Gothenburg Physics Centre (GPC) colloquium: Bernhard Mehlig
Welcome to a seminar in the Colloquium series by GPC, Gothenburg Physics Centre. This seminar by Bernhard Mehlig, professor at the Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, is titled "Turbulent aerosols".
Bernhard Mehlig: Turbulent aerosols
Turbulent aerosols are suspensions of droplets or solid particles in a turbulent gas, such as water droplets in the turbulent air of a cumulus cloud. The analysis of such highly non-linear and multi-scale problems poses formidable challenges. Laboratory experiments resolving the particle dynamics have only recently become possible, and direct numerical simulations of such systems are still immensely difficult.
In this talk I describe recent progress in understanding the dynamics of turbulent aerosols. We formulated and analysed statistical models that capture the relevant physics, that account for the statistical properties of the turbulent flow, and that allow systematic mathematical analysis using dynamical-systems theory. I summarise how this helps to understand fundamental mechanisms determining the particle dynamics: small-scale fractal clustering, caustic singularities, and anomalously large relative particle velocities. I highlight successes and failures of this approach, as well as the most important open questions.
Reference: K. Gustavsson & B. Mehlig, Adv. Phys. 65 (2016) 1-57.
About the GPC Colloquium series
We are restarting the Colloquium series within GPC (Gothenburg Physics Centre) but in a different format and place – the Faculty at Wijkanders.
Local and non-local speakers will bring you new insights from the many facets of Physics, and there will be ample possibilities to mingle with your colleagues afterwards.
The purpose of the GPC lectures is knowledge sharing and real life community building. Therefore we will not provide any zoom link to the lecture. We instead welcome you all to attend in person!