Theory of the collective nonequilibrium dynamics of active colloidal particles

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Raphael Wittkowski
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2012 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 232221445

The aim of this research project is the investigation of the collective nonequilibrium dynamics of active, i.e., self-propelled, colloidal particles on the basis of a suitable generalisation of microscopic classical dynamical density functional theory. Such active particles include interacting artificial microswimmers and swimming microorganisms. Their suspensions exhibit fascinating nonequilibrium phenomena like an almost complete loss of viscosity that are not known from suspensions of passive particles and that have not yet been explained by a microscopic theory. Due to their exceptional dynamical behaviour, suspensions of active particles have unique mechanical properties like active stiffening that allow for a number of special applications in materials science and technological processing. The results of this project are thus important not only for statistical physics, but also for technology and biology. The project will be carried out in the group of Prof. Dr. Michael E. Cates at the University of Edinburgh.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Host: Professor Dr. Michael E. Cates