B4: Controlling dynamic structures in complex fluids by fluid flow on the micron scale

Principal investigator:

Prof. Dr. Holger Stark

Project summary:

Microfluidic Poiseuille flow in microchannels is an ideal means to create self-organized dynamic structures in complex fluids that only exist far from equilibrium. In this project, we aim at a thorough theoretical study how colloidal dispersions of micron-sized particles and more complex objects order in Poiseuille flow.  One main emphasis will be to explore the influence of inertial forces on the structure formation at the transition from low to non-zero Reynolds numbers. At concrete examples, we will investigate how transient or unstable structures can be stabilized under appropriate feedback control. This is of potential importance in technologcial applications.