Alexander J. Smits

Dr. Smits’s research interests are centered on fundamental, experimental research in turbulence and fluid mechanics. Particular aspects include Reynolds numbers scaling of turbulent flows, the effects of roughness; bio-inspired propulsion; drag reduction using liquid-infused porous surfaces; the behavior of turbulent flows at supersonic and hypersonic speeds; sports ball aerodynamics, and the development of new and improved measurement techniques.

He is the author (with J.P. Dussauge) of “Turbulent Shear Layers in Compressible Flow,” Springer-Verlag (2nd edition, 2005), author of “A Physical Introduction to Fluid Mechanics,” John Wiley & Sons. (2000), and editor (with T.T. Lim) of “Flow Visualization: Techniques and Examples,” Imperial College Press (2nd edition, 2011), as well as the author or co-author of more than 450 journal articles and papers in conference proceedings. He holds patents on testing the aerodynamics of golf balls, and on using femtosecond lasers in eye surgery and tattoo removal.