Interfaces and mixing, and beyond

Abstract

Interfaces and mixing, and their non-equilibrium dynamics, govern a broad range of phenomena in nature and technology at astrophysical and at molecular scales. Supernovae and planetary convection, turbulence and turbulent mixing, combustion and chemistry-driven fluids, purification of water, and nanofabrication are a few examples. Addressing the societal challenges posed by alternative energy sources and the efficient use of nonrenewable resources requires an improved understanding of interfaces and mixing. Non-equilibrium dynamics of interfaces and interfacial mixing couples microscopic to macroscopic scales, and is a challenge to study in theory, experiments, and simulations. This special topic explores and assesses the state of the art in the non-equilibrium of interfaces and interfacial mixing, and charts new research directions in this actively developing area.