Selected Results of the International Research Training Group (GRK 2160/1) "Droplet Interaction Technologies" (DROPIT)

The International Research Training Group GRK 2160/1 was established in October 2016 to focus on droplet interaction technologies. The latter find application in a variety of technological processes, such as spray cooling, coating technologies or the generation of encapsulated material in the pharmaceutical industry. A key feature of this research project lies in the systematic study of the interdependencies between small-scale and large-scale dynamics through an integrated numerical, experimental and theoretical approach. The objective is to identify the mechanisms through which small-scale interactions at the interface couple with large scale features in the main flow. DROPIT is a joint initiative of the University of Stuttgart (D), the University of Bergamo (I) and the University of Trento (I), consisting of 17 subprojects structured into three main research areas and involving researchers from numerous faculties: Mathematics, Environmental, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Informatics and Computer Sciences. Some of the topics investigated in the IRTG are: • Modelling of deformed, multi-component liquid drop evaporation • Numerical methods for compressible multiphase flows with complex equations of state • Droplet collisions with super-hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces • Characterization of porous media by X-ray micro computed tomography • Upscaling of coupled free-flow porous media flow processes • Drop impact dynamics with dissimilar liquids This article provides an overview of the research activities within the GRK 2160/1 and highlights scientific results from selected subprojects. The main purpose of the paper is to familiarise colleagues with this extensive and dedicated research effort in the area of drop interaction technologies and to promote future collaboration with others in this field.