Fluid Dynamics Across Scales
ENG-SCI 220
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
This course develops the principles of hydrodynamics from fundamental statistical and continuum viewpoints. Emphasis is placed on scaling laws, similarity solutions, singular behaviors, along with modern applications across the physical and biological sciences, from electron flows to geophysical fluid dynamics, from active matter to combustion and turbulence. Statistical mechanics and hydrodynamic emergence; Boltzmann to Navier-Stokes; Continuum mechanics and constitutive laws; Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions; Euler’s equation, vorticity and Kelvin’s theorem; Navier-Stokes equations and boundary conditions; Stokes flows and lubrication theory; boundary layers, lift, drag, separation; similarity solutions and asymptotics; finite-time singularities; Kolmogorov theory, intermittency, law of the wall; transitions to turbulence, chaos; Instabilities; linear and nonlinear waves; GFD and shallow water theory, tsunamis; stratification, internal waves, convection; hurricanes and atmospheric vortices; viscous electron fluids, Gurzhi effect; MHD, Alfven waves; plasma hydrodynamics, Langmuir waves; combustion; Stefan problems and phase change; low Reynolds number swimming; active matter, nematodynamics, towards ML and data-driven hydrodynamics.
Course Notes
ENG-SCI 220 is also offered as Physics 220. Students may not take both for credit.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
NOTE: This course requires additional sections; you will be prompted to choose secondary components during the Add to Cart process
