9404672 Wong Technical abstract: It is proposed to study the dynamics of interfaces in two different types of condensed matter systems. The first is the movement of fluid interfaces in random porous media under applied pressure, the second is the metal-electrolyte interface in electrolytic cells under applied voltage. X-ray and neutron scattering will be used to study the physics at microscopic length scales while video and x-ray imaging will be used to probe the macroscopic behavior. Emphasis is on the study of statistical problems related to pattern formation and the dynamics of pinning as various system parameters are changed. Non-technical abstract: The flow of water and oil in a reservoir is controlled by how the oil-water interface moves through the random porous rock. The performance of a battery and the quality of electroplating depend on how the structure of the metal- electrolyte interface changes during the electrochemical reactions. Recent research shows that there is much similarity in the physics that govern these apparently dissimilar systems. The results will impact on the technologies in the petroleum and chemical industries. ***
