NOTE: Class meets on Thursdays, 10:20 AM~ 13:10 PM for Spring, 2022. (updated on Jan 19, 2022)

Course description:
Over the past years, the fundamental physics and theories of electrokinetics (EK), electrohydrodynamics (EHD), ferrohydrodynamics (FHD), etc., have drawn a renewed attention from the scientific community due to the need of better modeling and describing the electromagnetic field and fluid dynamical interactions in the design and development of micro total analysis systems. So far, however, the modeling physics and mathematical tools required for describing and analyzing these electrically or magnetically coupled fluid flows are less accessible through general unified class lectures, and the interested student or beginning graduate students need to delve into dense technical papers or monographs available in the vast literature just to catch glimpses of the basic ideas in related fields.

In this 3-unit, half year introductory class directed toward junior, senior, and graduate students, we attempt to systematically and logically introduce these physics and tools so that students can acquire the fundamental working knowledge for formulating and analyzing these electrically or magnetically coupled flow problems encountered in miniaturized systems research. Here, at introductory level, this course is arranged in two parts:

In the first part, we shall introduce the fundamental theories of electromagnetism as well as several advanced mathematical techniques while reviewing the basics of fluid mechanics. Coupled governing equations that describe the fluid dynamics and responses in the presence of electro- and/or magneto- quasi-static fields will be developed and derived so that the students can acquire the minimum necessary tools for analyzing research or design problems.

On the other hand, the various applications of continuum electromechanics are discussed in the second part of the course after we lay the groundwork. Students are asked to form teams or groups (2 to 3 students per group, depends on the size of the class) and to carry out a term project that is related to electro- or magnetically coupled hydrodynamics. The goal of the term project is for the students to further familiarize themselves with the key concepts and ideas through applying the mathematical tools learned during the first part of the course.

Potential topics for the project will be given early in the term. Students, however, must select their teammates and decide on the topic of their project roughly around mid-term. Each team will give an oral presentation to the whole class about their project, and a written report should also be submitted at the time of presentation. Active class participation is greatly encouraged.