

M-TECH in Fluids Thermal at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati


Kamrup, Assam
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About the Specialization
What is Fluids & Thermal at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Kamrup?
This Fluids & Thermal Engineering program at IIT Guwahati focuses on advanced concepts in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and related computational methods. It addresses the critical need for experts in energy, propulsion, and environmental systems. With India''''s growing industrial and energy sectors, professionals skilled in thermal and fluid sciences are in high demand for innovation and problem-solving.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for mechanical, aerospace, chemical, or manufacturing engineering graduates with a strong analytical background and a valid GATE score, seeking entry into core engineering R&D or design roles. Working professionals looking to specialize in energy systems, HVAC, or computational fluid dynamics for career advancement will also find this program highly beneficial, aligning with India''''s push for advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including R&D in automotive, aerospace, power generation, and oil & gas sectors. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more (INR 20-40+ LPA). The program fosters expertise crucial for leadership roles in thermal system design, energy management, and advanced simulations, aligning with national priorities in energy efficiency and clean technology.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Fluid & Thermal Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to mastering advanced fluid mechanics and heat transfer, along with numerical methods. Form study groups to discuss complex problems and solve textbook exercises rigorously. This foundational understanding is crucial for subsequent advanced courses and research.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL lectures on Advanced Fluid Mechanics/Heat Transfer, Reference textbooks like White (Fluid Mechanics) and Incropera (Heat Transfer), Online problem-solving platforms
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is critical for cracking technical interviews for core engineering roles and for effectively contributing to research projects.
Develop Computational Skills (MATLAB/Python/CFD)- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, actively engage in learning and practicing computational tools like MATLAB or Python for numerical methods and foundational CFD software (e.g., Ansys Fluent, OpenFOAM). Participate in the Numerical Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Lab enthusiastically and explore additional tutorials.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB/Python programming tutorials, Ansys Fluent/OpenFOAM academic versions and tutorials, IITG HPC facilities for advanced simulations
Career Connection
Proficiency in computational tools is a highly sought-after skill in R&D, design, and simulation roles across industries, enhancing employability and project capabilities.
Engage in Departmental Seminars and Workshops- (Semester 1-2)
Attend all departmental seminars, guest lectures, and workshops by faculty and industry experts. This provides exposure to current research trends, industry challenges, and potential research areas. Network with senior students and faculty to understand various research domains.
Tools & Resources
Department of Mechanical Engineering seminar schedule, IITG academic calendar for workshops
Career Connection
Early exposure helps in identifying M.Tech project topics, potential supervisors, and understanding the broader impact of Fluids & Thermal Engineering in industry.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into M.Tech Project Part 1- (Semester 2-3)
Select a challenging and relevant M.Tech project topic, align with a faculty advisor, and conduct a thorough literature review. Focus on defining clear objectives, developing a robust methodology, and initiating preliminary research/simulations. Proactively seek feedback from your advisor.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar for literature review, LaTeX for report writing, Specialized simulation software (e.g., STAR-CCM+, COMSOL)
Career Connection
A strong M.Tech project showcases research aptitude, problem-solving skills, and deep subject knowledge, which are highly valued by R&D companies and for future PhD admissions.
Strategic Elective Selection and Specialization- (Semester 2-3)
Carefully choose elective courses that align with your long-term career goals and project interests. Utilize the flexibility to specialize in areas like combustion, microfluidics, or renewable energy. Actively participate in these specialized courses to build in-depth expertise.
Tools & Resources
Course catalogue with detailed elective descriptions, Faculty consultations for guidance on elective choices
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge gained through electives can differentiate you in specific industry niches and open doors to targeted roles in India''''s energy and manufacturing sectors.
Participate in Technical Competitions/Conferences- (Semester 2-3)
Look for opportunities to participate in national-level technical competitions (e.g., student paper contests, design challenges) or present your preliminary research at conferences. This enhances presentation skills, networking, and exposure to peers and experts outside IITG.
Tools & Resources
IEEE/ASME student chapters, Indian Society for Heat and Mass Transfer (ISHMT) events, IITG research conventions
Career Connection
Such participation builds a strong profile, demonstrates initiative, and provides valuable networking for future job or research opportunities in India and abroad.
Advanced Stage
Excel in M.Tech Project Part 2 & 3 (Thesis Work)- (Semester 3-4)
Intensify efforts on your M.Tech project, focusing on obtaining significant results, rigorous analysis, and effective interpretation. Prioritize high-quality thesis writing, ensuring clarity, logical flow, and academic integrity. Prepare for and practice your final thesis defense (viva-voce).
Tools & Resources
IITG Thesis writing guidelines, Grammarly/similar tools for proofreading, Practice sessions with peers and faculty
Career Connection
A well-executed and articulated M.Tech thesis is your most significant academic achievement, directly impacting placement prospects in R&D and securing strong recommendations for further studies.
Targeted Placement Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Actively prepare for placements by attending career development workshops, mock interviews, and technical aptitude tests. Tailor your resume and cover letter to specific companies in the Fluids & Thermal domain. Leverage the IITG Career Development Cell and alumni network for guidance and referrals.
Tools & Resources
IITG Career Development Cell resources, Online coding/aptitude platforms, LinkedIn for networking with alumni
Career Connection
Proactive and targeted preparation ensures you are competitive for the best placements in leading Indian and multinational companies seeking Fluids & Thermal engineers.
Consider Publication and Patents- (Semester 3-4)
If your M.Tech project yields novel and significant results, work with your advisor to prepare a research paper for publication in a peer-reviewed journal or conference. Explore the possibility of patenting any innovative ideas developed during your research.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission guidelines, IITG Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) cell, Faculty guidance on publication ethics
Career Connection
Publications and patents significantly boost your academic and professional profile, making you a more attractive candidate for advanced R&D roles, research positions, or entrepreneurship within the Indian ecosystem.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, Production, Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent discipline with a valid GATE score. From official IITG admission website.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: Minimum 80 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME601 | Advanced Fluid Mechanics | Core | 6 | Kinematics of Fluid Flow, Integral Relations for Control Volume, Differential Relations for Fluid Particle, Incompressible Inviscid Flow, Viscous Flow, Laminar Flow Theory |
| ME602 | Advanced Heat Transfer | Core | 6 | Conduction Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer, Radiation Heat Transfer, Phase Change Heat Transfer, Heat Exchangers, Heat Transfer Applications |
| ME611 | Numerical Methods in Engineering | Core | 6 | Solution of Linear Algebraic Equations, Solution of Non-linear Algebraic Equations, Eigenvalue Problems, Interpolation and Curve Fitting, Numerical Differentiation and Integration, Numerical Solution of Differential Equations |
| ME603 | Numerical Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Laboratory | Lab | 4 | Introduction to CFD/CHT Software, Grid Generation Techniques, Setting Boundary Conditions, Solving Conduction and Convection Problems, Analysis of Fluid Flow Simulations, Post-processing and Visualization |
| Elective I | Program Elective I | Elective | 6 | Choice from approved list of electives |
| Elective II | Program Elective II | Elective | 6 | Choice from approved list of electives |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME604 | Computational Fluid Dynamics | Core | 6 | Governing Equations of Fluid Flow, Finite Difference Method, Finite Volume Method, Discretization Schemes, Pressure-Velocity Coupling Algorithms, Turbulence Modeling |
| ME605 | Convective Heat Transfer | Core | 6 | Laminar Boundary Layers, Turbulent Boundary Layers, Forced Convection in Internal Flows, Forced Convection in External Flows, Natural Convection, Combined Convection |
| Elective III | Program Elective III | Elective | 6 | Choice from approved list of electives |
| Elective IV | Program Elective IV | Elective | 6 | Choice from approved list of electives |
| ME691 | M. Tech. Project Part 1 | Project | 12 | Literature Review, Problem Formulation, Methodology Development, Preliminary Data Collection/Analysis, Project Proposal Preparation, Oral Presentation and Report Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME692 | M. Tech. Project Part 2 | Project | 24 | Experimental Setup/Simulation Development, Data Acquisition and Processing, Detailed Analysis and Interpretation, Results and Discussion, Interim Report Submission, Mid-term Project Presentation |
| Elective V | Program Elective V | Elective | 6 | Choice from approved list of electives |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME693 | M. Tech. Project Part 3 | Project | 24 | Refinement of Research Work, Thesis Writing and Editing, Comprehensive Data Validation, Conclusion Formulation, Final Thesis Submission, Viva-Voce Examination |
Semester list
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME612 | Heat Exchangers | Elective | 6 | Classification of Heat Exchangers, Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient, Design Methodology, Fouling and Performance Degradation, Compact Heat Exchangers, Evaporators and Condensers |
| ME613 | Combustion Engineering | Elective | 6 | Combustion Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics of Combustion, Premixed and Diffusion Flames, Combustion Technologies, Pollutant Formation, Combustion Diagnostics |
| ME614 | Microfluidics | Elective | 6 | Fundamentals of Microfluidics, Microfabrication Techniques, Microfluidic Devices, Droplet Microfluidics, Biomedical Applications, Microfluidic Pumping and Mixing |
| ME615 | Multi-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer | Elective | 6 | Regimes of Multi-phase Flow, Flow Boiling and Condensation, Two-phase Flow Modeling, Pressure Drop in Two-phase Flow, Heat Transfer in Two-phase Flow, Industrial Applications |
| ME616 | Cryogenic Engineering | Elective | 6 | Properties of Cryogenic Fluids, Refrigeration Cycles, Liquefaction Systems, Cryogenic Heat Transfer, Cryogenic Insulation, Applications in Space and Medical Fields |
| ME617 | Turbomachinery | Elective | 6 | Thermodynamics of Compressible Flow, Euler''''s Turbomachine Equation, Centrifugal Compressors, Axial Flow Compressors, Axial Flow Turbines, Performance Characteristics |
| ME618 | Advanced Thermodynamics | Elective | 6 | First and Second Laws Review, Availability and Irreversibility, Thermodynamic Potentials, Statistical Thermodynamics, Chemical Thermodynamics, Reacting Systems |
| ME619 | Finite Element Method | Elective | 6 | Introduction to FEM, Discretization and Shape Functions, Element Stiffness Matrix, Assembly of Global Stiffness Matrix, Boundary Conditions, Applications in Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow |
| ME620 | Advanced Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration | Elective | 6 | Vapor Compression Systems, Vapor Absorption Systems, Refrigerants and Environmental Impact, Psychrometrics and Air Conditioning Processes, Thermal Comfort, HVAC System Design Principles |
| ME621 | Thermal Hydraulics of Nuclear Reactors | Elective | 6 | Reactor Core Heat Generation, Single-Phase Heat Transfer in Reactors, Two-Phase Flow in Reactors, Boiling Crisis and Post-Dryout Heat Transfer, Thermal Hydraulic Design of Reactors, Safety Aspects |
| ME622 | Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics | Elective | 6 | Classification of Non-Newtonian Fluids, Constitutive Equations, Viscometric Flows, Pipe Flow of Non-Newtonian Fluids, Heat Transfer in Non-Newtonian Fluids, Rheometry and Applications |
| ME623 | Boundary Layer Theory | Elective | 6 | Prandtl''''s Boundary Layer Concept, Laminar Boundary Layers, Turbulent Boundary Layers, Flow Separation, Heat Transfer in Boundary Layers, Approximate Methods |
| ME624 | Viscous Fluid Flow | Elective | 6 | Navier-Stokes Equations, Exact Solutions of Navier-Stokes, Creeping Flow, Lubrication Theory, Stability of Viscous Flow, Turbulence |
| ME625 | Energy Conservation and Waste Heat Recovery | Elective | 6 | Energy Audit and Management, Waste Heat Sources, Heat Recovery Technologies, Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Thermal Energy Storage, Economic Analysis of Energy Projects |
| ME626 | Solar Energy Engineering | Elective | 6 | Solar Radiation Basics, Solar Thermal Collectors, Solar Water Heating Systems, Photovoltaic Systems, Solar Energy Storage, Solar Cooling |
| ME627 | Direct Energy Conversion | Elective | 6 | Thermoelectric Converters, Thermionic Converters, Photovoltaic Converters, Fuel Cells, Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Converters, Energy Storage Systems |
| ME628 | Introduction to Turbomachinery | Elective | 6 | Basic Concepts and Classifications, Dimensional Analysis, Impulse and Reaction Turbines, Centrifugal Pumps and Compressors, Axial Flow Machines, Performance Curves |
| ME629 | Flow Through Porous Media | Elective | 6 | Darcy''''s Law, Permeability and Porosity, Momentum and Energy Equations, Conduction and Convection in Porous Media, Multi-phase Flow, Applications in Geothermal and Filtration |
| ME630 | Gas Dynamics | Elective | 6 | Isentropic Flow, Normal Shocks, Oblique Shocks, Fanno and Rayleigh Flows, Flow with Friction and Heat Transfer, Supersonic Nozzles and Diffusers |
| ME631 | Two Phase Flow | Elective | 6 | Two-Phase Flow Regimes, Conservation Equations, Pressure Drop Models, Heat Transfer Mechanisms, Boiling and Condensation, Modeling and Simulation |
| ME632 | Computational Fluid and Solid Mechanics (CFSM) | Elective | 6 | Finite Element Analysis for Solids, Finite Volume for Fluids, Fluid-Structure Interaction, Coupled Field Problems, Mesh Generation, Practical Software Applications |
| ME633 | Fluid Machinery and Hydraulic Systems | Elective | 6 | Hydraulic Turbines, Pumps and Pumping Systems, Hydraulic Actuators and Valves, Fluid Power Circuits, Control of Hydraulic Systems, Maintenance and Troubleshooting |
| ME634 | Renewable Energy Technologies | Elective | 6 | Solar Energy Systems, Wind Energy Systems, Bioenergy Conversion, Hydropower Systems, Geothermal Energy, Ocean Energy |
| ME635 | Fuel Cell Technology | Elective | 6 | Fuel Cell Principles, Types of Fuel Cells, Fuel Cell Components, Performance Characteristics, Fuel Processing and Management, Applications and Challenges |
| ME636 | Transport Phenomena | Elective | 6 | Momentum Transport (Fluid Flow), Energy Transport (Heat Transfer), Mass Transport (Mass Transfer), Analogies between Transport Phenomena, Shell Balances, Applications in Chemical Engineering |
| ME637 | Bio-Heat and Mass Transfer | Elective | 6 | Thermodynamics of Biological Systems, Heat Transfer in Tissues, Mass Transfer in Biological Fluids, Modeling of Physiological Systems, Biomedical Device Design, Clinical Applications |
| ME638 | Aerodynamics | Elective | 6 | Inviscid Incompressible Flow, Airfoil Theory, Finite Wing Theory, Boundary Layers, Compressible Flow Fundamentals, High-Speed Aerodynamics |
| ME639 | HVAC System Design | Elective | 6 | Thermal Load Calculation, Air Distribution Systems, Duct Design, Piping Design, Refrigeration System Components, Building Management Systems |
| ME674 | Power Plant Engineering | Elective | 6 | Steam Power Plants, Gas Turbine Power Plants, Nuclear Power Plants, Hydroelectric Power Plants, Diesel Power Plants, Environmental Aspects |
| ME675 | Refrigeration and Air Conditioning | Elective | 6 | Vapor Compression Refrigeration, Vapor Absorption Refrigeration, Refrigerants, Psychrometry, Cooling Load Calculations, Air Conditioning Systems |
| ME676 | Internal Combustion Engines | Elective | 6 | Engine Cycles and Performance, Combustion in SI Engines, Combustion in CI Engines, Fuel Systems, Engine Emissions and Control, Alternative Fuels |
| ME677 | Power Electronics for Renewable Energy Systems | Elective | 6 | Power Semiconductor Devices, DC-DC Converters, DC-AC Inverters, Grid Integration of Renewables, Control Strategies, Applications in Solar and Wind Power |
| ME678 | Sustainable Energy Systems | Elective | 6 | Energy Challenges and Sustainability, Renewable Energy Sources, Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage, Policy and Economics of Sustainable Energy, Environmental Impact Assessment |
| ME679 | Energy Storage Systems | Elective | 6 | Mechanical Energy Storage, Electrical Energy Storage, Electrochemical Energy Storage, Thermal Energy Storage, Hydrogen Energy Storage, Hybrid Storage Systems |
| ME680 | Smart Grids | Elective | 6 | Smart Grid Architecture, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Communication Technologies, Distributed Generation Integration, Demand Response, Cybersecurity in Smart Grids |




