A fundamental understanding of droplet dynamics is the critical prerequisite to the prediction of natural processes and the optimization of technical systems involving drops and sprays. The Collaborative Research Center (CRC) SFB-TRR 75 was established in January 2010 to focus on the dynamics of basic drop processes, and in particular on processes involving extreme boundary conditions, for example, near thermodynamic critical conditions, at very low temperatures, under strong electric fields or in situations involving extremely large gradients in the boundary conditions. The goal is to gain a profound physical understanding of the essential processes, which is the basis for new ways of analytical and numerical descriptions for an improved prediction of large systems in nature or in technical applications. This joint initiative involves researchers from the faculties of Mathematics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of Stuttgart, the TU Darmstadt, the TU Berlin, and the DLR (German Aerospace Center) in Lampoldshausen within 17 projects.

The topics pursued at the CRC include droplet collisions at different ambient conditions, the behaviour of supercooled droplets in clouds, the impact of supercooled large droplets (SLD) on aircraft icing, atomization and vaporization of droplets at high pressures and temperatures, as occurring in future combustion systems, and trans-critical injection conditions of fuel with flash boiling in rocket combustion chambers.

This article provides an overview of the projects being carried out at the SFB-TRR 75 and highlights scientific results from selected projects. The main purpose of the paper is to familiarize colleagues with this extensive and dedicated research effort in this area of drop dynamics and to motivate and initiate future collaboration with others in this field.