ERDC-CHL: Computational Fluid Dynamics

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Coastal & Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL) offers a unique environment for gaining exposure to research on ocean, estuarine, riverine, and watershed systems. Time spent with CHL provides opportunities to observe how multidisciplinary teams explore hydrodynamic processes using large-scale physical facilities, advanced computational models, and high-performance computing resources. This setting allows for direct insight into methods used to investigate aquifers, rivers, reservoirs, lakes, estuaries, coastal inlets, wetlands, and related environments, alongside the innovative approaches that support modern water-resource science.

This project provides hands-on exposure to the development and evolution of open-source computational tools for fluid dynamics and fluid–structure interaction. Through engagement with the ongoing advancement of CorpsFOAM, built upon the OpenFOAM platform, you will explore how new modeling capabilities are created, tested, and refined. The experience includes opportunities to learn about CFD/FSI techniques, open-source scientific software development, interface design for technical tools, and strategies for creating accessible instructional materials.

It also offers insight into high-performance computing environments and collaborative research practices.

This experience offers the opportunity to explore how computational modeling tools are developed and applied to complex hydraulic and coastal systems. Through guided learning and mentorship, you will deepen your understanding of fluid dynamics, fluid–structure interaction, and the ways these processes are represented within open-source tools like CorpsFOAM. You will gain insight into modeling approaches used to study structures such as spillways, scour-resistant features, and flood-risk-mitigation designs, building a broader appreciation for how computational methods support analysis of real-world hydraulic challenges.

Along the way, you can strengthen skills in interpreting simulation results, understanding numerical modeling workflows, and gaining familiarity with modern high-performance computing environments. The experience also provides opportunities to learn about interface design, user-support materials, and other elements that contribute to making advanced scientific tools accessible to a wide community of learners.

This fellowship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward.

Location Varies

September 2026

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.

This appointment is a part-time six-month research appointment. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-CHL. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Training and Travel Allowance

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer…