Rheology and Structure of Complex Fluids

9 units · Graduate

Fall: 9 units This course will cover the basic concepts of rheology and mechanical behavior of fluid systems. Both the experimental and theoretical aspects of rheology will be discussed. The basic forces influencing complex fluid rheology and rheology will be outlined and discussed; including excluded volume, van der Waals, electrostatic and other interactions. Methods of characterizing structure will be covered including scattering techniques, optical polarimetry and microscopy. Examples will focus on several types of complex fluids including polymer solutions and melts, gelling systems, suspensions and self-assembling fluids.