Biological Fluid Dynamics

Biological systems are influenced by fluid mechanics at nearly all spatiotemporal scales. Ongoing research can be broadly categorized as focusing on the function of naturally occurring biological systems; or using biological function to inspire new engineering technologies. Current examples of the former include studies animal swimming and flying; cardiovascular fluid dynamics and hemodynamics; role of Marangoni and capillary forces in organelle transport, eye tear film flows and alveolar dynamics; and biological oceanography. Applications in bioinspired engineering include next-generation wind and wave energy, morphing/active deformable surfaces for flow control, biomimetic soft robotics, and biomedical devices.

Faculty

John O. Dabiri
Centennial Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering

Morteza (Mory) Gharib
Hans W. Liepmann Professor of Aeronautics and Medical Engineering; Booth-Kresa Leadership Chair, Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies; Director, Graduate Aerospace Laboratories; Director, Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies

Soon-Jo Chung
Bren Professor of Control and Dynamical Systems; Jet Propulsion Laboratory Senior Research Scientist

Michael H. Dickinson
Esther M. and Abe M. Zarem Professor of Bioengineering and Aeronautics; Executive Officer for Biology and Biological Engineering