Momentum Transfer in Fluids Course | IIT Kharagpur Chemical Engineering
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 7 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Chemical Engineering, Minor 3 in Chemical |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Fundamentals of Fluid Flow: A Deep Dive into Momentum Transfer
Fluid mechanics forms the backbone of countless engineering processes, from designing efficient pipelines and chemical reactors to understanding blood flow and aerodynamics. At its core lies the critical concept of momentum transfer—the study of how momentum is exchanged within a fluid and between a fluid and its boundaries. For undergraduate students and practicing professionals in chemical, mechanical, civil, and related engineering disciplines, a solid grasp of this subject is indispensable.
We are excited to present a detailed overview of a comprehensive 12-week course, "Momentum Transfer in Fluids," offered by distinguished professors from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. This course is meticulously designed to build your understanding from the ground up, transforming complex principles into manageable, applicable knowledge.
Meet Your Expert Instructors from IIT Kharagpur
The course is led by two eminent faculty members whose expertise ensures a rich and authoritative learning experience.
Prof. Sunando DasGupta joined the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur in 1994. A renowned expert, his teaching portfolio includes Fluid Mechanics and Transport Phenomena. His research delves into cutting-edge areas like interfacial phenomena, digital microfluidics, and biomicrofluidics. A Fellow of both the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Sciences, India, Prof. DasGupta brings a wealth of academic and research prestige to the course.
Prof. Somenath Ganguly has been a faculty member in Chemical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur since 2007. He specializes in teaching flow and transport processes across various scales and media. His research focuses on porous media and structured fluids, providing practical insights into real-world applications of momentum transfer principles.
Course Overview: Objectives and Audience
ABOUT THE COURSE: The primary objective is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of momentum transfer as applied to fluids. The curriculum starts with basics and progressively covers applications central to Chemical Engineering. It frames fluid flow as a unit operation—akin to heat and mass transfer—making the content accessible and relatable for learners from diverse technical backgrounds.
INTENDED AUDIENCE: This course is ideal for:
- Second-year UG students in Chemical, Petroleum, Environmental, Biomedical, Energy, Mechanical, Civil, and Aeronautical Engineering.
- Students of Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Materials Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering.
- Practicing professionals in the above disciplines seeking to solidify their foundational knowledge.
PREREQUISITES: A foundational understanding of Physics and Mathematics at the first-year undergraduate level is required.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The course is structured to provide a logical and comprehensive journey through momentum transfer. Here’s a week-by-week breakdown:
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Continuum hypothesis, Eulerian/Lagrangian descriptions, Differential mass balance, Forces on fluids, Normal & shear stresses. |
| Week 2 | Fluid statics, pressure distribution, Forces on submerged bodies, Buoyancy, Rigid body motion. |
| Week 3 | Kinematic flow decomposition, Vorticity, Circulation, Euler's equation. |
| Week 4 | Stream function, Potential flow, Complex Velocity Potential, Elemental flows, Stagnation points. |
| Week 5 | Flow in porous media, Reynolds Analogy. |
| Week 6 | System vs. Control Volume approaches, Reynolds Transport Theorem. |
| Week 7 | Differential momentum balance; Derivation and understanding of the Navier-Stokes equation. |
| Week 8 | Unidirectional & Viscous flow, Stokes law, Skin drag & pressure drag. |
| Week 9 | Bernoulli equation applications, Head loss in pipes, Moody diagram, Pumps, Nozzle flow, Flow measurement. |
| Week 10 | Boundary layer theory, Blasius solution, Drag and lift forces. |
| Week 11 | Similitude & Dimensional analysis, Compressible flows, Blowers & compressors. |
| Week 12 | Fluid transportation systems, Pump selection & operation, Introduction to Turbulence. |
Key Learning Outcomes and Industry Relevance
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Apply conservation laws (mass and momentum) using both integral and differential approaches.
- Analyze fluid statics and dynamics problems, including forces on submerged structures.
- Understand and work with the foundational Navier-Stokes equations.
- Solve practical problems related to pipe flow, head loss, and pump selection.
- Comprehend boundary layer concepts and calculate drag/lift forces.
- Appreciate the analogy between momentum transfer and other transport processes.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT: The concepts taught are vital for:
- Core process industries (chemical, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals) for production and maintenance.
- Design, consultancy, and R&D establishments across engineering sectors.
Recommended Textbooks
To supplement the video lectures, the following textbooks are highly recommended:
- Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering by McCabe, Smith, and Harriott (McGraw Hill).
- Introduction to Fluid Mechanics by Fox, Pritchard, and McDonald (Wiley).
- Introduction to Fluid Mechanics & Fluid Machines by Som, Biswas, and Chakraborty (McGraw Hill India).
Why Enroll in This Momentum Transfer Course?
This course is more than just a series of lectures; it's a structured pathway to mastering a fundamental engineering pillar. The teaching methodology, which draws analogies to familiar concepts like electrical fields, makes abstract ideas tangible. With instruction from IIT Kharagpur's finest, a practical application-focused syllabus, and coverage from basic fluid statics to complex turbulence, this course is an invaluable resource for students aiming for academic excellence and professionals looking to reinforce their expertise. Embark on this 12-week journey to demystify the movement of fluids and harness the principles of momentum transfer in your engineering career.
Enroll Now →