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Professor Dr. Tim Colonius

Professor

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Biography

Professor Colonius studies complex, multiscale flow phenomena control using theory, numerical experiments, and simulations. His lab has provided key insights into turbulence, instabilities, sources of sound, and shock bubble dynamics. His research has broad applications—from ultrasound imaging to therapy mitigating jet noise and generating energy flow systems.

Research Interests

Fluid Dynamics Global Instabilities Cavitation Bubble Dynamics Aerodynamic Sound Closed-Loop Flow Control Reduced-Order Modeling Biomedical Fluid Dynamics Shock-Waves Lithotripsy Ultrasound Numerical Methods Interface Capturing Immersed-Boundary Methods High-Order-Accurate Methods Nonreflecting Boundary Conditions

Experience

Professor

2017-01-01 — Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Holding the Frank Ora Lee Marble Professorship.

Drinkward Leadership Chair

2022-01-01 — Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Leading the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Executive Officer

2022-01-01 — Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Oversight responsibilities for the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Associate Professor

2000-01-01 — 2005-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Tenured faculty position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Assistant Professor

1994-01-01 — 2000-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Initial faculty position after completing Ph.D.

Courses

Thinking Like Engineer Computational Fluid Dynamics Fluid Mechanics Dimensional Data Analyses Engineering

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program

Requirements

TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7

Prerequisites

Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences

Application Checklist

  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV

Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.