Objective
The physics of wetting, where a thin layer of fluid covers a solid substrate, finds numerous applications both in nature and industry. While one usually considers the substrate to be perfectly rigid, in many practically important circumstances the surface exhibits strong elastic deformations. Examples of such “Soft Wetting” phenomena are drops spreading on a gel, or roller bearings under heavy loads. Given the increasing technology to control and tune properties of soft matter, there is a strong need for better understanding of: (i) interaction of surface forces (capillarity) and elasticity, and (ii) coupling between fluid flow and visco-elastic dissipation in the solid. The central objective of the proposed research is to establish the governing principles for Soft Wetting and to develop tools for describing practically relevant situations.
The current approach to elastocapillary interactions is almost exclusively based on macroscopic descriptions, leading to contradictory results. I propose to change this by employing truly microscopic methods, namely Molecular Dynamics simulations and (simplified) Density Functional Theory. This will reveal how elastic stresses – induced by liquid interactions on a molecular level – are transmitted in the superficial layers of the solid. From a macroscopic perspective, there is mounting evidence that the visco-elastic rheology of the solid is very important for the dynamics of Soft Wetting: for example, drops spread much more slowly than expected on soft elastomeric surfaces. My goal is to reveal the connection between macroscopic motion and the rheology of the substrate. Experimentally, we combine high-speed visualization of drop spreading with a complete characterization of the substrate rheology. These experiments are complemented by Lattice Boltzmann simulations that account explicitly for visco-elastic substrates. As a whole, the project will provide basic knowledge and methods for a broad class of Soft Wetting phenomena.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
ERC-2013-CoG
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Host institution
7522 NB Enschede
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.