Problems involving heat transfer and fluid flow are almost always interdependant. The Thermal and Fluid Science Team provides analysis in modes of heat transfer, conduction, convection, and by radiation, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics. The mode of convection requires a deeper understanding of fluid flow in general. The teams emphasis tends to concentrate on analysis of fires and explosion loss, ranging in scope from minor problems to severe disasters. Investigations in losses deal with: on-site investigation at loss sites; evaluation of processes and procedures; application of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and American Society of Heating and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and other standards, to design, safety provisions, and procedures; engineering and scientific analysis of designs and evidence; hypothesis synthesis, and a formation of a conclusion, if possible, based on scientific fact. The results from these analyses can assisted clients in assessing preventative measures related to the design of their products, as well as evaluating the cause of failures when they occur.

The team can further investigate matters pertaining to fluid mechanics and dynamics. Access to high powered computers allow the members to conduct computational fluid dynamic analysis of fluid flows using viscous laminar models, sub-grid turbulence models, to a full direct numerical simulation of the Navier-Stokes equations. Access to wave tanks, wind tunnels, and tow-tanks allow experimental visualization of fluid flows under different conditions.The range of fluid flow subjects can involve simple mixing of fluids, blast and shock from explosives, meteorology for chemical or bacteriological transport and dispersion, aerodynamic effects on vehicles and fluid transport and effects through pipes and pumps.