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Stokes, multiphase and thin film flows

The image illustrates the wide range of active investigations, from studies on violent drop impact (top and bottom) to microfluidic mixing in tiny geometries (left). Comparisons of novel analytical models to state-of-the-art computational methods are often employed (right, interfacial waves) and used towards the study of both fundamental and industrial phenomena. Fundamental, applied and industrial research in a variety of fields (chemistry, biology, technology, security applications) benefits greatly from advances in small scale fluid systems. These devices provide a wealth of opportunities, as their design often employs a diversity of physical effects, as well as interesting geometrical constraints given by ever reducing sizes and increasing efficiency demands. It is not uncommon to find devices in which driving forces, such as pressure gradients, capillarity, external forces (electric, magnetic, acoustic etc.) and even chemical reactions come into play simultaneously.

The image on the right illustrates the wide range of active investigations, from studies on violent drop impact (top and bottom) to microfluidic mixing in tiny geometries (middle left). Comparisons of novel analytical models to state-of-the-art computational methods are often employed (middle right, interfacial waves) and used towards the study of both fundamental and industrial phenomena.

In our group we develop analytical and numerical techniques to tackle these exciting new challenges in fluid mechanics and work closely with industrial partners in order to propagate our findings towards high impact technological solutions.

Real world impact

With the support of EPSRC Grants The Mathematics of Multilayer Microfluidics and Multiscale Analysis of Complex Interfacial Phenomena we have developed new techniques allowing the rapid and accurate manipulation of fluids in very small volumes, which is an integral part of designing small scale components such as integrated circuit components and lab-on-a-chip devices for reaction analysis or drug development and delivery.

Using modelling, asymptotics and high performance computing tools, we have constructed a numerical framework that allowed the development of a new methodology for water retentioncalculation on aircraft surfaces as part of Innovate UK Grant, SANTANA (System Advances in Nacelle Technology AerodyNAmics).

Drop Impact

The study of drop impact has been one of the classical problems in fluid mechanics for more than 150 years. It is essential in applications such as inkjet printing, sprays, combustion and liquid accumulation on aircraft surfaces.

Find out more about drop impact

Electrohydrodynamics

The non-invasive manipulation of fluid-fluid interfaces in confined geometries using electric forces is used as an effective technique in instability control for industrial processes such as coating, mixing, flux generation and soft lithography.

Find out more about electrohydrodynamics

Thin films

The complex dynamics resulting as part of multi-fluid flows can be elegantly approached by taking advantage of the disparity of lengthscales often found in these problems. Novel analytical methods are developed in order to improve the accuracy and scope of these studies.

Find out more about thin films

Professor Richard Craster

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Professor Richard Craster Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences
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Research interests

Thin film flows; Geophysical fluid dynamics; Surfactants; Jets and threads; Viscoplastic flows
Prof Darren Crowdy

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Prof Darren Crowdy Professor in Applied Mathematics
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Research interests

Free boundary problems; Vortex dynamics; Low Reynolds number flows
Dr Eric Keaveny

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Dr Eric Keaveny Reader in Applied Mathematics
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Research interests

Microorganism locomotion and cellular mechanics, Suspensions of interacting and active particles, Mechanics of soft materials and complex fluids, Low Reynolds number hydrodynamics, Numerical methods and computational mathematics
Professor Jonathan Mestel

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Professor Jonathan Mestel Professor of Applied Mathematics
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Research interests

Magnetohydrodynamics; Electrohydrodynamics; Biological fluid dynamics
Professor Demetrius Papageorgiou

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Professor Demetrius Papageorgiou Chair in Applied Maths and Mathematical Physics
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Research interests

Free boundary problems; multiphase flows; electrohydrodynamics; surfactant effects; dissipative dynamical systems. High speed flow: high speed droplet impact, multiphase high-speed flows, ice formation, control of complex systems.
Professor Grigorios Pavliotis

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Professor Grigorios Pavliotis Professor of Applied Mathematics
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Research interests

Homogenization theory; Inertial particles; Stochastic differential equations
Dr Prasun Ray

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Dr Prasun Ray Teaching Fellow in Computational Mathematics
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Dr Ory Schnitzer

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Dr Ory Schnitzer Senior Lecturer
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Research interests

Mathematical Modelling and Applied Asymptotic Analysis; Microhydrodynamics; Electrohydrodynamics; Electrokinetics; Wave motion