Brian Cantwell
Edward C. Wells Professor in the School of Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Emeritus
Aeronautics and Astronautics
Bio
Professor Cantwell's research interests are in the area of turbulent flow. Recent work has centered in three areas: the direct numerical simulation of turbulent shear flows, theoretical studies of the fine-scale structure of turbulence, and experimental measurements of turbulent structure in flames. Experimental studies include the development of particle-tracking methods for measuring velocity fields in unsteady flames and variable density jets. Research in turbulence simulation includes the development of spectral methods for simulating vortex rings, the development of topological methods for interpreting complex fields of data, and simulations of high Reynolds number compressible and incompressible wakes. Theoretical studies include predictions of the asymptotic behavior of drifting vortex pairs and vortex rings and use of group theoretical methods to study the nonlinear dynamics of turbulent fine-scale motions. Current projects include studies of fast-burning fuels for hybrid propulsion and decomposition of nitrous oxide for space propulsion.
Academic Appointments
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Emeritus Faculty, Acad Council, Aeronautics and Astronautics
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Affiliate, Precourt Institute for Energy
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Affiliate, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment
Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations
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Elected Member, National Academy of Engineering (2013 - Present)
Professional Education
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PhD, Caltech (1976)
2023-24 Courses
- Aircraft and Rocket Propulsion
AA 283 (Spr) -
Independent Studies (3)
- Directed Research and Writing in Aero/Astro
AA 190 (Sum) - Independent Study in Aero/Astro
AA 199 (Aut, Win, Sum) - Practical Training
ME 299A (Spr)
- Directed Research and Writing in Aero/Astro
All Publications
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Integral measures of the zero pressure gradient boundary layer over the Reynolds number range 0 <= R-tau < infinity
PHYSICS OF FLUIDS
2021; 33 (8)
View details for DOI 10.1063/5.0061535
View details for Web of Science ID 000694908700001
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Diode Laser Ignition Mechanism for Hybrid Propulsion Systems
AMER INST AERONAUTICS ASTRONAUTICS. 2020: 901–11
View details for DOI 10.2514/1.B37834
View details for Web of Science ID 000595136400014
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Diode Laser Ignition of a Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) and Gaseous Oxygen Hybrid Motor
JOURNAL OF PROPULSION AND POWER
2020; 36 (5): 773–82
View details for DOI 10.2514/1.B37832
View details for Web of Science ID 000569717200013
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Optically Resolved Fuel Regression of a Clear Polymethylmethacrylate Hybrid Rocket Motor
JOURNAL OF PROPULSION AND POWER
2020; 36 (5): 763–72
View details for DOI 10.2514/1.B37805
View details for Web of Science ID 000569717200012
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Hypergolic Ignition of Lithium-Aluminum-Hydride-Doped Paraffin Wax and Nitric Acid
JOURNAL OF PROPULSION AND POWER
2020; 36 (3): 435–45
View details for DOI 10.2514/1.B37425
View details for Web of Science ID 000532248500011
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Experimental Visualization of Hybrid Combustion: Results at Elevated Pressures
JOURNAL OF PROPULSION AND POWER
2020; 36 (1): 33–46
View details for DOI 10.2514/1.B37416
View details for Web of Science ID 000508420500004
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A universal velocity profile for smooth wall pipe flow
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
2019; 878: 834–74
View details for DOI 10.1017/jfm.2019.669
View details for Web of Science ID 000486506900001
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Numerical investigation of the effect of obstacle shape on deflagration to detonation transition in a hydrogen-air mixture
COMBUSTION AND FLAME
2019; 209: 278–90
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.combustflame.2019.07.044
View details for Web of Science ID 000488665500021
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Experimental and numerical methods for radiative wall heat flux predictions in paraffin-based hybrid rocket engines
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. 2019: 304–12
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.actaastro.2018.06.032
View details for Web of Science ID 000463982100031
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Hybrid rocket propulsion systems for outer planet exploration missions
ACTA ASTRONAUTICA
2016; 128: 119-130
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.actaastro.2016.06.036
View details for Web of Science ID 000387625400011
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Symmetries and analytical solutions of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation for a class of optimal controlproblems
OPTIMAL CONTROL APPLICATIONS & METHODS
2016; 37 (4): 749-764
View details for DOI 10.1002/oca.2190
View details for Web of Science ID 000379934600011
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Schlieren and OH* chemiluminescence imaging of combustion in a turbulent boundary layer over a solid fuel
EXPERIMENTS IN FLUIDS
2016; 57 (3)
View details for DOI 10.1007/s00348-016-2124-x
View details for Web of Science ID 000371057000011
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A new boundary layer integral method based on the Universal Velocity Profile
Physics of Fluids
2022
View details for DOI 10.1063/5.0100367
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Similarity solution of fuel mass transfer, port mass flux coupling in hybrid propulsion
JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS
2014; 84 (1): 19-40
View details for DOI 10.1007/s10665-013-9624-y
View details for Web of Science ID 000330955000004
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Nitrogen removal with energy recovery through N2O decomposition
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
2013; 6 (1): 241-248
View details for DOI 10.1039/c2ee22487a
View details for Web of Science ID 000312337700029
- Review and evaluation of models for self-pressurizing propellant tank dynamics 2013
- Hybrid rocket propulsion and in-situ propellant production for future Mars missions 2013
- Mass flow rate and isolation characteristics of injectors for use with self-pressurizing oxidizers in hybrid rockets 2013
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Similarity solution of fuel mass transfer, port mass flux coupling in hybrid propulsion.
Journal of Engineering Mathematics
2013; 84 (1)
View details for DOI 10.1007/s10665-013- 9624-y
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A thermal model for analysis and control of drilling in icy formations on mars
PLANETARY AND SPACE SCIENCE
2012; 73 (1): 214-220
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pss.2012.09.003
View details for Web of Science ID 000314007400029
- Visualization of the liquid layer combustion of paraffin fuel for hybrid rocket applications 2012
- Initial experimental investigations of self-pressurizing propellant dynamics 2012
- Peregrine Hybrid Rocket Motor Ground Test Results 2012
- Effects of injector design and impingement techniques on the atomization of self-pressurizing oxidizers 2012
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Feasibility of a single port Hybrid Propulsion system for a Mars Ascent Vehicle
ACTA ASTRONAUTICA
2011; 69 (11-12): 1066-1072
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.actaastro.2011.07.004
View details for Web of Science ID 000295658000017
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Surface Structure and Reactivity of Rhodium Oxide
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
2011; 115 (22): 11036-11044
View details for DOI 10.1021/jp110998e
View details for Web of Science ID 000291079900016
- High performance hybrid upper stage motor 2011
- Hybrid propulsion for solar system exploration 2011
- Thin film stability of melting solid fuels with application to hybrid propulsion 2011
- A Small-scale planar nitrous oxide monopropellant thruster for “green” propulsion and power generation 2010
- A two-stage single port hybrid propulsion system for a Mars ascent vehicle 2010
- Recent advances In hybrid propulsion. International Journal of Energetic Materials and Chemical Propulsion 2010; 4 (9): 305–326
- Status update report for the Peregrine sounding rocket project: part III 2009
- Recent Advances In Hybrid Propulsion. 2009
- A monopropellant gas generator based on N2O decomposition for “green” propulsion and power applications 2009
- Modeling of N2O decomposition events 2008
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Development of scalable space-time averaged regression rate expressions for hybrid rockets
AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE 41st Joint Propulsion Conference
AMER INST AERONAUT ASTRONAUT. 2007: 737–47
View details for DOI 10.2514/1.19226
View details for Web of Science ID 000248073000014
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Gravity currents in horizontal porous layers: transition from early to late self-similarity
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
2007; 577: 363-383
View details for DOI 10.1017/S0022112007004685
View details for Web of Science ID 000246332900018
- Test Facility Development for the 15,000 lb Thrust Peregrine Hybrid Sounding Rocket 2007
- Nitrous oxide hybrid rocket motor fuel regression rate characterization 2007
- Design and development of a sub-scale nitrous oxide monopropellant gas generator 2007
- Modeling feed system flow physics for self-pressurizing propellants 2007
- Investigation of feed system coupled low frequency combustion instabilities in hybrid rockets 2007
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Modeling of hybrid rocket low frequency instabilities
AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE 39th Joint Propulsion Conference
AMER INST AERONAUT ASTRONAUT. 2005: 1107–16
View details for Web of Science ID 000233502700017
- Development of scaleable space-time averaged regression rate expressions for hybrid rockets 2005
- Design of an orbital hybrid rocket vehicle launched from Canberra air platform 2005
- Evaluation of the homologous series of normal-alkanes as hybrid rocket fuels 2005
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Scale-up tests of high regression rate paraffin-based hybrid rocket fuels
AIAA 41st Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit
AMER INST AERONAUT ASTRONAUT. 2004: 1037–45
View details for Web of Science ID 000225312200010
- Transient modeling of hybrid rocket low frequency instabilities. 2003
- Modeling the slump characteristics of the hydrocarbon-based hybrid rocket fuels. 2003
- Scale-up tests of high regression rate paraffin-based hybrid rocket fuels. 2003
- Development of high-burning-rate hybridrocket- fuel flight demonstrators. 2003
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Combustion of liquefying hybrid propellants: Part 1, general theory
JOURNAL OF PROPULSION AND POWER
2002; 18 (3): 610-620
View details for Web of Science ID 000175595700015
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Combustion of liquefying hybrid propellants: Part 2, stability of liquid films
JOURNAL OF PROPULSION AND POWER
2002; 18 (3): 621-630
View details for Web of Science ID 000175595700016
- Combustion of liquefying hybrid propellants: Part II stability of liquid films. AIAA Journal of Propulsion and Power 2002; 18 (3): 621-630
- Introduction to Symmetry Analysis, Cambridge Texts on Applied Mathematics number 29, Cambridge University Press. The book is 656 pages plus a CD containing symmetry analysis software developed by the author.. 2002
- Combustion of liquefying hybrid propellants: Part I general theory. AIAA Journal of Propulsion and Power 2002; 18 (3): 610-620
- Development and testing of paraffin-based hybrid rocket fuels 2001
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Self-similar, slightly compressible, free vortices
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
2000; 423: 293-315
View details for Web of Science ID 000165454700011
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Elliptic curves and three-dimensional flow patterns
NONLINEAR DYNAMICS
2000; 22 (1): 29-38
View details for Web of Science ID 000087600800004
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Dynamics of a low Reynolds number turbulent boundary layer
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
2000; 404: 87-115
View details for Web of Science ID 000085911300004
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Oscillatory flow states in an enclosed cylinder with a rotating endwall
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
1999; 389: 101-118
View details for Web of Science ID 000081596900005
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Turbulence structures of wall-bounded shear flows found using DNS data
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
1998; 357: 225-247
View details for Web of Science ID 000072746400010
- Turbulent structures of wall-bounded shear flows found using DNS data. Journal of Fluid Mechanics 1998; 357: 225-248
- Correlation of wingtip noise with mean flow parameters 1998
- Pipes and Channels. In the Report of AGARD fluid dynamics panel working group 21 A Selection of Test Cases for the Validation of Large-Eddy Simulations of Turbulent Flows AGARD Advisory Report. 1998: 23–28
- Discriminant-based analysis of the dynamics of turbulent flow 1998
- Discriminant-based analysis of the dynamics of unsteady flow. edited by Ibragimov, N., H., Lottering, E., A. 1998
- Near wall turbulence: A remembrance of Steve Kline. 1998
- Low speed flow studies using the pressure sensitive paint technique. 1997
- Vortical Flow Field Investigation Usingthe Pressure Sensitive Paint Technique at Low Speed 1997
- Direct Numerical Simulation of a Temporally Evolving Incompressible Plane Wake: Effect of Initial Conditions on Evolution and Topology, JIAA-TR 118, 1997
- Reynolds number invariance and the dilation group of turbulence 1997
- On the dynamics of turbulent boundary layers. In Self-sustaining Mechanisms of Wall Turbulence edited by Panton, R., L. Advances in Fluid Mechanics 15, Computational Mechanics Publications. 1997: 1
- Study of turbulent boundary layer structure using the invariants of the velocity gradient tensor. TF Report 70 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University. 1997
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Study of turbulent boundary layer structure using the invariants of the velocity gradient tensor
EXPERIMENTAL THERMAL AND FLUID SCIENCE
1996; 13 (4): 308-317
View details for Web of Science ID A1996VZ02700002
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Topology of fine-scale motions in turbulent channel flow
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
1996; 310: 269-292
View details for Web of Science ID A1996UB75400010
- Study of the velocity gradient tensor in turbulent flow. JIAA-TR 114 1996
- Application of the Pressure Sensitive Paint Technique to Steady and Unsteady Flow, JIAA-TR 115 1996
- Experimental Study of Vortex Breakdown in a Cylindrical, Swirling Flow 1996
- Lagrangian study of velocity gradient tensor dynamics in turbulent flow. edited by Chew, Y., T., Tso, C, .P. 1995
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TOPOLOGICAL VISUALIZATION OF FOCAL STRUCTURES IN FREE SHEAR FLOWS
IUTAM Symposium on Eddy Structure Identification in Free Turbulent Shear Flows
KLUWER ACADEMIC PUBL. 1994: 375–86
View details for Web of Science ID A1994QB64900013
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A STUDY OF THE FINE-SCALE MOTIONS OF INCOMPRESSIBLE TIME-DEVELOPING MIXING LAYERS
Symposium on Turbulence, in honor of the 60th Birthday of William Craig Reynolds
AMER INST PHYSICS. 1994: 871–84
View details for Web of Science ID A1994NA73900017
- The effect of initial conditions on the development of temporally evolving planar three-dimensional incompressible wakes. 1994
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ON THE BEHAVIOR OF VELOCITY-GRADIENT TENSOR INVARIANTS IN DIRECT NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF TURBULENCE
PHYSICS OF FLUIDS A-FLUID DYNAMICS
1993; 5 (8): 2008-2013
View details for Web of Science ID A1993LN70200019
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VORTEX DRIFT .1. DYNAMIC INTERPRETATION
PHYSICS OF FLUIDS A-FLUID DYNAMICS
1993; 5 (6): 1443-1450
View details for Web of Science ID A1993LE35600020
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VORTEX DRIFT .2. THE FLOW POTENTIAL SURROUNDING A DRIFTING VORTICAL REGION
PHYSICS OF FLUIDS A-FLUID DYNAMICS
1993; 5 (6): 1451-1455
View details for Web of Science ID A1993LE35600021
- Vortex drift II: The flow potential surrouding a drifting vortical region. Phys. of Fluids 1993; 6 (5): 1451-1455
- On the behavior of velocity gradient tensor invariants in direct numerical simulations of turbulence. Physics of Fluids A 1993; 8 (5): 2008-2013
- Vortex drift I: Dynamic interpretation. Physics of Fluids A 1993; 6 (5): 1443-1450
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INVESTIGATION OF A COFLOWING BUOYANT JET - EXPERIMENTS ON THE EFFECT OF REYNOLDS-NUMBER AND RICHARDSON-NUMBER
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
1992; 245: 69-90
View details for Web of Science ID A1992KE71800004
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EXACT SOLUTION OF A RESTRICTED EULER EQUATION FOR THE VELOCITY-GRADIENT TENSOR
PHYSICS OF FLUIDS A-FLUID DYNAMICS
1992; 4 (4): 782-793
View details for Web of Science ID A1992HK56500016
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THE GEOMETRY OF TURBULENT FINE SCALE STRUCTURE
11th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference
UNIVERSITY TASMANIA. 1992: 399–402
View details for Web of Science ID A1992BB94T00097
- A study of the fine scale motions of incompressible time-developing mixing layers. 1992
- Investigation of a co-flowing buoyant jet: experiments on the effect of Reynolds number and Richardson number. J. of Fluid Mechanics 1992; 245: 69-90
- The identification and classification of topological structures in free shear flows. 1992
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STABILITY OF LOW-SPEED REACTING FLOWS
PHYSICS OF FLUIDS A-FLUID DYNAMICS
1991; 3 (6): 1533-1543
View details for Web of Science ID A1991FN76700008
- Local topology of small scale motions in turbulent shear flows. 1991
- Stability of low speed reacting flows. Physics of Fluids A 1991; 6 (3): 782 - 793
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THE EFFECT OF MACH NUMBER ON THE STABILITY OF A PLANE SUPERSONIC WAKE
PHYSICS OF FLUIDS A-FLUID DYNAMICS
1990; 2 (6): 984-1004
View details for Web of Science ID A1990DF86000015
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FULL NUMERICAL-SIMULATION OF COFLOWING, AXISYMMETRIC JET DIFFUSION FLAMES
PHYSICS OF FLUIDS A-FLUID DYNAMICS
1990; 2 (5): 720-728
View details for Web of Science ID A1990DB89400010
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A GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF 3-DIMENSIONAL FLOW-FIELDS
PHYSICS OF FLUIDS A-FLUID DYNAMICS
1990; 2 (5): 765-777
View details for Web of Science ID A1990DB89400015
- A general classification of threedimensional flow patterns. Physics of Fluids A 1990; 5 (2): 765-777
- A study of the topology of dissipating motions in direct numerical simulations of time-developing compressible and incompressible mixing layers. 1990
- Self similar diffusion flame. Combustion and Flame 1990; 82: 231-234
- Full numerical simulation of co-flowing, axisymmetric jet diffusion flames. Physics of Fluids A 1990; 5 (2): 720-728
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INVESTIGATION OF AN EXCITED JET DIFFUSION FLAME AT ELEVATED PRESSURE
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
1989; 200: 309-?
View details for Web of Science ID A1989U146300015
- Effects of heat release on the structure and stability of a co-flowing 1989
- Future directions in turbulence research and the role of organized motion: Turbulence at the Crossroads or Whither Turbulence Cornell University, Lecture Notes in Physics, Springer-Verlag March 1989: 97-131
- A general classification of threedimensional flow fields. edited by Moffatt, K. 1989
- Topology of three-dimensional, variable density flows. 1989
- Direct Numerical Simulations of Transition in a Compressible Wake. 1989
- The topology and vorticity dynamics of a three-dimensional plane compressible wake. 1989
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THE DECAY OF A VISCOUS VORTEX PAIR
PHYSICS OF FLUIDS
1988; 31 (11): 3213-3224
View details for Web of Science ID A1988Q834300008
- Numerical simulation of viscous vortex rings using a spectral method. NASA TM 101041 1988
- An investigation of the structure of a laminar non-premixed flame in an unsteady vortical flow. 1988
- Computation of transonic separated wing flows using an Euler/Navier-Stokes zonal approach. Journal of Aircraft 1987; 24 (8): 531-539
- The use of particle tracking to obtain planar velocity measurements in an unsteady laminar diffusion flame. 1987
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VISCOUS STARTING JETS
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
1986; 173: 159-189
View details for Web of Science ID A1986F719500010
- Viscous starting jets. Journal of Fluid Mechanics. 1986
- Transition and mixing in impulsively started jets and vortex rings. NASA Contractor Report 1986
- A full simulation of a vortex ring. 1986
- Visualization of the structure of a pulsed methane-air diffusion flame. Physics of Fluids 1985; 28: 2317-2320
- Transition and mixing in impulsively started jets and vortex rings. edited by Tatsumi, T. 1984
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AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY OF ENTRAINMENT AND TRANSPORT IN THE TURBULENT NEAR WAKE OF A CIRCULAR-CYLINDER
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
1983; 136 (NOV): 321-374
View details for Web of Science ID A1983RY32500016
- An experimental study of entrainment and transport in the turbulent near wake of a circular cylinder. Journal of Fluid Mechanics. 1983; 136: 321-374
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ORGANIZED MOTION IN TURBULENT-FLOW
ANNUAL REVIEW OF FLUID MECHANICS
1981; 13: 457-515
View details for Web of Science ID A1981KY95200019
- Proceedings 1980 - 81 AFOSR-HTTM - Stanford Conference on Complex Turbulent Flows Vol. 1: Objectives, Evaluation of Data, Specifications of Test Cases, Discussion and Position Papers. 1981
- Proceedings 1980 - 81 AFOSR-HTTM - Stanford Conference on Complex Turbulent Flows Vol. III: Comparison of Computation with Experiment, and Computers' Summary Reports. 1981
- Organized motion in turbulent flow. Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics. 1981; 13: 457-515
- Entrainment diagrams for viscous flows. 1981
- Proceedings 1980 -81 AFOSR-HTTM - Stanford Conference on Complex Turbulent Flows Vol. II: Taxonomies, Reporters' Summaries, Evaluation and Conclusions. 1981
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TRANSITION IN THE AXISYMMETRIC JET
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
1981; 104 (MAR): 369-386
View details for Web of Science ID A1981LM16500017
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COHERENT TURBULENT STRUCTURES AS CRITICAL-POINTS IN UNSTEADY-FLOW
ARCHIVES OF MECHANICS
1979; 31 (5): 707-721
View details for Web of Science ID A1979JA06600008
- Coherent turbulent structures as critical points in unsteady flow. Archives of Mechanics (Archiwum Mechaniki Stosowanej) Warsaw Poland 1979; 31 (part 5): 707 - 721
- Structure and Entrainment in the plane of symmetry of a turbulent spot. Journal of Fluid Mechanics. 1978; 87 (part 4): 641-672
- Similarity transformations for the two-dimensional, unsteady, stream function equation. Journal of Fluid Mechanics 1978; 85 (part 2): 257-271