A diffuse interface model for multiphase flow with surface-active particles
In this project, we use diffuse-interface models to describe complex interfacial phenomena arising in micro process engineering, materials sciences and biology. Thereby, we derive efficient numerical algorithms using adaptive methods and high performance computing for the involved equations. To discretize in time, we propose new implicit and semi-implicit schemes which stabilize the coupling between interface evolution and flow propagation. We use the derived system to solve questions arising from biology and engineering. In collaboration with the Institute of Fluid Mechanics, we try to improve the understanding of Marangoni pattern formation driven by surfactant mass transfer. In cooperation with the Biotechnology Center Dresden, we use the equations to get new insight into the mechanical behavior of biological cells. Thereby, we derive an extended diffuse-interface model for viscoelastic drops surrounded by an elastic cell membrane.
Project duration: 05/2013 - 04/2016
Funded by: DFG (SPP 1506)