Our research program examines the fundamental physics and applied fluid mechanics of reacting and non-reacting flows, primarily aimed at advancing efficient propulsion systems. We investigate transitional and turbulent free shear flows subject to density variation, curvature, compressibility, excitation, and heat release. By applying spatio-temporal theory, we analyze flow receptivity—particularly where absolute instability dominates—to uncover how local and global stability dynamics influence flow control. Our work spans a broad spectrum of dynamic conditions, including low-speed liquid, supersonic compressible gas, reacting, and multiphase flows.

Education

Ph.D. 1986, Mechanical Engineering, Yale University
M.S. 1983, Mechanical Engineering, Yale University
B.S. 1982, Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin

Professional Background

George W. Taylor Distinguished Professor, endowed chair, 2011 –
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 1997 – 2026
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 2007 – 2023
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 1993 – 1997
Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 1988 – 1993
Post Doctoral Fellowship, DFVLR, Göttingen, Germany, 1986 – 1988
Sheffield Scientific Fellowship, Yale University, 1982 – 1986

Honors and Awards

• 2025 C. Eugene Allen Award, Innovative International Initiatives, Design for Life: Water in Tanzania
• 2011 George W. Taylor Distinguished Professor, endowed chair
• 2004 Seven Wonders of Engineering Awards, Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers
• 2000 Horace T. Morse Professor, Academy of Distinguished Teachers
• 2000 Charles E. Bowers Faculty Award
• 1994 Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award, Society of Automotive Engineers
• 1993 G.W. Taylor Career Development Award
• 1992 Minnesota Young Mechanical Engineer of the Year, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• 1990, 1992 University Scholars Faculty Appreciation Award

Selected Publications

• M.J. Anderson and P.J. Strykowski, “Confined momentum-driven countercurrent shear layers,”  Physical Review Fluids, (2026, under review)
• E.H. Johnson, P.J. Strykowski, and A. Hoxie, “Image space-scale analysis as a platform for noise-robust, system-agnostic, threshold-free particle/droplet image analysis (PDIA),” ILASS-Americas 35^th Annual Conference on Liquid Atomization and Spray Systems, Bozeman, MT, May 18-21, 2025.
• E.H. Johnson, V. Srinivasan, P.J. Strykowski, and A. Hoxie, “Influence of injection molar mass on counterflow atomizer performance,” Atomization and Sprays, 32(6):77-90, 2022.
• J. Yang, M.J. Anderson, P.J. Strykowski, and V. Srinivasan, “Effects of confinement on absolute and convective instabilities for momentum-driven countercurrent shear layers,” Physical Review Fluids, Volume 6, 2021, 073901.
• E. Johnson, V. Srinivasan, P. Strykowski, A. Hoxie, “Role of density in gas-assist counterflow atomization,” ILASS-Americas 30th Annual Conference on Liquid Atomization and Spray Systems, Tempe, AZ, May 12-15, 2019.
• A. Hoxie, E. Johnson, V. Srinivasan, P.J. Strykowski, “Characterization of a novel energy efficient atomizer employing countercurrent shear,” ICLASS 2018, 14th Triennial International Conference on Liquid Atomization and Spray Systems, Chicago, IL, July 22-26, 2018.
• T.G. Shepard, J. Lee, B. Yan, and P.J. Strykowski, “Parameters affecting bubble formation and size distribution from porous media,” J. Fluids Engineering, Volume 138, Number 3, 2016, 031202.
• D. Law, T. Shepard, and P.J. Strykowski, “Numerical simulations of near-nozzle exit characteristics for an effervescent atomizer at low gas to liquid mass flow ratio,” Proceedings of ASME 2014 4th Joint US-European Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting, Paper FEDSM2014-21290, Chicago, IL, 3-7 August 2014.
• H. Kanchi, K. Russell, M.J. Anderson, S.P. Beard, P.J. Strykowski, and F. Mashayek, “Fluidic control with microjets in dump combustors,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Volume 54, 2011, pp. 5395-5405.
• H. Kanchi, K. Russell, S. Hedeyat, F. Mashayek, M.J. Anderson, S.P. Beard, and P.J. Strykowski, “Experimental and computational studies to advance operability and performance of combustion systems adopting fluidic control,” Proceedings 23rd Propulsion Conference, Washington, DC, September 13-15, 2011, pp. 1-49.
• A.A. Alshare, P.J. Strykowski, and T.W. Simon, “Modeling of unsteady and steady fluid flow, heat transfer and dispersion in porous media using unit cell scale,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Volume 53, 2010, pp. 2294-2310.
• V. Srinivasan, M.P. Hallberg, and P.J. Strykowski, “Viscous linear stability of axisymmetric low-density jets: parameters influencing absolute instability,” Physics of Fluids, Volume 22, Number 2, 2010, 024103.
• A.A. Alshare, T.W. Simon, and P.J. Strykowski, “Simulations of flow and heat transfer in a serpentine heat exchanger having dispersed resistance with porous-continuum and continuum models,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Volume 53, 2010, pp. 1088-1099.
• M.P. Hallberg and P.J. Strykowski, “Open-loop control of fully nonlinear self-excited oscillations,” Physics of Fluids, Volume 20, 2008, 041703.
• M.P. Hallberg, V. Srinivasan, P. Gorse, and P.J. Strykowski, “Suppression of global modes in low-density axisymmetric jets using coflow,” Physics of Fluids, Volume 19, 2007, 014102.
• M.P. Hallberg and P.J. Strykowski, “On the universality of global modes in low-density jets,” Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Volume 569, 2006, pp. 493-507.
  
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