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Fluid Dynamics

Agency: U.S. National Science Foundation

Assistance Listings: 47.041 -- Engineering

Last Updated: May 13, 2026

Description

TheFluid Dynamicsprogram is part of the Transport Phenomena cluster, which also includes 1) theCombustion and Fire Systemsprogram; 2) theParticulate and Multiphase Processesprogram; and 3) theThermal Transport Processesprogram. The Fluid Dynamics program supports fundamental research toward gaining an understanding of the physics of various fluid dynamics phenomena. Proposed research should contribute to basic scientific understanding via experiments, theoretical developments, and computational discovery. Major areas of interest and activity in the program include:
  • Turbulence and transition: High Reynolds number experiments; large eddy simulation; direct numerical simulation; transition to turbulence; 3-D boundary layers; separated flows; multi-phase turbulent flows; flow control and drag reduction. A new area of emphasis is high speed boundary layer transition and turbulence; the focus would be for flows at Mach numbers greater than 5 to understand cross-mode interactions leading to boundary layer transition and the ensuing developing and fully developed turbulent boundary layer flows.Combined experiments and simulations are encouraged.
  • Bio-fluid physics:Bio-inspired flows; biological flows with emphasis on flow physics.
  • Non-Newtonian fluid mechanics: Viscoelastic flows; solutions of macro-molecules.
  • Microfluidics and nanofluidics: Micro-and nano-scale flow physics.
  • Wind and ocean energy harvesting: Focused on fundamental fluid dynamics associated with renewal energy.
  • Fluid-structure interactions:NSF interests are in general FSI applications across the low- to high-Reynolds number range. In addition an NSF-AFOSR (Air Force Office of Scientific Research) joint funding area is the theory, modeling and/or experiments for hypersonic applications. Proposals will be jointly reviewed by NSF and AFOSR using the NSF merit review process. Actual funding format and agency split for an award (depending on availability of funds) will be determined after the proposal selection process. The AFOSR program that participates in this initiative istheAerothermodynamics program(program officer: Dr. Sarah Popkin).
  • Canonicalconfigurations:Experimental research is encouraged to develop spatiotemporally resolveddatabases for canonical configurations to either confirm historicalresults or to provide data in an unexplored parameter region. Fidelity and completeness for theoretical/computational validation are key attributes of theproposed experimental data.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning:Innovative AI ideas related to the use of machine learning and other AI approaches in fluid dynamics research to model and control the flows are encouraged.Verifying new models with canonical configurations, when appropriate, is encouraged for theComputational andData-Enabled Science & Engineering(CDS&E) program.
  • Instrumentation and Flow Diagnostics: Instrument development for time-space resolvedmeasurements; shear stress sensors; novel flow imaging; and velocimetry.
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Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Miscellaneous

  • Unrestricted

Additional information

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Grantor contact information

Description

NSF grants.gov support grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

Email

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grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

Documents

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Link to additional information

NSF Program Desccription PD-21-1443

Archived: June 7, 2025

Application process

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Award

$9,175,000

Program Funding

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Expected awards

$--

Award Minimum

$--

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

PD-21-1443

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

No

Funding instrument type:

Grant

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

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Category of Funding Activity:

Science technology and other research and development

Category Explanation:

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History

Version:

1

Posted date:

June 6, 2025

Archive date:

June 7, 2025

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