Computational Fluid Dynamics—Graduate Certificate | College of Engineering

Online Education for Working Professionals

Simulate the fluid dynamics and heat transfer problems critical to flow studies.

Gain insight into fluid dynamics through numerical simulation.

Go beyond theoretical analysis and experimental measurements with the power of reliable computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and heat transfer (CHT) simulations. Tackle the fluid dynamics scenarios that are ubiquitous in engineering, such as computational fluid dynamics in pharmaceuticals. Incorporate efficiency into complex CFD/CHT problem solving.

Build a foundation in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mathematical modeling, proper selections of numerical schemes, qualitative and quantitative analyses of results, scheme analyses, and associated programming. Master CFD/CHT while acquiring skills in math and physics. Elevate your effectiveness in the use of computational fluid dynamics software.

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How to Apply

3 courses in 3 semesters.

Department	Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Admissions requirement	Acceptance to the Graduate School.
Contact	Wayne Weaver

Length	3 courses in 2-3 semesters
Effort	3 hours per credit per week
Each course	3 credits
Total credits	9
Course type	Online or on-campus
Modality	Watch class recordings on demand
Cost	Based on credits and course type
Already enrolled?	Speak with your advisor

Curriculum

Progress quickly with a compact curriculum. Work with the program advisor to select courses that fit your interests and pre-requisite skills.

Prerequisites

Check your preparation. Here are some of the pre-requisite courses for this certificate.

MEEM 3201 - introductory Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer

Course emphasizes internal flow and modes of heat transfer: control volume analysis of mass, momentum and energy, pipe and duct flow, dimensional analysis, steady and unsteady heat conduction, internal convection and application of boundary conditions, and simple heat exchanger design.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-4-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2201 and MEEM 2911 and MA 3160

Required Courses

Take 6 credits of required courses. MEEM 4210 may be taken instead of MEEM 5215. If so, they are the only 4000-level credits that may be applied to this certificate.

MEEM 4210 - Computational Fluids Engineering

This course introduces students to computational methods used to solve fluid mechanics and thermal transport problems. Computer-based tools are used to solve engineering problems involving fluid mechanics and thermal transport.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3201(C)

MEEM 5215 - Computational Fluids Engineering

This course introduces students into the theoretical and practical aspects of computational methods in fluid mechanics and thermal transport problems. Computer based tools are used to reinforce principles on advanced topics in thermo-fluids science.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering

MEEM 5240 - Comp Fluid Dynamics for Engg

Introduces finite-difference and finite-volume methods used in solving fluid dynamics and heat transfer problems. Covers numerical grid generation, turbulence modeling, and application to some selected problems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering

Electives

Take a 3-credit elective course.

MEEM 4230 - Compressible Flow/Gas Dynamics

Fundamentals of one-dimensional gas dynamics, including flow in nozzles and diffusers, normal shocks, frictional flows, and flows with heat transfer or energy release; introduction to oblique shocks.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3201

MEEM 5210 - Advanced Fluid Mechanics

Develops control volume forms of balance laws governing fluid motion and applies to problems involving rockets, pumps, sprinklers, etc. Derives and studies differential forms of governing equations for incompressible viscous flows. Some analytical solutions are obtained and students are exposed to rationale behind computational solution in conjunction with CFD software demonstration. Also covers qualitative aspects of lift and drag, loss of stability of laminar flows, turbulence, and vortex shedding.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering

MEEM 6245 - Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics

An advanced graduate CDF course based on finite difference/ volume methods. Topics are selected from the following list: numerical grid generation, turbulence modeling, multi-phase flows, chemically reacting flows, lattice Boltzmann method, gas kinetic scheme, molecular dynamics method, Monte Carlo Method, particle-in-cell method, etc.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 5240

Typical Schedule

The minimum completion time is two semesters. Here is a typical schedule.

Fall	Spring
MEEM 5215 MEEM 5210 or MEEM 4230	MEEM 5240

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to the Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts, test scores, or letters needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
GMAT/GRE: Not required
Preferred major: Mechanical Engineering or closely related technical field - Students with degrees in other fields may be required to take preparatory courses

International Students

TOEFL: Recommended Score of 79 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of 6.5

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Certificate Admissions

Prospective Students

Prospective students and non-degree seeking students interested in obtaining a graduate certificate must apply to the certificate program using the online application.
Accelerated certificate options exist for current Michigan Tech undergraduate students in good standing and have achieved at least junior-level standing or recent bachelor’s graduates of Michigan Tech (less than two years).
The number of credits earned prior to admission that can be counted are restricted.

Current Graduate Students

Current Michigan Tech graduate students who are in a degree program do not need to formally apply. Current students must still submit the appropriate degree schedule in order to complete the certificate.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Interested in taking a single, online course? Enroll as a non-degree seeking student.

Upon completion of the Certificate the student should be able to:

Successfully solve engineering problems by using proper commercial CFD packages.
Write and debug CFD programs to solve specific engineering problems.
Independently build a CFD project, perform algorithm analysis and programming, write reports, and give a presentation to judge the results and propose further improvement.

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We set out as the Michigan Mining School in 1885 to train mining engineers to better operate copper mines. Today, more than 60 percent of Michigan Tech students are enrolled in our 17 undergraduate and 29 graduate engineering programs across nine departments. Our students and curriculum embrace the spirit of hard work and fortitude our founders once had. Our online graduate courses are the same, robust classes taken by our doctorate and masters candidates, taught directly by highly regarded faculty, with outstanding support from staff. We invite working professionals to join these courses, bring their own experience and challenges as part of the discussion. Leverage the national reputation of Michigan Tech to advance your career in tech leadership.

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Engineering Salaries

Online Certified Instructors

Meet the online certified instructors. Students have the flexibility to review class recordings later.

Jeffrey Allen

John F. and Joan M. Calder Endowed Professor in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics

jstallen@mtu.edu

Teaching Statement

Dr. Allen teaches in such topics as fluid mechanics, principles of energy conversion, and microfluidics.

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Chunpei Cai

Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

ccai@mtu.edu

Teaching Statement

Dr. Cai is interested in fluid dynamics, aerospace and space engineering, gas dynamics, and electric propulsion.

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Kartik Iyer

Assistant Professor, Physics

kiyer@mtu.edu

Teaching Statement

Dr. Iyer specializes in topics on atmospheric physics, heat transfer and scalar transport.

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L. King

Richard and Elizabeth Henes Endowed Professor (Space Systems), Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

lbking@mtu.edu

Teaching Statement

Dr. King's areas of expertise include space propulsion, plasma physics, and optical fluid diagnostics.

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Seong-Young Lee

Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

sylee@mtu.edu

Teaching Statement

Dr. Lee is interested in turbulent and spray combustion, including high-pressure diesel and gasoline spray and fundamental turbulent flames.

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Amitabh Narain

Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

narain@mtu.edu

Teaching Statement

Dr. Narain has expertise in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and system design.

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Aneet Dharmavaram Narendranath

Teaching Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

dnaneet@mtu.edu

Teaching Experience

Statics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics of materials, MEP-II (fluid dynamics measurements), MEP-III (model based design), introduction to finite element method, advising for senior capstone design, computational fluids engineering.

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Fernando Ponta

Richard and Elizabeth Henes Professor (Wind Energy), Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

flponta@mtu.edu

Teaching Statement

Dr. Ponta's area of expertise is in theoretical and computational continuum mechanics, vortex dynamics, and advanced numerical methods for fluid-structure interaction analysis.

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