Modelling of surfactant flow dynamics in complex geometries

This project will explore the dynamics of surfactant at interfaces in complex geometries. Surfactant are small molecules which can drive Marangoni flows at interfaces when gradients in their concentration arise. These can lead to very interesting phenomena as shown by surfactants solving a maze, their impact on the drag reduction properties of superhydrophobic surfaces, or their use in bio-medical applications. Underlying non-linear transport equations govern the Marangoni flows across many applications. In this project, we will seek modelling of these Marangoni flows through both theoretical and numerical approaches