Review—Basic Research Needs in Fluid Mechanics

Abstract

A small segment of the engineering community was surveyed to obtain their judgment regarding the long-range needs for basic research in fluid mechanics. This segment consisted of approximately 600 persons active in heat transfer and fluid mechanics committees within The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Close to 200 persons responded giving useful information relating to needed research. Of the many topics identified, six generic areas stood out: turbulence; multiphase flows; fluid structure interactions; boundary layer effects; biological, geological, and environmental fluid flow; and the need for new facilities and improved instrumentation. These six areas were summarized and an initial estimate of the research priorities presented to the DOE-ESCOE workshop on Fluid Dynamics and Thermal Processes held at the University of Kentucky on February 1–2, 1979. The priorities were modified and the final results of the workshop included herein.