Scientific Program

The three-day colloquium will examine the fundamental physical mechanisms that govern the behaviour of liquid films flows. Each day will be organised around a specific theme, approached from theoretical, numerical, experimental, and industrial perspectives. This thematic structure is designed to foster interdisciplinary exchange and promote a deeper understanding of the underlying physics. It is expected that emerging research areas such as data-driven experimental processing and theoretical advances (e.g. machine learning enhanced equation discovery or discretisation scheme design for liquid film dynamics) will be well represented across the spectrum of symposium activities, with specific sessions on these topics also acting as focal points in the schedule for the relevant specialists and the wider community.

To strengthen the link between research and practical application, each day will include a keynote presentation by an industry expert. These talks will showcase real-world applications of liquid film technologies and discuss the technical challenges encountered in manufacturing and engineering, providing valuable opportunities to engage directly with practical problems in film flow dynamics.

By leveraging a theme-based instead of a method-based format, this program encourages a more integrated and coherent exploration of each physical phenomenon. Alternating between fundamental theory and real-world application not only sustains audience engagement but also supports cross-disciplinary dialogue. This approach helps participants draw meaningful connections across topics while maintaining a straightforward, problem-oriented narrative throughout the event.

Below is an overview of the topics covered over the three days, along with a preliminary draft of the event program.

Day 1 - Capillary Flow and Thermal Effects

The first day will focus on liquid films influenced by thermal gradients and surface-active agents, with an emphasis on thermocapillary instabilities, Marangoni-driven flows, and interfacial tension dynamics. Key topics include the formulation of governing equations, reduced-order modelling strategies, and advances in the analysis of surfactant effects. Numerical and experimental studies will demonstrate how these mechanisms govern the nonlinear dynamics of liquid films. Eventually, applications in thermal management systems (e.g., compact heat exchangers), advanced coating technologies, and precision processes in microelectronics will be explored.

Day 2 - External Fields and Multiphysics Coupling

The second day will investigate the impact of external electric and magnetic fields on the behaviour of liquid films, as well as phase change effects. Topics will include field-induced instabilities, pattern formation, and the integration of multiphysics phenomena into the reduced-order models. Theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches will be presented to highlight these complex couplings. The Industrial focus will be on field-responsive coatings, magnetic fluid manipulation in display and biomedical devices, and the use of liquid metal curtains for plasma-facing components in fusion reactors. In these reactors, liquid metal curtains are used to confine and control the reacting plasma.

Day 3 - Topological Modifications and Control Strategies

The final day will address the evolution of film morphology, including rupture, dewetting, rivulet formation, dynamic contact line motion, and different substrate topologies. In addition, special emphasis will be placed on control strategies—both passive and active—to suppress instabilities and guide film behaviour. Industrial experts will cover high-performance coating systems, surface patterning for flexible electronics, and liquid film applications in fuel cell technologies.