Mathematical Sciences Department Virtual Applied Math Seminar
Carlos Galeano-Rios, Minerva University
Thursday, March 20th
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Stratton Hall 201
Title: Free-surface flows with out-of-equilibrium surface tensions: modeling dynamic wetting from first principles
Abstract: This talk is intended to be a gentle introduction to the physical principles governing the process of a liquid spreading onto a solid surface, and to the modelization required to capture the fundamental nature of the process. We will start by briefly reviewing the derivation of the Young equation for three-phase contact lines, and considering the implications of changing contact angles on the deviations of surface tension from its equilibrium value. We will then review the molecular origins of surface tension to understand the causes of its departure from equilibrium. After those preliminary considerations, we will introduce the interface formation model, which accounts for the physical effects we considered and introduces a closed system of nonlinear partial differential equations whose solution includes a prediction for the motion of the contact line. We will show some interesting results from the application of this model to the problem of a 2D droplet spreading onto a solid and we will discuss some ongoing work on this problem with undergraduate students at Minerva University.