#ABOUT
 Year 2 in Vienna;

Computational Fluid Dynamics in Industry

The specialisation track “Computational fluid dynamics in industry” will be offered at the Institute for Analysis and Scientific Computing at TUW in collaboration with the Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer and the Institute for Microelectronics at the same University. The reference group includes world-leading experts in PDE modelling in fluid dynamics, reaction-diffusion systems and semiconductor devices such as Anton Arnold and Ansgar Juengel.

The core course “Computational fluid dynamics” (CFD) is taught by Prof. Manual Garcia Villalba Navaridas. It covers state-of-the-art numerical methods for the (in)compressible Navier-Stokes equations along with the treatment of complex geometries and turbulence modelling. Prof. Manual Garcia Villalba Navaridas is also in charge of the course CFD-codes and turbulent flows jointly with Prof. Herbert Steinrueck.

The course “Continuum and kinetic modelling with PDEs” is taught by Prof. Anton Arnold, local InterMaths coordinator. It covers a wide range of application of classical and modern PDE models to fluid dynamics. The course “Continuum models in semiconductor theory” provides an introduction to semiconductor physics and devices and an additional part on theory, modelling and simulation of MEMS & NEMS. The course Numerical simulations and scientific computing taught by Josef Weinbub provides advanced methodologies in numerical simulations needed in this track.

Students in this specialization branch will have the chance to spend their thesis period in private industries in the semiconductor devices sector such as Infineon or in the software company CERBSim. Moreover, they will have the chance to collaborate with researchers in mathematical modelling from IST Austria.

September 2025

September 2025

September 2026

🎓 Graduation

#Year 2 in Vienna EMJMD InterMaths Study Track

Computational Fluid Dynamics in Industry;

Campus

Vienna University of Technology

Year

2

Semester

1

ECTS Credits

30

Language

English

ECTS Credits: 6   |   Semester: 1   |   Year: 2   |   Campus: Vienna University of Technology   |   Language: English

Unit Coordinator: Herbert Steinrück

Pre-requisites:

  • Partial differential equations,
  • Fluid mechanics,
  • Numerical methods for fluid mechanics

Reading list:

  • Lecture notes,   
  • P. G. Drazin, Introduction to Hydrodynamic Stability, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (2002)  
  • S. Chandrasekhar, Hydrodynamic and Hydromagnetic Stability, Oxford University Press (1961) P. G. Drazin, Introduction to Hydrodynamic Stability, Cambridge University Press (2002) 

ECTS Credits: 7   |   Semester: 1   |   Year: 2   |   Campus: Vienna University of Technology   |   Language: English

Unit Coordinator: Ulrich Schmid

Aims:

  •  Introduction to semiconductor physics and devices 360.241

Students will be able to have a basic understanding of the underlying physics involved in the operation of semiconductor devices and will have a consistent base level of comfort and familiarity with the topic before they move to more advanced courses. The primary focus of the course will be on the development of physics and concepts, however a basic introduction to the application of simulation and numerical calculation within the field of semiconductor devices will also be partially covered.

  • Theory, modelling and simulation of MEMS & NEMS:
  • Model the mechanical behavior of MEMS/NEMS by continuum mechanics.
  • State and test the underlying assumptions of the theory of linear elasticity.
  • Describe the interaction between MEMS/NEMS and fluids.
  • Model the piezoelectric effect.
  • Calculate the eigenmodes and eigenfrequencies of selected structures.
  • Derive the differences between macroscopic and microscopic systems
  • Predict the dynamics of resonators.
  • Derive the basic theory of the method of finite elements.
  • Explain the working principle of reference oscillators, mass und fluid sensors.
  • Discuss novel concepts like phononic crystals and quantum MEMS/NEMS.
  • Understand technical subject-specific technical terminology and critically evaluate relevant scientific publications.
  • Use open source software for eigenmode analysis.

Content:

  • Introduction to semiconductor physics and devices:

In this course we will learn how the quantum mechanics of solids and transport has been harnessed to build the Digital Age. We will explore the physics of semiconductors and semiconductor devices and the role they play in modern technology. We will also lay the ground-work for more advanced discussions of how computational techniques and simulation can be used to push knowledge in this field forward to new horizons.

* Basic Structure of Crystals and Solids, Quantum Mechanics of Solids, Physics of Semiconductors, Transport in Semiconductors, PN junction, PN diode, PN Junctions and Modern Technology (LEDs, Photovoltaics, etc.), MOS transistor, MOS capacitor, MOSFETs and Modern Technology (VLSI, IGFET Sensors, etc.), Metal/semiconductor interfaces, Heterostructures and Modern Technology (Schottky Diodes, 2D-FETs, etc.)

  • Theory, modelling and simulation of MEMS & NEMS:

The design of micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) is a highly interdisciplinary field which reflects in the variety of topics of this course. Starting from an introduction to continuum mechanics and piezoelectricity we investigate different aspects of the mechanics of basic MEMS/NEMS structures like membranes and beams. By understanding the interaction of MEMS/NEMS with their environment, we are able to understand the outstanding performance of MEMS/NEMS sensors for mass and fluid sensing. Another important aspect for the modelling of MEMS/NEMS is the representation of MEMS/NEMS with discrete lumped element models and we discuss the most important discrete models. For quantitative predictions often numerical methods need to be employed for which the FEM is the most known. We discuss the fundamental theory of the FEM and its limitations. Using the above theory, we study example applications like reference oscillators or fluid sensors. Additionally, we take a look at novel concepts like phononic crystals or quantum MEMS/NEMS. 

Pre-requisites:

  • Some basic exposure to the concepts and equations in the physics of electromagnetism;
  • (Vector) calculus,
  • Differential equations especially. 

Reading list:

Lecture notes 

#Final Semester Dissertation;

The thesis topic can be proposed by the track coordinator or by the student. In any case, the local coordinator has the responsibility to provide an advisor. The student’s taste and expectations are met whenever possible. The student must write a short thesis project, with the help of her/his advisor, to be submitted to the Executive Committee, which has to approve the thesis project before its formal start. The thesis topic will preferably deal with a problem proposed by a private company, if possible chosen among the Consortium Industrial Partners.

The final master’s degree examination, while respecting the local regulations, will consist as a general rule in two parts: an oral examination on the topic of the thesis, and the defense of the thesis.

In this examination the candidate will be required to demonstrate good knowledge of his/her specialization track and a capability for working independently and solving problems on experimental, numerical, technological, design or modelling applications. The semester may include an internship within a collaborating company or institution. In this case, a tutor from the involved partner and an academic supervisor will be appointed.

Students who have satisfied all the requirements of the degree programme will be awarded a Joint Master Degree in Interdisciplinary Mathematics by the Universities where the student has spent at least one semester

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#Consortium InterMaths EMJMD;

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