Thermofluids – Dept of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

The Thermofluids Division is part of the Department of Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. The division specializes in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer research, offering advanced expertise in areas like combustion, fluid dynamics, thermal energy systems, turbomachinery, and renewable energy. Their work focuses on both academic and commercial research, providing valuable contributions to the university’s “Energy and the Environment” theme.

The division is equipped with state-of-the-art computational and laboratory facilities, enabling extensive research and development across a wide range of fields. These resources include a large laboratory space (~4000 m²) with high-tech measurement equipment, as well as access to the South African Centre for High Performance Computing’s supercomputer. Their work integrates experimental, numerical, and theoretical methods to address both fundamental and applied challenges in the field.

In addition to research, the Thermofluids Division offers various educational and training opportunities. These include undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, along with specialized short courses, workshops, and internships in thermofluids. The division also provides consulting services, offering access to their engineering expertise and cutting-edge laboratory and computational resources for industry clients seeking assistance with design, simulation, and performance verification.

The division’s efforts align with Stellenbosch University’s Vision 2040, which aims to make the institution Africa’s leading research-intensive university. Their research is published in prestigious international journals and conferences, contributing to the global body of knowledge in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and energy systems.