Thermal Transport Processes

The Thermal Transport Processes program is a part of the Transport Phenomena cluster, which also includes the Combustion and Fire Systems program, the Fluid Dynamics program, and the Particulate and Multiphase Processes program. This program supports research projects in the field of thermal transport phenomena that either develop new knowledge or combine existing knowledge in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transfer to explore innovative areas in thermal transport processes.

The program looks for transformative projects that have the potential to boost basic understanding, predictability, and application of thermal transport processes. Projects should clearly outline their contributions to the knowledge of thermal transport processes as well as their potential impacts on applications.

The program interests include analytical, experimental, and numerical investigations, focused on understanding, modeling, and predicting thermal phenomena. It also encourages collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals that bring an essential contribution to thermal transport fundamentals.

Priority is given to those that present how thermal transport phenomena affect the existence, behavior, and dynamics of components and systems, and that provide insightful investigations on fundamental problems with relevant economic, environmental, and societal impacts.

The program also welcomes specific areas of interest such as Convection/diffusion/radiation, Thermodynamics, Biological heat and mass transport, Nanothermics, microthermics, and mesothermics, Thermal solutions to climate change, Thermal science and quantum technology interface, and New metrology and artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning methodologies in thermal sciences.

Proposals submitted should comply with their particular program guidelines. For instance, those including chemical kinetics should be submitted to the ENG/CBET Combustion and Fire Systems program, while those dealing with materials synthesis, processing, and characterization should be directed to the ENG/CMMI Advanced Manufacturing program.

Proposers are recommended to communicate with the program director for guidance to avoid their proposals from being returned without review. The usual duration for proposal awards is three years, and budgets typically include support for one graduate student (or equivalent) and up to one month of PI time per year. Innovative proposals are also welcome outside of these specific interest areas.

The program strongly encourages Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) program proposals. It also considers proposals for Conferences, Workshops, Supplements, Rapid Response Research (RAPID), Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), and Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI), provided they meet specific criteria and procedures.

Non-compliance with the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) will result in proposals being returned without review.