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Simulating fluid surfaces: for better understanding on micro and macro scales 11 December: inaugural lecture by Prof. Dr Jens Harting at the University of Twente

Many physical phenomena can only be explained if you understand what is happening at a molecular level. In order to prevent thrombosis, for example, you have to have in-depth knowledge of how individual blood cells behave in the veins. And in order to understand how you could improve inkjet printers, it is important to thoroughly understand the interaction between the ink drops and the tubes through which the ink is conveyed. Computer simulations are an important weapon in the battle for this fundamental knowledge. Prof. Dr Jens Harting works at the MESA+ research institute on state-of-the-art computer simulations in the field of microfluidics. On 11 December he gives his inaugural lecture at the University of Twente.

Many processes in nature are so complex that it is almost impossible to study them in detail in practice. Computer simulations can provide a solution to this. Jens Harting, part-time Professor of Numerical Simulations in Microfluidics at the University of Twente develops these simulations. In this he mainly focuses on interfaces, for example between fluids and solid surfaces, between two or more fluids and between fluids and membranes.

In the field of fluid interfaces the simulations that Harting develops build a bridge between the microscopic world and macroscopic effects. If better insights into the blending of oil and water are gained you could, for example, develop improved emulsions for the food industry. Harting: "You cannot explain what is happening at a large scale without looking at the small scale as well."

Harting joins several algorithms together for the simulations he is working on. The simulations are incredibly complex and would not be possible without using supercomputers.

Jens Harting

Prof. Dr Jens Harting has been part-time Professor of Numerical Simulations in Microfluidics connected to the Physics of Fluids department of UT research institute MESA+ since 2013. In addition he works as Associate Professor in the group Mesoscopic Transport Phenomena at the Eindhoven University of Technology. Harting obtained his doctorate at the university of Oldenburg in 2001. He has since then worked as a researcher at the Queen Mary University of London, University College London and the University of Stuttgart.

Inaugural lecture

Harting will give his publicly accessible inaugural lecture, titled Fluid interfaces in physics, biology and engineering on 11 December at 16:00 in the Prof. ir. M.P. Breedveld room in the De Waaier building on the University of Twente campus.