From macro - to nano - fluidics (and vice-versa)

by Prof. Lydéric Bocquet (University of Lyon)

Thursday 25 Jun 2009, 16:00 → 18:00 Europe/Rome

Aula Conversi (Dip. di Fisica - Edificio G. Marconi)

The properties of fluids dynamics in extremely small systems and in the vicinity of interfaces have been discussed from the very beginning of hydrodynamics, but now occupy an increasingly important place in contemporary science and technology. One may cite many examples : miniaturized fluidic systems to develop lab-on-a-chip devices; fluid dynamics in biological systems and the locomotion at small Reynolds number; lubrication flows; nanofluidics and flows in nanopores and around nanotubes; etc. In this talk, I'll review theoretical and experimental efforts performed over the recent years in our group to characterize and understand the fluid dynamics at solid interfaces, from the macro- to the nano- scales. I will discuss in particular the nano-fluidics at solid interfaces, and flow dynamics at superhydrophobic surfaces made of carbon nanotube forests. Finally I'll conclude by exploring the impact of superhydrophobic coatings on macroscopic flows.