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Drop Dynamics in Complex Fluids: Partial Coalescence and Self-Assembly
Special Events| Speaker: | Dr. James Feng, University of British Columbia |
| Location: | 1147 MSB |
| Start time: | Fri, May 11 2012, 4:00PM |
Complex fluids have microstructures that evolve during flow, and their dynamics tend to be coupled to interfacial deformation. Thus, interfaces of complex fluids exhibit unusual behavior, and this is exemplified by the dynamics of bubbles and drops in polymer solutions and liquid crystals. In this talk, I will introduce a diffuse-interface model for simulating interfacial dynamics in complex fluids. Its application is illustrated by using two intriguing phenomena: (i) partial coalescence between a drop and an interface for Newtonian and polymeric liquids; (ii) self-assembly of drops in a nematic liquid crystal. Experimental observations will be analyzed and explained by detailed numerical computations.