In the CFD-MS group we develop novel multiscale models and high-performance simulation algorithms to describe the dynamics of simple and complex fluids from microfluidics up to macroscopic flow conditions.

We perform massively parallel simulations to solve complex flow problems that rise in a number of engineering sectors including environmental, chemical manufacturing, polymer/food processing and biomedical research. The simulation framework relies on selective hierarchical approaches using Lagrangian macroscopic methods (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) at the continuum level, stochastic techniques (Brownian Dynamics, Dissipative Particle Dynamics, Lagrangian Particle Tracking) on the microscales, as well as hybrid coupling schemes for efficient multiscale computations.

The main current focus is on complex particulate flows such as transport of polymeric, colloidal, cellular dispersions, porous and granular media. We study particle dynamics (deposition/sedimentation/erosion processes) in manufacturing and biomedical applications as well as, on a more fundamental level, we aim at the understanding of the link between the microstructure of complex fluids and their macroscopic rheological response for novel liquid-based materials.