Chemical Engineering Fluid Dynamics & Heat Transfer Course | IIT Kharagpur
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 27 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Chemical Engineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| 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 |
Unlock the Core Principles of Process Engineering: Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer
Fluid flow and heat transfer are the twin pillars upon which countless chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering processes are built. From designing efficient reactors and distillation columns to optimizing heat exchangers and pipeline networks, a deep understanding of these subjects is non-negotiable for any aspiring engineer. This meticulously structured 12-week course, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, provides a rigorous introduction to these fundamental topics, equipping you with the knowledge to analyze and solve real-world engineering challenges.
Course Overview and Learning Objectives
This introductory course is designed to demystify the complex behaviors of fluids and thermal energy. It seamlessly bridges theoretical principles with practical applications, ensuring you not only learn the 'what' but also the 'how' and 'why'. The curriculum is divided into two cohesive modules:
- Fluid Dynamics: Understand the properties of fluids, master conservation laws, analyze laminar and turbulent flows, and delve into boundary layer theory.
- Heat Transfer: Explore the three modes of heat transfer—conduction, convection, and radiation—and learn to apply these concepts to steady-state, transient, and extended surface problems.
The primary objective is to consolidate your understanding of these principles and empower you to apply them synergistically to solve complex, integrated problems commonly encountered in chemical engineering practice.
Learn from Distinguished IIT Kharagpur Faculty
The course is led by two eminent professors whose expertise and teaching excellence bring the subject matter to life.
Prof. Rabibrata Mukherjee
Professor Rabibrata Mukherjee is a renowned expert in soft nano-patterning and thin film instability. With a PhD from IIT Kanpur and extensive research experience, including a tenure as a Scientist at CSIR-CGCRI, he brings a wealth of knowledge in transport phenomena at small scales. An award-winning researcher (CSIR Young Scientist Award, MRSI Medal, SERB-STAR Award) and holder of multiple patents, Prof. Mukherjee is also celebrated as an extremely popular teacher at IIT Kharagpur, known for making complex topics accessible and engaging.
Dr. Arnab Atta
Dr. Arnab Atta, an Associate Professor, specializes in computational modeling of multiphase flow systems. After completing his PhD from IIT Delhi as a National Doctoral Fellow and postdoctoral research at the University of Alberta, Canada, he joined IIT Kharagpur. His research focus on developing computational models provides students with insights into modern simulation techniques used alongside fundamental theory in fluid dynamics and heat transfer analysis.
Who Should Enroll?
- Intended Audience: Undergraduate students in Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering.
- Prerequisites: A foundational knowledge of calculus and mass & energy balances is required to successfully follow the course material.
- Industry Support: This course's curriculum is highly relevant to major process industries including BASF, Tata Chemicals, Reliance Industries, IFFCO, Dr. Reddy’s, Haldia Petrochem, and many others, making it invaluable for career preparation.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to fluid dynamics: Properties of fluids and Kinematics |
| Week 2 | Basic conservation equations: continuity and momentum |
| Week 3 | Exact Solutions |
| Week 4 | Order of Magnitude Analysis and Boundary Layer |
| Week 5 | Boundary Layer Analysis |
| Week 6 | Turbulent Flow, Reynold’s Decomposition |
| Week 7 | Fundamentals of heat transfer: Conduction, Convection, Radiation; Differential equations |
| Week 8 | Steady-state conduction: Cylinders/Spheres, Critical insulation radius, Extended surfaces |
| Week 9 | Transient conduction: Lumped system analysis, Numerical methods |
| Week 10 | Forced convective heat transfer: Fundamentals, Boundary layers, Analogies |
| Week 11 | Natural convection, Overview of boiling and condensation |
| Week 12 | Radiation heat transfer: Introduction, properties, view factor |
Essential Reference Books
To complement the video lectures and assignments, the following textbooks are highly recommended for in-depth study and practice problems:
- Introduction to Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Machines, by Som, Biswas and Chakraborty (McGraw Hill)
- Introduction to Fluid Mechanics by Fox and McDonald's, 10th Edition (Wiley India)
- Fundamentals of Momentum, Heat, and Mass Transfer by Welty, Rorrer, and Foster (John Wiley & Sons)
- Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer by Incropera and Dewitt (John Wiley & Sons)
Build a Strong Foundation for Your Engineering Career
This course is more than just an academic requirement; it's an investment in your core engineering competency. By mastering fluid dynamics and heat transfer, you build the analytical toolkit needed to design, optimize, and troubleshoot processes that are vital to industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals to energy and environmental management. Enroll today to learn from the best and take a significant step toward becoming a proficient and innovative chemical engineer.
Enroll Now →