Singularities and Transitions in Fluids

University Of Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Abstract

Non-Technical Abstract Fluids are fascinating as their complex motion emerges out of seemingly simple processes. Indeed, some of the most stunning images in all of science are of liquids as they leave wakes upon flowing past barriers or break apart as they fall. Fluids are essential in many technologies and are crucial in scientific contexts ranging from the large scales of astronomical objects to the microscopic scales observed inside cells. However, fluids are notoriously difficult to model. The central theme of this proposal is to study the aesthetically stunning topological transitions in fluids. Such transitions occur, for example, when a liquid drop breaks into pieces. Experiments are proposed to study drop breakup and the spouts that occur as a fluid is sucked up into a straw. These studies are important for the basic understanding of these processes and, for biomedical application. The proposed studies provide an exceptional starting place for bringing young students into the laboratory. Because the phenomena are so aesthetically appealing, and the results of this research will be used in very effective outreach to the public in the form of museum exhibits. Technical Abstract Fluids are essential in many technologies and are crucial in scientific contexts ranging from the large scales of astronomical objects to the microscales observed inside cells. However, fluids are governed by non-linear equations that present difficult problems in applied mathematics. The central theme of this proposal is to study topological transitions that occur in fluids. Such transitions occur, for example, when a drop of fluid breaks into several pieces. Experiments are proposed to study drop breakup and selective withdrawal spouts. These studies are important for the basic understanding of how to handle singularities and can be generalized to similar behavior seen in many disparate areas of science. A specific biomedical application is proposed for coating biological material. Because much of the proposed research deals with macroscopic phenomena, it provides an exceptional starting place for bringing young, inexperienced students into the laboratory. Because the phenomena are so accessible and aesthetically appealing, this research affords excellent outreach to the public. Postdoctoral associates, graduate, and undergraduate students will be trained by working on the proposed projects.