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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): NSF Fluid Dynamics Program (PD 13-1443)

1) What is the NSF Fluid Dynamics program funding?

The NSF Fluid Dynamics program (PD 13-1443) funds fundamental research and education aimed at improving basic scientific understanding of how fluids move and interact. The focus is on uncovering mechanisms and governing phenomena in fluid flow so future systems can be designed to be more predictable, efficient, and controllable.

2) Is this program focused on basic research or applied development?

The emphasis is on core theory, modeling, and experiments (fundamental work). At the same time, proposals are expected to clearly explain how the knowledge could eventually translate into real-world use, especially in fluid-enabled areas such as advanced materials, manufacturing, biotechnology, nanotechnology, clinical diagnostics and drug delivery, sensor development and integration, and energy/environment challenges.

3) What kinds of “real-world relevance” does NSF expect proposals to describe?

Even for fundamental studies, proposals should explain plausible pathways to eventual use in areas where fluid mechanics is enabling. Examples explicitly highlighted include advanced materials, manufacturing, biotechnology, nanotechnology, clinical diagnostics and drug delivery, sensors, and energy and environmental challenges.

4) What are the main research themes supported by the program?

The program describes several major themes: General Fluid Mechanics; Flow of Complex Fluids; Micro, Nano, and Bio Fluid Mechanics; Turbulence and Flow Control; and Instrumentation and Flow Diagnostics.

5) What topics fall under General Fluid Mechanics?

General Fluid Mechanics includes experimental and theoretical work on Newtonian fluids across laminar, transitional, and turbulent regimes. The description specifically mentions hydrodynamic stability and compressible flows as examples.

6) What topics fall under Flow of Complex Fluids?

This theme targets non-Newtonian behavior and the physics of viscoelastic materials. Examples listed include polymer solutions and melts, gelation, flow instabilities, and flow-induced microstructuring. It also includes biologically and molecularly relevant directions such as DNA dynamics and molecular dynamics simulations that connect microstructure to macroscopic flow behavior.

7) What topics fall under Micro, Nano, and Bio Fluid Mechanics?

This area focuses on small-scale flow phenomena and biologically inspired or biomedical settings. Examples include micro- and nano-scale transport, biomedical microdevices, effects of nanoscale inclusions on rheology, Brownian suspensions, biomimetics, and biological flow processes.

8) What topics fall under Turbulence and Flow Control?

This theme covers advanced computational and experimental approaches. Examples mentioned include large eddy simulation (LES), direct numerical simulation (DNS), high Reynolds number experimentation, stability and transition, three-dimensional boundary layers, multiphase turbulence, and active or passive flow control strategies. It also includes specialized interface problems such as insect flight and gas-liquid interactions.

9) What topics fall under Instrumentation and Flow Diagnostics?

The program values advances in measurement tools and methods. Examples listed include MEMS-based shear stress sensors, MRI techniques adapted for engineering flow measurements, and velocimetry for flows relevant to biomedical assistive devices.

10) Are proposals limited only to the listed themes?

No. While the listed themes describe current priorities, the program states it is open to innovative ideas outside those categories. However, investigators are strongly encouraged to contact the Program Director before submitting anything that might be considered out of scope to reduce the risk of an administrative return without review.

11) What is the typical award length for unsolicited research proposals?

Unsolicited research awards are typically funded for one to three years.

12) What is the typical award size?

The average annual award size is about $90,000.

13) What happens if my proposed budget is substantially higher than the typical amount?

Budgets substantially higher than the approximately $90,000/year benchmark can be returned without review if the principal investigator has not discussed the request in advance with the Program Director. Early communication is emphasized for unusually resource-intensive requests.

14) Does the program consider equipment proposals?

Yes. The program will consider small equipment proposals under $100,000, generally submitted during the annual proposal window.

15) What does NSF expect regarding novelty or transformative potential?

Proposals are expected to speak directly to novelty and potentially transformative aspects relative to prior work, explain why the project matters for engineering science, and describe broader impacts that could result for society and/or industry if the research succeeds. At minimum, the novelty or transformative angle should be stated clearly in the Project Summary.

16) How are final funding decisions made?

Final decisions consider reviewer input, but also program-level factors such as available funds, balance among subfields, overlap with other funding, NSF-wide priorities, and other context the Program Director may have.

17) Does this program encourage CAREER proposals?

Yes. The program encourages Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) proposals, described as separate five-year awards with an annual July deadline for Engineering CAREER submissions.

18) Are conference or workshop proposals supported?

Yes. The program considers proposals for conferences and workshops, as well as supplements. These are ideally submitted during the standard annual submission window and preferably after discussion with the Program Director.

19) Can RAPID or EAGER mechanisms be used under this program?

RAPID (rapid-response research) and EAGER (early concept exploratory work) may be used when appropriate, but they require prior discussion with the Program Director before submission and must follow NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG).

20) What is the funding instrument and CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The listing identifies the funding instrument as a grant under the NSF Engineering Grants program, with CFDA 47.041.

21) Is cost sharing required?

No cost sharing is required for this opportunity listing.

22) How much total funding and how many awards were estimated for this listing?

The estimated total funding was listed as $9.6 million with an expected 43 awards.

23) Who is eligible to apply?

The listing states the opportunity was open to unrestricted eligible applicants, subject to any clarifications in the full announcement.

24) What were the key dates for the cycle described in the listing?

The posted date was April 19, 2012. The submission window for that cycle ran from January 15, 2013 to February 19, 2013, with proposals due by 5 p.m. local time.

25) What happens if a proposal is submitted outside the submission window?

Proposals submitted outside the announced window were subject to return without review.

26) When should an investigator contact the Program Director?

The program emphasizes contacting the Program Director early when (a) requesting a budget substantially higher than the typical annual amount, (b) considering ideas that might be out of scope, and (c) planning submissions under mechanisms like RAPID or EAGER, which require prior discussion.