Dr. Bram Van Leer

Professor

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Biography

Bram van Leer is an astrophysicist known for his contributions to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). His seminal work includes a five-part article series titled 'Towards Ultimate Conservative Difference Scheme' published between 1972 and 1979, where he extended Godunov’s finite-volume scheme to higher orders (MUSCL) and developed innovative methods such as nonoscillatory interpolation using limiters and approximate Riemann solvers. Joining the University of Michigan’s Aerospace Engineering Department in 1986, van Leer focused on convergence acceleration methods, local preconditioning, and multigrid relaxation techniques for solving Euler and Navier-Stokes problems, along with unsteady adaptive grids and space-environment modeling. Over his extensive career, he worked on various interdisciplinary projects, making significant impacts on fields such as weapons research, aeronautics, atmospheric modeling, and automotive engine modeling. Though he retired in 2012, he continues to publish in the field, contributing to the advancement of CFD technology across a wide range of applications.

Research Interests

Awards

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C.J. Kok Prize

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Honorary Doctorate

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Group Achievement Award

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Department of Aerospace Engineering Research Award

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Public Service Group Achievement Award

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Fellow

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College of Engineering Research Award

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Computational Mechanics Prize

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Department of Aerospace Engineering Service Award

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Senior Fellow

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Arthur B. Modine Endowed Professorship

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American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Fluid Dynamics Award

Requirements for University of Michigan

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Total
Required:84
GRE General
Verbal
Required:155
Verbal Percentile
Required:50
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:50
Analytical Writing
Required:3.6
Writing Percentile
Required:50
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree in engineering, physics, or mathematics Calculus Physics
Application Checklist
  • Rackham Graduate School Application
  • Official Transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science