Welcome to the website of the Group of Molecular Fluid Dynamics, of the Instituto de Estructura de la Materia CSIC in Madrid, Spain

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We are an experimental group pioneer in quantitative gas dynamics at the molecular scale by Raman spectroscopy, a form of inelastic light scattering. We study fluid flows at the interface between the microscopic description, essentially molecular and quantum, and the macroscopic one, governed by the continuum fluid mechanics. Although both limits are well developed as independent fields, their link is a sort of no-man's land lacking experimental data, sufficiently rigorous theoretical models, and efficient calculation methods.

Some of our current and past research topics are: micromapping (density and temperature mapping with resolution of micron) and kinetics of supersonic gas jets, shock waves, molecular clustering, inelastic collisions, and crystallization of microfilaments of liquid hydrogen. Our research can be ascribed to the areas of knowledge of Molecular Physics, Fluid Physics, Astrophysics and Condensed Matter Physics, and span over a thermal range from 1 to 2000 K. Two complete instruments, fully developed by our group, are operative in our laboratory.

Our research activities are carried out in collaboration with Spanish and international groups (see People).

Latest

Salvador Montero, founder of the Group of Molecular Fluid Dynamics passed away on 21 May 2022. Those of us who were lucky enough to work with him will always remember his enthusiasm for science and his great knowledge, that were a constant source of inspiration and enjoyment.
Rest in peace.

"Review of Optical Thermometry Techniques for Flows at the Microscale towards Their Applicability to Gas Microflows"
S. Colin, J.M. Fernández, C. Barrot, L. Baldas, S. Bajic, M. Rojas-Cárdenas
Micromachines 13, 1819 (2022)
DOI: 10.3390/mi13111819 

Carlos Álvarez Nicolás, PhD student of the Group of Molecular Fluid Dynamics, has received the PREMIO I JORNADA DE INVESTIGADORES NOVELES DEL IEM 2022. Congratulations!

"Rate coefficients for H2:H2 inelastic collisions in the ground vibrational state from 10 to 1000 K"
M. I. Hernández, G. Tejeda, J. M. Fernández, and S. Montero
Astronomy and Astrophysics 647, A155, 2021
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202039790