Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
The project is to explore how traditional fluid mechanics approaches are used to model micro-scaled or even nano-scaled thin films. An interesting application is for ultra thin films (less thatn 10 nanometres thick) lying on a substrate below compact discs. There are unresolved issues related to how surface tension regularises certain shock wave behaviour with particularly strange fluids (such as Zdol, a lubricant used beneath the compact discs). The mathematical models in question involve higher order nonlinear partial differential equations. The project would involve mathematical modelling, asymptotic analysis, some computational work. Some key words are: thin-film spreading, lubrication theory, surface tension, contact angle, Young's equation, Laplace pressure, disjoining pressure, stability.
- Study level
- Honours
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
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Please contact the supervisor.
Associate Professor Scott McCue
