VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

151-1906-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-PHYS , D-MAVT

Multiphase Flows

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Filippo Coletti
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:36

Abstract

Introduction to fluid flows with multiple interacting phases. The emphasis is on regimes where a dispersed phase is carried by a continuous one: e.g., particles, bubbles and droplets suspended in gas or liquid flows, laminar or turbulent. The flow physics is put in the context of natural, biological, and industrial problems.

Objective

The main learning objectives are: - identify multiphase flow regimes and relevant non-dimensional parameters - distinguish spatio-temporal scales at play for each phase - quantify mutual coupling between different phases - apply fundamental principles in complex real-world flows - combine insight from theory, experiments, and numerics

Content

Single particle and multi-particle dynamics in laminar and turbulent flows; basics of suspension rheology; effects of surface tension on the formation, evolution and motion of bubbles and droplets; free-surface flows and wind-wave interaction; imaging techniques and modeling approaches.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture slides are made available.

Literature

Suggested readings are provided for each topic.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
None

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Multiphase Flows
  • Mon 10:15-13:00 (RZ F 21)
3 h weekly
lecture Multiphase Flows
  • Mon 10:15-13:00 (ML E 12)
3 h weekly

Offered In

  • Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
    • Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2022)
      • Focus Specialization
        • Sustainable Energy and Processes (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Mark Tibbitt In order to achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Sustainable Energy and Processes you need to pass at least 2 core courses (W+) and at least 2 of the elective courses, according to the presentation of the Focus Specialization. If needed, an additional course from the D-MAVT course offerings (151-…) at the 3rd-year Bachelor level can be selected.)
  • 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
  • Physics Master
    • Electives
      • General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
  • Nuclear Engineering Master (MSc Nuclear Engineering is a joint program of EPF Lausanne and ETH Zurich. The first semester takes place in Lausanne. Students therefore have to enroll at EPFL. For more information about the curriculum and courses see: ?)