Workshop on Mathematical Modeling and Computer Simulations for Soft Materials; Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO

Investigators

Abstract

Oprea DMS-0854518 The project is dedicated to the organization of an interdisciplinary Workshop on Mathematical Modeling and Computer Simulations for Soft Materials, to bring together scientists from different fields, ranging from applied and computational mathematics and applied physics to a variety of disciplines relevant to soft matter physics, unified by their common interest in search for a deeper understanding of soft materials. The workshop is conceived specifically to identify new challenges for theory, modeling and simulation of soft materials, and to investigate the growing role of applied and computational mathematics in meeting those challenges. The goal of the workshop is to attract researchers at all levels, from graduate students and junior researchers to leaders in the field, with focus on breadth and diversity of the participants. Particular emphasis is placed on the training of young participants. The results are disseminated in a format useful to students, scientists and engineers, through graduate courses with interdisciplinary audience at Colorado State University, and through the publication of a refereed Collected Lectures volume of the invited and contributed talks. From blood and lipid complexes, detergents, paints, plastics, personal care products, to liquid crystals and bio-materials, we are made of and surrounded by soft matter in all aspects of our lives. While many properties of hard matter are now understood, we are still on the learning curve with soft matter, and the study of the salient features and complex behavior of soft materials is one of the 21st century's challenges, requiring the development of new tools, new understanding, and an unprecedented level of interdisciplinary collaboration. Progress in materials science achieved in the last decades, as well as the rapid development of computer technology, have brought scientists to a better understanding of soft matter behavior and phenomena. Although much progress in this area has been made in recent years, fundamental challenges remain, such as the development of a unified scientific approach to soft materials, and the conversion of the important scientific discoveries into useful technological solutions. The workshop brings together experts in mathematics, physics and engineering to explore and develop the potential in this rich interdisciplinary area, and generates a diverse, cross-disciplinary, but highly cooperative research environment that increases the accessibility of this interdisciplinary field to both students entering the field and non-specialists. The workshop presents a broad spectrum of current research and prospects for future directions that provides young researchers with an intensive learning experience and a larger perspective beyond their individual PhD thesis topics.