Nonlinear Physics Seminar: “Non-wetting and phase transitions induced by spatial and temporal patterns”
Start time: 12:00pm  Danciger B bldg (seminars room)
End date: Wednesday, April 19th
End time: 01:30pm
Lecturer: Prof. Michael Nosonovsky
Affiliation: University of Wisconsin
Abstact:
Small-amplitude fast vibrations and surface micropatterns affect properties of various systems involving wetting, such as superhydrophobic surfaces and membranes. The mathematical method of averaging the effect of small fast vibrations is known as the method of separation of motions. The vibrations are substituted by effective force or energy terms, leading to vibration-induced phase control. The best known example of that is the stabilization of an inverted pendulum on a vibrating foundation (the Kapitza pendulum); however, the method can be applied to a number of various situations including wetting. A similar averaging method can be applied to surface micropatterns leading to surface texture-induced phase control. I will argue that the method provides a framework that allows studying such effects as biomimetic superhydrophobicity, membrane penetration, acoustic phase separation, and others. Patterns and vibration can effectively jam holes and pores in vessels with liquid, separate multi-phase flow, change membrane properties, result in propulsion, and lead to many other multiscale, non-linear effects. These effects can be used to develop novel materials.

PS. Free food (pita and falafel) is usually served