This group is directed by Neelesh A. Patankar, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University.

We specialize in fast and efficient algorithms for fully resolved simulation of immersed bodies in fluids. Our techniques are applicable at varying length scales ranging from Brownian systems to high Reynolds number flows. The immersed bodies can be rigid particles or freely swimming/flying bodies. One of our primary thrusts is to apply our simulation techniques to problems in biofluiddynamics. These problems are: understanding the fundamentals of aquatic locomotion and aerial flight, evolution of fish form and function including the development of an artificial evolution computational tool and, neuromechanics of movement.

The second major area of our research includes studying texture induced non-wetting surfaces. This work has attracted global interest through the past decade. There are naturally occurring instances of such surfaces, e.g., lotus leaves, which led to the popular term "lotus effect." There are numerous applications in wide ranging areas such as drag reduction, self-cleaning, heat exchangers, energy conversion, condensation, anti-icing, textile, desalination, etc., that are being explored.

Our work has been supported by NSF and DARPA.