Scientific Computing and Fluid Dynamics Lab (SCFDL)

MISSION

To advance the development and application of computational engineering, and to obtain a more in-depth understanding of

physical (fluid flow) phenomena in aerospace-related settings.

ACADEMICS

SCFDL welcomes both graduate and undergraduate researchers. Students interested in joining the lab are encouraged to read the Advising page before contacting the faculty advisor to learn about project availability. Graduate research is typically pursued by aerospace engineering students enrolling in the master's (thesis) program and the doctoral program at UTK. The doctoral research topic is usually chosen in collaboration with the faculty advisor. Undergraduate research is typically pursued by aerospace engineering students in their junior and senior years. The scope of an undergraduate research project can be tailored to the student's interests, course backgrounds, and career goals.

RESEARCH

Our lab performs both basic and applied research projects. A basic research project focuses more on numerical methods and fundamental knowledge for algorithm development. An applied research project focuses more on numerical/physical modeling, software design, and data analysis. Strong background in numerical methods, applied mathematics and physics, and computer programming is essential for the type of research performed in this lab.

Graduate Students

Lab Alumni

M.S. Students 

• Trenton Henderson (2024 NSF-GRFP Fellow), Aerospace Engineering (M.S., 2024) --- Next: Applications Engineer, Tennessee Machine Tool Supply Inc.

• Luc Lipcius, Aerospace Engineering (M.S. Research Project, 2023) --- Next: Operations Engineer, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

B.S. Students

• Aidan Lay, Mechanical Engineering (2023-2025) --- Next: Direct Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (with IGMCS), University of Tennessee, Knoxville

• Jackson Dendy, Aerospace Engineering (2024)

• Thomas Scott (2023 Foster Fellow), Mechanical Engineering (2022-2024) --- Next: Direct Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Austin

• Michael Davis, Mechanical Engineering with Minor in Aerospace Engineering (2023) --- Next: M.Sc. in Race Car Aerodynamics, University of Southampton, UK

• Trenton Henderson, Aerospace Engineering (2020-2022) --- Next: Direct Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (with IGMCS), University of Tennessee, Knoxville

• Even Hals, Aerospace Engineering (2022)

• Noah Jagielski, Aerospace Engineering (2022)

• Colby Warden, Mechanical Engineering (2021)

• Caleb Ross, Aerospace Engineering (2020-2021)

• Makaela Sides, Aerospace Engineering (2020)

Summer Students

• Tor Burwell, University of Colorado Boulder, CO (2025)

• Chayapat Bunterngsook, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (2025)

• Jacob Horn, Fred J. High School, Franklin, TN (2024)

• Ahadu Mengesha, Farragut High School, Knoxville, TN (2024)

• Ava Snowden, Myers Park High School, Charlotte, NC (2024)

• Gabe Renwick, Cleveland High School, Cleveland, TN (2024)

• Michael Sutton, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN (2024)

• Ashley Bancroft, Farragut High School, Knoxville, TN (2023)

• Maushmi Thirumaran, Farragut High School, Knoxville, TN (2023)

Honorary Member