Effective simulations of interacting droplets

Abstract

I want to begin by thanking David for introducing me to phase separation and the fascinating world of active droplets. His constant words of support, patience and guidance made this four year journey enjoyable. He made sure he had time to answer my most trivial questions and made sure the group atmosphere remained conducive for research, which made the group a really warm place to be in. Amongst many other things, he helped me realize the value of asking the right questions, how to make impactful presentations and how to see the big picture. He was accommodating enough to have of endless hours of discussions with him, specially when it was just Jan and I in the group. Thank you for everything David, you are an amazing supervisor! I would also like to thank my TAC members, Prof. Stefan Klumpp and Prof. Michael Wilczek for their encouraging support, regular feedback, checking in on my credit progress and co-supervision. Additionally, I again want to thank Prof. Stefan Klumpp for agreeing to review this thesis. I want to thank Dr. Lucas Menou and (soon to be a Dr.) Jan for proofreading parts of this thesis.I want to thank Jan Kirschbaum for his four years of being a wonderful office mate, football companion, German translator, Indian food connoisseur, beer drinker, meme lover and much much more. Thanks for making the office a lively place to be in, it will be missed. I want to specially thank him for his help in all the paperwork I had to do -from filling out travel expense reports, applying for conferences etc. I want to thank the entire Zwicker group (in no particular order) -Noah, Tefa, Marcel, Swati, Lucas, Johannes, Malte, Pam and Manish for making these years wonderful and warm. I will miss the amazing atmosphere you guys had in the group. Hansol, Antoine, Olinka and Swati Kaushik -I will miss our impromptu trips, Vapiano dinners, hikes and weekend beer sessions. A special thanks to other people at the institute (in no particular order) -