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151-0207-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-CHAB , D-MAVT , D-ERDW , D-MATH , D-PHYS , D-ITET

Theory and Modeling of Reactive Flows

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Christos Emmanouil Frouzakis

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:12

Abstract

The course first reviews the governing equations and combustion chemistry, setting the ground for the analysis of homogeneous gas-phase mixtures, laminar diffusion and premixed flames. Catalytic combustion and its coupling with homogeneous combustion are dealt in detail, and turbulent combustion modeling approaches are presented. Available numerical codes will be used for modeling.

Objective

Theory of combustion with numerical applications

Content

The analysis of realistic reactive flow systems necessitates the use of detailed computer models that can be constructed starting from first principles i.e. thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, chemical kinetics, and heat and mass transport. In this course, the focus will be on combustion theory and modeling. The reacting flow governing equations and the combustion chemistry are firstly reviewed, setting the ground for the analysis of homogeneous gas-phase mixtures, laminar diffusion and premixed flames. Heterogeneous (catalytic) combustion, an area of increased importance in the last years, will be dealt in detail along with its coupling with homogeneous combustion. Finally, approaches for the modeling of turbulent combustion will be presented. Available numerical codes will be used to compute the above described phenomena. Familiarity with numerical methods for the solution of partial differential equations is expected.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

In addition to the final oral examination, there is one compulsory continuous performance assessment. This will be of the form of completion of 4 to 5 computer exercises of course units/material presented in the lecture, which will be graded and counts for 25% of the final grade.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Theory and Modeling of Reactive Flows	Wed 08:15-10:00 (ML H 41.1) Wed 13:15-14:00 (ML H 41.1)	3 h weekly

Offered In

Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- Additional Electives from the Fields of Specialization (CSE Master) (recognition of 227-0662-00L and 227-0662-10L requires the successful completion of both course units)
Mechanical Engineering Master
- Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
Process Engineering Master
- Core Courses
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Fields of Specialization
  - Fluid Dynamics (One of the course units 151-0208-00L Computational Methods for Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer Problems 151-0212-00L Advanced CFD Methods is compulsory.)
Chemical and Bioengineering Master
- Electives
  - Modeling and Simulation
Energy Science and Technology Master
- Electives (These courses are particularly recommended, other ETH-courses from the field of Energy Science and Technology at large may be chosen in accordance with your tutor.)
  - Energy Flows and Processes
Space Systems Master
- Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
  - Aerospace Engineering
    - Elective Courses Aerospace Engineering (These subjects can only be credited as electives.)