Julia Yeomans OBE FRS

Abstract:

Phase separating binary fluids with the addition of immobile particles, which act as osmotic force centres, were simulated using a Lattice Boltzmann model in two dimensions. In the hydrodynamic over-damped limit, where the flow is entirely driven by capillary effects, the presence of particles that are preferentially wetted by one of the fluid components significantly affects the kinetics of the growth of the fluid domains. The late time dynamics is governed by the wetting interactions and the final size of the domains can be tailored by varying the strength of the particles-fluid interaction as well as the particles concentration. These features are predicted within a simple theoretical model and are amenable of experimental checks.

Abstract:

We investigate numerically the dynamical behaviour of a polymer chain collapsing in a dilute solution. The rate of collapse is measured with and without the presence of hydrodynamic interactions. We find that hydrodynamic interactions both accelerate polymer collapse and alter the folding pathway.

Abstract:

We formulate a lattice Boltzmann algorithm which solves the hydrodynamic equations of motion for nematic liquid crystals. The applicability of the approach is demonstrated by presenting results for two liquid crystal devices where flow has an important role to play in the switching. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.