Issam Mudawar

Issam Mudawar serves as the Betty Ruth and Milton B. Hollander Family Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering. He directs both the Purdue University Boiling & Two-Phase Flow Laboratory (PU-BTPFL) and the Purdue University International Electronic Cooling Alliance (PU-IECA). As Principal Investigator, he leads NASA's Flow Boiling & Condensation Experiment (FBCE) for the International Space Station.

Mudawar earned his M.S. from MIT in 1980 and his Ph.D. from MIT in 1984. His educational background provided the foundation for his extensive career in thermal science and engineering.

Mudawar's research focuses on boiling, condensation, and two-phase flow with applications spanning high heat flux thermal management systems, cryogenic systems, space vehicle thermal control, and electronic cooling. His work extends to aerospace thermal management, materials processing, hydrogen storage, and ultra-high flux cooling applications. A significant portion of his research addresses thermal challenges in microgravity environments, with experiments conducted on the International Space Station. His theoretical modeling has advanced understanding of flow boiling critical heat flux (CHF), condensation phenomena, and thermal management in extreme environments including fusion reactors and space missions to Mars.

Analysis of Mudawar's recent publications reveals a strong focus on microgravity effects on two-phase flow, advanced modeling techniques including machine learning applications in thermal systems, and innovative approaches to thermal management in aerospace and electronic cooling applications. His work consistently bridges theoretical modeling with experimental validation across diverse thermal environments from Earth gravity to microgravity conditions.

• Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2015)
• ASGSR Founder's Award (2013)
• ASME Heat Transfer Memorial Award (2013)
• ASME HTD 75th Anniversary Medal (2013)
• Multiple Solberg Awards for Best Teacher
• Multiple listings in Who's Who publications
• Fellow of ASME (1997)
• Multiple best paper and citation awards

Mudawar has secured significant research funding from NASA, Department of Navy, and industry partners for his thermal management research. His work has led to practical applications in avionics cooling, spacecraft thermal control systems, and materials processing. He has mentored numerous students and collaborators who have gone on to successful careers in thermal engineering.

Mudawar leads the Purdue University Boiling & Two-Phase Flow Laboratory, which conducts cutting-edge research in thermal management. His team also manages the Purdue University International Electronic Cooling Alliance and the Flow Boiling & Condensation Experiment for the International Space Station. These research groups focus on developing advanced thermal management solutions for aerospace, electronics, and energy applications.