9712134 Kroll The diverse structural forms observed, for example, in lipid- water phases are characteristic of those found in many amphiphilic mixtures. These structures consist of interfaces, or membranes, which divide the material into distinct volumes. Such two-dimensional assemblies can form a large variety of thermodynamic phases, such as closed vesicles, lamellar or cubic crystals, and disordered bicontinuous networks. They also determine the architecture of biological systems. The objectives of this project are to obtain a better understanding of (i) the equilibrium thermodynamics, structure, and phase behavior of membranes and other macromolecular assemblies, and, (ii) the dynamics of complex liquids and the dynamical behavior of polymers and membranes in solvent. Both simulation and analytic techniques will be used. An essential component of this research will be to develop and implement new algorithms for the numerical simulation of the equilibrium and non- equilibrium dynamics of these systems. %%% This project will employ advanced computational techniques and theoretical analysis to study complex fluids. The systems to be studied are comprised of materials like water and fatty acids. These systems form all sorts of complex structures which are not well understood. They present a significant challenge to the researcher. These systems also form the basis for biological materials which make up many life forms. ***
