Fluid Mechanics Research | Southwest Research Institute

The Fluids Engineering Department at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) leverages expertise in fluid mechanics to solve real-world challenges for government, industry and academia. Our work spans fundamental research, applied engineering and advanced computational modeling.

Applied Fluid Mechanics R&D From Deep Sea to Deep Space

Fluid Physics for Space Applications: Addressing complex challenges in low gravity, rocket propulsion, and other aerospace systems.
Foams & Complex Fluids: Specialized studies on gas-liquid foams, slurries, non-Newtonian, and multiphase fluids.
Extreme Environments & Thermofluid Systems : Fluids research in high-pressure, high-temperature, cryogenic, or supercritical regimes.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Expertise

Two diagrams of how inhaler is used and how it effects the airway

Pathlines, velocity contours and particle deposition patterns in a pediatric airway model, illustrating airflow and particle transport.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is at the core of our fluids research, enabling us to predict complex flow behavior and improve designs before physical testing. At SwRI, we combine advanced simulations with experimental validation to deliver safer, more efficient, and optimized solutions across industries. Core areas include:

Computational Fluid Particles Dynamics Solutions
Fluids Engineering CFD
Fluids Engineering CFD Services (PDF)
CFD Applications – Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Applications: Modeling and testing fluid-particle interactions in drug delivery, medical devices, and spray systems

Featured Expert

Raouf Tajik, Ph.D.

Research Engineer

Dr. Raouf Tajik is a Research Engineer specializing in advanced thermal-fluid systems, helping clients solve complex challenges in heat transfer, multiphase flow and fluid dynamics across energy and industrial applications. He combines high-fidelity CFD, experimental testing and data-driven modeling to improve system efficiency, optimize designs and accelerate development of innovative technologies, including those influenced by additive manufacturing. With experience spanning leading global research institutions, Dr. Tajik delivers practical, validated solutions that enhance performance and reduce risk in demanding engineering enviroments. Contact

Thermal Management Research

Two staff working at SwRI Large-Scale Heat Exchange Test Facility

The Large-Scale Heat Exchange Test Facility (LS-HXTF) has been configured to provide 5 MW of heating and cooling, simulating actual data center conditions.

SwRI delivers advanced thermal management solutions that help clients improve system performance, efficiency and reliability across energy, aerospace, defense, data centers, and industrial applications. Through unique large-scale testing capabilities and expertise in next-generation cooling technologies, SwRI enables clients to validate designs, reduce risk, and deploy scalable, high-performance systems in mission-critical environments.