Nonlinear electrokinetics in anisotropic microfluids – analysis, simulation, and optimal control

Nonlinear electrokinetics in anisotropic microfluids – analysis, simulation, and optimal control
Project funded within the excellence cluster MATH+ [1] from 04/2021 until 03/2024

Principal investigator:
Prof. Dr. Etienne Emmrich [2]

Other investigators:
Dr. Robert Lasarzik [3]*; Prof. Dr. Dietmar Hömberg [4]
Doctoral student: Sophie Luisa Plato

This PhD project will be conducted within the excellence cluster MATH+.The aim of this project is to achieve a deep understanding of flows in anisotropic microfluids, like liquid crystals driven by electric fields. This mechanism is modelled by a system of nonlinear partial differential equations. The project combines analysis of the underlying PDE model with the implementation of numerical simulations based on finite elements and optimal control strategies. The developed numerical toolbox will be used to assist the design “Lab-on-a-chip” devices, where microfluidic control is essential.

*PhD-supervisor

Further information can be found here [5]