RUI: Interfacial Pattern Formation

凝聚态系统中界面的宏观形式 通常由微观效应（如晶体 各向异性，原子与表面的结合能，或随机 通过不均匀性钉扎界面）。 因此，我们认为， 对界面形状的研究可以带来基本的见解。 该项目特别关注非- 平衡系统 它旨在建立（a）程度 对于平衡系统的已被证明的概念， 有助于理解那些偏离平衡的人， (b)宏观连续性解释 界面图案是可能的。 计划进行三个主要领域的研究：（1）动力学 粗糙化多面晶体，其中晶体形状变得 在生长过程中变圆;（2）树枝状晶体的生长 （雪花状结构）和其他复杂界面， 特别是晶体各向异性的作用， 复杂模式;（3）流体的形式和动力学 界面在随机多孔介质中运动。 实验将利用高精度的数字图像 Haverford开发的处理方法， 补助期。 这个RUI项目将雇用合作 研究生和本科生之间，既要提高 本科研究的有效性，并帮助解决 严重缺乏有能力的研究人员， 本科教育。

The macroscopic forms of interfaces in condensed matter systems are often determined by microscopic effects (such as crystalline anisotropy, the binding energy of atoms to the surface, or random pinning of the interface by inhomogeneities). Therefore, studies of interfacial shapes can lead to fundamental insights. This project is especially concerned with interfaces in non- equilibirum systems. It is intended to establish (a) the degree to which proven concepts developed for equilibrium systems are useful in understanding those driven away from equilibrium and (b) the degree to which a macroscopic continuum explanation of interfacial patterns is possible. Three major areas of investigation are planned: (1) the kinetic roughening of faceted crystals, in which crystal shapes become rounded during growth; (2) the growth of dendritic crystals (snowflake-like structures) and other complex interfaces, especially the role of crystalline anistropy and the development of complex patterns; and (3) the form and dynamics of a fluid interface moving in a random porous medium. The experiments will utilize high precision digital image processing methods developed at Haverford during the previous grant period. This RUI project will employ collaborations between graduate and undergraduate students, both to enhance the effectiveness of undergraduate research and to help address the severe shortage of capable researchers interested in undergraduate education.