MECH_ENG 421-0
Elasticity of Soft Materials
In this course, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the mechanics of soft materials. In addition to theoretical concepts, students will be introduced to various experimental methods used to measure the mechanical properties of soft materials.
2026 Fall
Topics
- Week 1: Polymers Week 2: Entropy Week 3: Thermal system, Free energy Week 4: Ideal chains, Neo-Hookean model Week 5: Boltzmann distribution, Freely-jointed chains Week 6: Flory-Rehner model Week 7: Finite deformation theory I Week 8: Finite deformation theory II Week 9: Instabilities Week 10: Electric/magnetic fields coupling Week 11: Case study Homework There are weekly homework assignments during the term, due in one week. The homework aims to digest the concepts taught in the class by giving an opportunity to have hands-on experience. Final exam The final exam is an oral exam. The student will receive a problem set 30 mins prior to the oral exam and present the answers to the instructor for 30 mins. The final exam is based on homework.
Readings
- Course notes Advanced Elasticity by Zhigang Suo Mechanics of soft matter by Ken Shull Thermodynamics by Zhigang Suo Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Polymers by Rui Huang, Zhigang Suo Polymer Physics by M. Rubinstein, Ralph H. Colby
Prerequisites & course information
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of solid mechanics and chemistry.
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026–2027
- Official class description ↗2026 Fall