Theory of Membranes and Complex Fluids

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Theory of Membranes and Complex Fluids - The proposed research is aimed at a variety of topics related to memebranes and complex fluids. Membranes are two-dimensional structures formed from any of a number of molecular entities. They form the walls of living cells, and are important components of complex fluids such as microemulsions. Membranes can exist in a number of forms, including fluid, orientationally rigid, crystalline, and polymerized phases, and can form topologically complex structures. This project focusses on equilibrium and dynamical aspects of order within the membrane structure itself, and how these are influenced by the large-scale effects of membrane shape and interactions with other membranes. %%% Though the world we live in is three dimensional, there are many examples in nature of two-dimensional systems, including structureless interfaces between two coexisting materials (e.g., air and water), thin films, and membranes. The structure of a thin film is determined by an external constraint (e.g., the perimeter of a soap film). A membrane, however, can attain a thermodynamically stable structure of its own, which can undergo large changes of shape without losing its integrity. Such membranes are important for the study of biomaterials, and also appear in a wide variety of chemical synthesis processes, including production of numerous catalytic materials.