Mixing dynamics during coalescence of droplets of complex fluids

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Droplet coalescence is a crucial component of exciting emerging technologies including reactive inkjet printing, lab-on-a-chip microfluidic systems and environmentally-friendly sprays. In many such applications, effective mixing between the fluids within the coalescing droplets is required, especially where a chemical reaction or biological process is to be initiated. However, mechanisms of mixing between coalescing droplets, especially those on micrometric scales and of different (complex) fluids, remain relatively poorly understood. This project will develop and apply experimental and computational techniques to elucidate mechanisms of mixing between coalescing droplets directly relevant to emerging inkjet printing technologies, hence improving the fundamental understanding of internal and mixing dynamics between coalescing droplets of different fluids. Particular aspects to be explored include heat transfer effects, chemical reactions, fluid composition and droplet size.