Connecting fundamental fluid dynamics research with sustainable development

Fluid dynamics is central to a broad range of systems on a wide range of scales, from living organisms to chemical reactors, to climate. An overarching challenge for modern fluid dynamics is to move beyond comparison and validation of experimental, numerical and theoretical tools developed in the past decades, and leverage them to enable prediction and design. This paradigm shift also requires integrating fluid dynamics with other disciplines to address increasingly more realistic and application-relevant problems. In complex fluids and soft matter systems, the interactions of droplets, cells, or small particles in a flow can completely govern the macroscopic properties and performance of products and processes. To mention one example, foods, house-, and personal-care products are often microstructured fluids, formulated to exhibit desired properties – stability, shelf life, performance – by controlling their composition, interactions, and flow properties. Replacing just one ingredient in an existing product can modify its flow properties completely. Therefore, the ability to predict the microscale fluid dynamics of multicomponent, microstructured fluids can help accelerate the replacement of harmful or polluting ingredients to meet sustainability goals. Pairing fluid dynamics with soft matter physics and colloid & interface science, we can accurately understand the flow phenomena of such complex, microstructured fluids and soft materials. Combining precision experiments with particle-based simulations and analytical models, we can link the change in microstructure of a complex fluid or soft material to its macroscopic properties and its performance in applications. Fundamental research in fluid dynamics will continue to bring new scientific discoveries, underpin new applications and solutions, and ultimately enable societal impact.

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