Dynamics of disordered networks
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
We study the dynamic properties, both structural and elastic, of a variety of systems ranging from granular media, such as sand, to polymer networks. We have extended the existing statistical mechanics theory for granular media to describe dynamic structural evolution of such systems and we have begun working to theoretically describe the visco-elastic response of rigid and semi flexible polymers of complex shape with an aim to understand the rheology of DNA hydrogel networks. These have recently been studied experimentally and have potential pharmaceutical applications.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Erika Eiser (Primary Supervisor) | |
| David King (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509620/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2022 | |||
| 1948692 | Studentship | EP/N509620/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/03/2021 | David King |
| Description | When small particles are introduced to a fluid, the properties of that fluid change significantly. Notably, the fluid may become non-Newtonian. A well known example of such a fluid is custard. We have studied the effect of the particle's shape on the fluid and found new conditions the particle shapes must satisfy to make the fluid behave in a non-Newtonian way when a small number of particles are introduced. We have also studied dense suspensions of the particles and discovered significant effects which are very sensitive to the particle's shapes. Namely, that when straight, rigid, rod-like particles are bent only slightly the fluid gels and becomes significantly thicker. This offers the possibility for the design of sensitive molecular sensors for bio-medical applications. Another aspect of this project has been studying the behaviour of suspensions of flexible "Nun-Chuck" particles. We have developed a first principles theory for describing the behaviour of these systems and are currently investigating the possibility of novel liquid crystal phases in these systems. |
| Exploitation Route | We hope that our finding that slightly bent,rigid particles have a much greater effect on fluid behaviour than straight particles will be used by others as a basis for the design of molecular sensors. We also hope that theoretical techniques we used may be useful for other future studies. Our work on nun-chuck particles in dilute suspensions can readily be extended to dense suspensions, as well as other particle shapes, allowing for the study of novel liquid crystal phases and dynamics. |
| Sectors | Other |