CAREER: Direct visualization of the structure and dynamics of complex fluids during flow by confocal and epifluorescence microscopy

摘要CTS-0093076 M。所罗门，里根大学复杂流体的结构和动力学的研究，特别是在流动的存在下，解决流体物理，流变学和胶体科学工程科学的基本问题。 共聚焦激光扫描显微镜和落射荧光显微镜的直接可视化技术，通过捕捉胶体颗粒的位置和位移的三维和二维的实际图片，分别承诺在这些领域的新发展。 我们提出了一个研究和教育的综合方案，其研究目的是使用这些方法直接观察流动过程中复杂的流体结构和动力学。 所研究的材料将是胶体颗粒凝胶和含有胶体颗粒的缔合聚合物溶液。 这项工作将影响陶瓷、油漆、油墨、数字存储介质和DNA测序等领域。 此外，我们最近对这些材料的散射和流变学研究已经确定了研究问题，其中直接可视化方法产生了前所未有的发现机会。研究计划涉及使用一个专门设计和建造的剪切单元，将安装在共聚焦激光扫描显微镜和落射荧光显微镜上。 实验将包括瞬态和稳态剪切流在线性和非线性制度。 工作所需的相关聚合物和荧光胶体将通过先前测试的方法在内部合成。 将为两名研究生提供培训，并为一些本科生提供研究机会，研究工作还将协同促进教育和外展方面的平行努力。 在聚合物的本科选修课将被重新设计，以教必要的技能，在分子水平上操纵聚合物复杂的流体。 将开展一个需要进行原创性分析的研究项目，以加强这一新的教育材料。 复杂流体的研究生课程将逐步修订，以包括直接可视化方法的新成果，因为它们变得可用，从而提供研究计划和研究生教育之间的管道。 在一个推广项目中，将为一个项目开发实践复杂的流体项目，在该项目中，来自传统上在工程领域代表性不足的群体的中学生来到该部门进行辅导和指导。

AbstractCTS-0093076M. Solomon, University of MichiganStudies of the structure and dynamics of complex fluids, particularly in the presence of flow, address fundamental questions of engineering science in fluid physics, rheology and colloidal science. Direct visualization techniques of confocal laser scanning microscopy and epifluorescence microscopy promises new development in these areas by capturing actual pictures of colloidal particle positions and displacements in three and two dimensions, respectively. We propose an integrated program of research and education with the research aim of using these methods to directly observe complex fluid structure and dynamics during flow. The materials studied will be colloidal particulate gels and associative polymer solutions containing colloidal particles. The work will impact the areas of ceramics, paints, inks, digital storage media and DNA sequencing. In addition, our recent scattering and rheological studies of these materials have identified research questions in which direct visualization methods generate opportunity for unprecedented discovery.The research plan involves the use of a specially designed and constructed shear cell that will be mounted on a confocal laser scanning microscope and an epifluorescence microscope. Experiments will encompass transient and steady shear flow in both linear and non-linear regimes. Associated polymers and fluorescent colloids necessary for the work will be synthesized in house by previously tested methods. Training for two graduate students, and research opportunities for a number of undergraduates, will be provided.The research efforts will also synergistically promote parallel efforts in education and outreach. An undergraduate elective in polymers will be redesigned to teach the skills necessary to manipulate polymeric complex fluids at the molecular level. A research project requiring original analysis will be instituted that will reinforce this new educational material. A graduate course in complex fluids will be incrementally revised to include new results of direct visualization methods, as they become available, thereby providing a conduit between the research program and graduate education. In an outreach project, hands-on complex fluid projects will be developed for a program in which middle school students from groups traditionally underrepresented in engineering come to the department for tutoring and instruction.