Theory, Computation, and Experiments of Multiphase
Flows: Films, Particles, and Drops

AREZOO M. ARDEKANI
Department of Mechanical Engineering
MIT


Abstract:
In this talk, I shall discuss two fundamental problems:

1- The rupture of a stationary free liquid film under the competing effects of surface tension and van der Waals forces
is studied as a linearized stability problem in a purely irrotational analysis utilizing the dissipation method. Historically,
potential flow solutions are approximations that are used only in the limit of high Reynolds number. This idea leads to
the classical theory of inviscid potential flow. However, the assumption of zero viscosity is not always necessary. Th
e theory of potential flows at finite Reynolds numbers is a rich theory that is in the early stage of development.

2- The motion of solid particles in a fluid plays an important role in sedimentation, crystal growth, suspension rheology,
and microfluidic devices such as those used in mechanical cell lysis. To accurately predict the behavior of particulate
flows, fundamental knowledge of the mechanisms of single collision is required. I will present the influence of the
Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids on the collision process. In addition, the effects of particle interactions and collisions
on the deformation and breakup of a droplet in a particulate shear flow will be discussed. A theoretical analysis of dilute
particulate flow and calculation of Basset force for interacting particles at low Reynolds number will be presented.