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Dr. Christopher Lowe
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Mesoscopic simulation of soft systems
The general subject of my lectures will be quantitative mesoscopic
simulation. That is, mesoscopic simulation where we can put
specific `real world'' numbers to our numerical predictions.
To begin, I will consider the general problem of mesoscopic simulation,
why it is necessary and possible approaches.
The importance of effective potentials will be examined,
along with examples of how, for certain systems, these
can be derived. With explicit reference to a relatively
tractable system, that is polymer solutions, I will show what the
benefits
of a simple renormalized approach (neglecting hydrodynamics)
in terms of the time scales that can be accessed. To include
realistic dynamics, implicitly the effect of hydrodynamic interactions,
I will discuss the use
of generic model solvents, such as dissipative particle dynamics.
This model will be critically examined in terms of
how it should be implemented and what
it actually does that is useful.
In this context, the model will be examined in terms of the validity
of previous work, and as a candidate for reproducing parametrically
correct model solvents. The lectures will be illustrated by examples
from
ongoing research. Finally, I will discuss the whole validity
of this mesoscopic modelling approach, and assess where we stand and
where
we should be going.
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