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Joint Fluid Dynamics Seminar/Chemical Engineering Seminar

Monday, Oct 22nd, 2007, 2:40 PM
Kupfrian Hall, Room 117
New Jersey Institute of Technology

Hydrodynamics of Complex Fluids at Small Length-Scales

Amy Shen

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis

Abstract

Understanding fluid transport and interfacial phenomena of complex fluids at small length-scales is crucial to understanding how to design and exploit micro- and nano-fluidic devices. Two examples will be presented. The first studies evaporation driven self-assembly to synthesize nanoporous thin films. A combination of experimental measurement and modeling using lubrication theory shows how self-assembly influences coating film thickness. The second example illustrates how confinement and flow induced phase transition can be used to make stable, biocompatible nanoporous gels.