- Week 11: Implementation of critical boundary conditions and development of 1D/2D Euler solvers.
- Week 12: Hands-on applications: shock tube simulation, verification & validation, and an introduction to Navier-Stokes solvers.
Essential Reference Materials
The course curriculum is supported by seminal texts in the field, including:
- Anderson, J.D., Modern Compressible Flow with Historical Perspective
- John, J. & Keith, T., Gas Dynamics
- Laney, C.B., Computational Gas Dynamics
- Toro, E.F., Riemann Solvers and Numerical Methods for Fluid Dynamics
Why This Course is a Must for Aspiring Engineers & Researchers
This course is more than just a series of lectures; it's a comprehensive training program designed to create proficient practitioners of computational gas dynamics. By combining the profound physical insights from Prof. Sahoo with the cutting-edge computational expertise of Prof. Ranjan, the course offers a unique, holistic learning experience. You will not only learn the 'why' behind high-speed flow phenomena but also master the 'how' of simulating them with industry-relevant CFD techniques.
Whether you aim for a career in aerospace R&D, propulsion system design, or academic research, mastering the concepts covered in this 12-week journey will provide you with a significant and powerful skill set. Enroll to step into the forefront of computational thermo-fluid dynamics and propel your technical capabilities to new heights.
Enroll Now →