COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Multiphase Interfacial Hydrodynamics

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DMS-0509665, Shen, Purdue University (Collaborative 0509094 Liu, 0509594 Lopez)Collaborative research: Multiphase interfacial hydrodynamics Abstract. The aim of this proposal is to address, from the perspectives ofmodeling, simulation and experimentation, the critical issues relatedto the couplings between the bulk and interfacial flows, between themacroscale and the mesoscale dynamics, and between the inertial,viscous and surface rheological time-scales. These are essential forthe development of designer surfactants: monolayer-forming materialsfor specified functions. It is expected that this project willprovide (i) a general variational framework for the modeling ofinterfacial flows as well as for the coupling of mesoscale monolayerdynamics to the macroscale bulk flow; (ii) a robust and reliablenumerical scheme for simulating the proposed multiscale model. Thecombined efforts of mathematical analysis, computer simulations andexperimental measurements will significantly advance our knowledge onthe multiscale interfacial dynamics associated to the monolayerforming surfactants.Monolayer-forming surfactants are routinely applied in traditionaltechnologies such as material and food processing, in liquid jets andatomization systems, as well as in emerging technologies such aslab-on-a-chip for parallel, low-cost DNA sequencing. These industrieshave a major economic impact. An example of surfactants playing acrucial role in biological systems is lung surfactants, without whichrespiration is impossible. In particular, recent developments insurfactant replacement therapy, used on premature infants, is a greatsuccess story where significant decreases in infant mortality aredirectly attributable to the surfactant therapy. Hence, a thoroughunderstanding of the intrinsic physical processes associated with themultiscale interfacial monolayer hydrodynamics is of criticalimportance for the Nation's economic growth and well-being.