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Instruction in Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics has always been a central function of IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering (formerly known as Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research). Although a research institute, IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering has been part of the University's College of Engineering (originally the College of Applied Science) from the start. IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineerings first facilities for fluid-mechanics instruction in the college were designed, constructed, and tested in 1939, as a straightforward extension of IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineerings modeling and research expertise.

... June, 1941 ...

This development has continued through the years, mostly as collective work of passionate researchers and educators fostering an environment in which student learning was enriched by research opportunities, and research benefited from student involvement. Of IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering educators, H. Rouse (Professor and IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering Director, 1944-65) placed emphasis on the linkage between education and research. His instructional activities (writings, lectures, films, newly initiated courses, design of instruction facilities) profoundly influenced teaching of hydraulics and fluid mechanics around the globe. Some of the facilities developed at IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering over the years are still in use today.


Highlights:

  • 1922: The first hydraulics students received their M.S. degrees
  • 1938: Iowa received the highest ranking of any American university for graduate education in hydraulic engineering, having produced during its previous five years twice as many graduate theses as any other U.S.institution

  • 1940: IIHR-Hydroscienc & Engineering attracted graduate students from around the globe (China, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Turkey, India)

  • 1945: IIHR-Hydroscienc & Engineering has designed and built instructional equipment for several universities in U.S., and also in Columbia, Venezuela, Philippines, United Arab Republic

  • 1976: Rouse's instructional movies have gone out to 150 institutions in 35 countries