The International Research Training Group "Droplet Interaction Technologies" (DROPIT): Selected Results

The International Research Training Group (IRTG) "Droplet Interaction Technologies" (GRK 2160/1) was established in October 2016 to focus on detailed droplet processes. Droplet interaction technologies have a large number of applications in a variety of technological processes, such as spray cooling, fuel injection, coating technologies or the generation of encapsulated materials in the pharmaceutical industry. A key feature of this large 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 can couple with and influence large scale features in the main flow. DROPIT is a joint initiative of the University of Stuttgart in Germany, the University of Bergamo and the University of Trento in Italy. The project consists of 17 subprojects, which are structured into three main research areas (drop-gas interaction, drop-wall interaction, drop-liquid interaction). It involves researchers from a large number of different disciplines like Mathematics, Environmental Engineering, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Informatics and Computer Sciences. The project further consists of an extensive qualification program which aims at fostering the education of young scientists and providing them the knowledge and skills to conduct independent research. The paper gives an overview of the structure and the research activities within GRK 2160/1 as well as on the qualification program implemented. Selected scientific results, e.g. on multi-scale modelling of droplet dynamics in compressible flows, gas kinetic simulations of micro-drop-gas interactions, upscaling of coupled free-flow and porous-media flow processes, micro- and macro-drop impact dynamics with miscible fluids and novel optical techniques for micro-fluid dynamics are shown. The main purpose of the paper is to familiarize colleagues with this extensive research effort in the area of droplet interaction technologies and to exchange ideas and promote future collaboration with others in this field.