Seminar - SCM

A central challenge in soft-matter physics is to connect mesoscale dynamics with macroscopic behaviour and to develop a fundamental understanding of nonlinear systems. This challenge arises because the flow of soft materials is governed by a complex interplay between mesoscopic structure, interfacial mechanics, and externally imposed stresses. In this talk, I will discuss two experimental systems that address this problem from complementary perspectives.

The first part focuses on size-controlled soft matter systems. The mesoscopic structure of soft materials fundamentally depends on the properties of their constituent elements, including their size, shape, and interactions. While size distribution is a key control parameter for structure formation, its influence on rheology and flow transitions remains poorly understood. Using concentrated emulsions with controlled size distributions as model systems, we investigate how structural organization affects stress transmission, flow heterogeneity, and macroscopic rheological behaviour. These experimental studies aim to establish direct links between mesoscopic structure and nonlinear flow in soft materials. From a materials perspective, understanding these relationships may provide new routes to engineer soft materials with tailored properties.

In the second part, I will discuss magnetic colloidal liquids as a platform for creating mobile and adaptive liquid-liquid interfaces. By controlling interfacial stresses using externally applied magnetic fields, these systems enable the investigation of interfacial deformation, hydrodynamic stability, and stress-coupled transport under well-defined conditions. I will present recent studies on ultra-soft liquid-ferrofluid interfaces and the active suppression of interfacial instabilities in immiscible flows using magnetic forces.

Together, these two systems provide experimental model systems to investigate how structure, deformability, and interfacial dynamics influence transport and flow in soft matter.                                                                       

About the speaker:

Dr. Arvind obtained his BE in Mechanical Engineering from India and MSc in Applied Physics from the University of Twente, the Netherlands, where he studied electrowetting of soft structured surfaces. He completed his PhD in Physics as a Marie Curie early stage researcher at the University of Strasbourg, focusing on magnetic confinement of flow channels and liquid–liquid interfaces. He has since held postdoctoral positions at Cornell University (USA) and ESPCI Paris, where he currently serves as Maître de Conférences (ATER). His current work includes understanding the rheological behavior of emulsions. Broadly, his research explores the physics of complex fluids, with particular interest in emulsion rheology, interfacial mechanics, soft interfaces, and liquid–liquid systems.

सभी का स्वागत है /All Are Welcome