TheTransport Phenomena(TP)programsupports fundamental research to understand, model, and control the transport of mass, momentum, energy, and species across multiple scales. InnovativeTP researchsupportsadvancesinartificial intelligence;manufacturing;biotechnology;microelectronics;energy generation, extraction, andutilization;nuclearenergy;quantum science and engineering;and othernational priorities.
TPprojectsinvolve experiments, theory, and/or computational modeling. They aimtoimproveunderstanding and tocreate novelanalytical techniques. Whileprojectsfocus on fundamental principles, they alsohavea clear visionof how research outcomes willbenefitapplicationsinengineering.
TPsupports researchon thedynamics of single- and multiphase systems.Specialinterests includeflow separation, transition to turbulence, drag reduction, cavitation, instabilities, and reactive flows.The program encouragesresearch on the connection between dynamicsat themicroscaleand material and flow propertiesat themacroscale. Fluids of interest include liquids, gases, suspensions,emulsions,granular materials, active fluids, biological fluids, colloids, aerosols, bubbles and drops, and fluids with surfactants.
TP supportsresearch on physicochemical phenomena attheinterfacesbetween fluids and between fluids and solids.These phenomena includeadsorption and desorption of nanoparticles and surfactants;bulk and interfacial rheology;wetting and capillarity phenomena;electrokinetics;flow in porous media;and directedand self-assembly of particles.
TPsupports research onthermodynamics andthermal transport involving conduction, diffusion, convection, phase transition, and radiation. Research may beacross scales, incomplex structures and at interfaces,in microelectronic devices,and in biological systems.Projectsinvolving phonon transportandquantum thermal phenomenaarewelcome.
TPencourages proposals focused on combustion of gas,liquidand solid fuels. Combustion topicsof interestincludechemical kinetic modeling, turbulence-chemistry interactions, detonations, plasmaassistedreacting flows, sustainable fuels,mechanismsforpollutant control, and in-situ diagnostic methods.The program also supports researchonwildland fire behaviorthat aims toprevent wildfire spread, inhibit its growth,and/orpredict andmitigatefires at the wildland-urban interface.
Partnerships:Tospeeddiscovery and innovation, NSF partners with federal agencies, industry, internationalgroups, and others. Current opportunities are atNSF ENG Partnerships.