Etienne Robert

Étienne Robert is a Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal. He holds a B.Eng from Polytechnique Montréal, an M.Sc., and a Ph.D. from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). His research primarily focuses on experimental approaches to fluid mechanics, with particular expertise in combustion, multiphase flows, and aerosol dynamics.

His educational background includes:

• B.Eng (Polytechnique Montréal)
• M.Sc. (EPFL)
• Ph.D. (EPFL)

Robert's primary research interests span several interconnected areas in fluid mechanics and combustion science. He is particularly known for his work on unstretched diffusion flames, thermal-diffusive instabilities, soot formation, carbon nanotube synthesis, and acoustic manipulation of particles. His research often combines fundamental experimental work with practical applications in energy systems, environmental protection, and aerospace engineering. Robert advocates for simple experimental setups that allow for fundamental understanding of underlying physics, with results well-suited for validating theoretical or numerical models.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on combustion science, fluid mechanics, and energy systems. Key trends include research on hypergolic rocket fuels, cooling tower optimization, aerosol dynamics, diffusive-thermal instabilities in alternative fuel combustion, and cavitation phenomena. His work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical applications in energy, environmental engineering, and aerospace systems.

Robert has supervised numerous graduate students, including doctoral candidates and master's students working on diverse projects related to combustion, fluid mechanics, and materials science. His research has been supported by various funding sources including NSERC (mentioned in a 2022 news item about receiving over $2 million in grants).

His laboratory work appears to focus on experimental fluid mechanics, with specialized equipment for studying diffusion flames, acoustic particle manipulation, and aerosol dynamics. His research projects often involve interdisciplinary collaborations across mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and environmental science.