This $347,379 award from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) will support a research project led by Clemson University's Division of Research to investigate the motion and deposition of particles suspended in evaporating colloidal droplets. The goal is to understand the underlying mechanisms driving the complex patterns that form as liquids evaporate, such as the distinct circular stains commonly observed on surfaces. The proposed work will leverage high-fidelity numerical simulations and theoretical analyses to study how the liquid-gas interface, particle shape/polydispersity, and droplet geometry impact the transport and self-assembly of solutes. This research aims to develop a transformative physics-based framework to predict and control the deposition patterns formed through evaporation-induced self-assembly, which has potential applications in areas like forensics, disease diagnostics, and advanced manufacturing. The award also includes educational activities to engage underrepresented middle/high school students and mentor diverse community college and graduate students. The project is scheduled to run from August 2024 through March 2027.
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