Research in Fluid Mechanics for MS

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the prospects of pursuing a master's degree in fluid mechanics and aerospace engineering, particularly focusing on future research opportunities and the potential for entrepreneurship in this field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that there are many unresolved problems in fluid mechanics that could provide research opportunities.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of comfort with advanced partial differential equations and programming for engaging in research, noting that many interesting problems involve developing faster numerical methods.
  • Another participant expresses a desire to be a tech entrepreneur and questions the feasibility of making breakthroughs in fluid mechanics without a strong programming background.
  • There is a suggestion that pursuing a PhD in Mathematics and/or Physics may be necessary for those looking to design new methods for solving equations in fluid mechanics.
  • One participant mentions that a PhD in engineering could also be a viable path for this goal.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for entrepreneurship in fluid mechanics, with one participant arguing that it is more of a fundamental research field than an entrepreneurial one, citing the dominance of established companies in the market.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the viability of entrepreneurship in fluid mechanics, with some suggesting it is unlikely while others explore the possibility of using new mathematical methods. There is no consensus on whether to pursue fluid mechanics or switch to aerospace engineering for a master's degree.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the implications of switching fields or the specific skills necessary for success in fluid mechanics research versus entrepreneurship.

Ritwik Kulkarni
Hi Everyone,

I am currently doing undergraduate program in mechanical engineering. I want to pursue masters after my B.Tech in the field of fluid mechanics and aerospace engineering.I want to know about the prospects of this field in the future research.

Thanks in advance,

Ritwik Kulkarni
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There are many problems of engineering interest yet to be solved in fluid mechanics. You should not have difficulty finding a problem to work on.
 
I would first ask, how comfortable are you with advanced partial differential equations and computer programming? There some interesting problems left to research but these are often concerned with developing faster numerical methods to solve a particular type of problem. As far as the engineering aspect of fluid mechanics is concerned, you would probably just be learning how to use various types of modelling programs like comsol.
 
I am good with partial differential equations but not the programming part. To be honest, I want to be a tech entrepreneur and want to do something breakthrough in this field. How probable is that and how should I continue further ?
 
Ritwik Kulkarni said:
To be honest, I want to be a tech entrepreneur and want to do something breakthrough in this field. How probable is that and how should I continue further ?
If your goal is to design new methods of solving these equations, then you will probably need a PhD in Mathematics and/or Physics to have the proper background. Without this, your chances of making any progress in this field is very low.
 
NFuller said:
If your goal is to design new methods of solving these equations, then you will probably need a PhD in Mathematics and/or Physics to have the proper background. Without this, your chances of making any progress in this field is very low.
You can get a PhD in engineering and do this too.
 
I am still in a catch 22 situation where I am not able to decide whether to continue in the fluid mechanics or switch to aerospace department for doing MS.
 
Moreover, I am not able to see how this can be a tech entrepreneur in this field ?
 
It's more of a fundamental research field/industrial skill than an entrepreneur's field. You could conceivably start a company which uses some new mathematical methods (maybe radically new, such as machine learning) but there are already many top tier companies (e.g. comsol) that have the market cornered.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K