Topics

The lectures will include topics varying from mathematical and computational methods to applications of interfacial fluid dynamics in industrial settings. In addition to lectures, discussion sessions and poster and video presentations will take place. We emphasize that PASI is the place to learn and that previous expertise in the field of interfacial fluid dynamics is not required in order to participate.

The discussion sessions will be organized in a free-format manner, where one of the senior researchers introduces a topic of more advanced nature. This format will be of interest to both senior researchers who will get some input and new ideas regarding the problems in which they are interested, and to the junior researchers who will be exposed to the real-life problems that are at the forefront of research activities.

The discussion sessions will also include structured exchange of ideas regarding the most appropriate means of increasing communication and collaboration between the scientists of the Americas, with emphasis on the particular set of issues facing the researchers in the field of interfacial fluid dynamics.

All participants will be encouraged to present their current research. In addition, research seminars by visiting scientists from both academia and industry will take place.

Tentative list of topics to be covered includes the following (please check this page frequently for more detailed information):

Mathematical questions regarding well-posedness of the equations governing interfacial fluid dynamics:

Singular behavior, finite-time singularities, ill-posed problems, problems involving topological changes in fluid structure;

Computational methods for interfacial flows:

Finite difference and finite element methods; spectral methods; boundary integral methods, multiscale approaches to interfacial problems; overview of discrete methods (Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations);

Self-similar problems in interfacial fluid dynamics:

Self-similar limits and their applications; examples of self-similar problems in free surface flows; connection between self-similar and other techniques;

Multiscale approaches and asymptotic methods in interfacial fluid dynamics:

Problems including a small parameter; lubrication approximation; modeling liquid-solid interaction on microscale; effective models;

Theoretical and experimental aspects of hydrodynamic instabilities relevant to free surface flows:

Rayleigh, Rayleigh-Taylor, Marangoni, Bernard type of instabilities; Kelvin-Helmholtz instability;

Fluid-solid interaction:

Response of elastic solids to fluid flow; application of self-similar and other methods to the problem of drag reduction; locomotion and bio-fluids;

Stability and rupture of thin liquid films:

Theoretical and computational analysis of thin film drainage and stability; applications to the structural formation of multiphase materials such as emulsions, foams, and solid particle suspensions;

Porous media flows and applications:

The basic issues in porous media flows; Darcy's law; modern methods in porous media flows; issues related to secondary and tertiary oil recovery and other applications;

Free surface flows involving fluid fronts and contact lines:

Issues related to the presence of free surfaces; time dependent domains; contact lines and stress singularity; appropriateness of the lubrication approximation; experimental aspects; applications;

Interfacial electrohydrodynamics:

Effects of electric fields on the nonlinear dynamics of two- and three-dimensional flows; modeling, analysis and computational techniques.

Flows of complex fluids:

Non-Newtonian fluid behavior and its consequences; formulation of interfacial flow problems for complex fluids; classification of complex fluids; technological applications.