Elasticity

Elastic matter is a mathematical description of solid matter such as rubber, steel, or a neutron star crust. Like fluid mechanics, it is a continuum theory which assigns a density, velocity, and (for example) internal energy density to each point in space.

However, in addition to fluid mechanics, there is a also a memory of an unstressed state at each point in space. The internal energy is lowest in this unstressed state, and so there is an elastic force that wants to return the matter to this state.

Fluid mechanics can be seen as a limit of elastic matter where there is no memory and where the stress tensor is the unit tensor times the pressure.

For queries about this topic, contact Carsten Gundlach.

View the calendar of events relating to this topic.

Projects

Fluid Structure Interactions of Yacht Sails

Stephen Turnock (Investigator), Daniele Trimarchi

The research is the main subject of the PhD topic. It regards the application of fluid structure interaction techniques to the domain of yacht sails simulation

High-resolution shock-capturing (HRSC) methods for elastic matter in general relativity

Carsten Gundlach, Ian Hawke (Investigators)

We are designing HRSC methods for numerical simulation of elastic matter coupled to general relativity and later magnetic fields, with the ultimate aim of simulating old neutron stars, which have elastic crusts.

How far can we stretch the MARTINI?

Syma Khalid (Investigator), Ric Gillams

To date, coarse-grained lipid models have generally been parameterised to ensure the correct prediction of structural properties of membranes, such as the area per lipid and the bilayer thickness. The work described here explores the extent to which coarse-grained models are able to predict correctly bulk properties of lipids (phase behaviour) as well as the mechanical properties, such as lateral pressure profiles and stored elastic stress in bilayers. Such an evaluation is crucial for understanding the predictive capabilities of coarse-grained models.

People

Carsten Gundlach
Professor, Mathematics (FSHS)

Stephen Turnock
Professor, Engineering Sciences (FEE)

Ian Hawke
Lecturer, Mathematics (FSHS)

Syma Khalid
Principal Research Fellow, Chemistry (FNES)

Ugur Mart
Research Fellow, Engineering Sciences (FEE)

Ric Gillams
Postgraduate Research Student, Chemistry (FNES)

John Muddle
Postgraduate Research Student, Mathematics (FSHS)

Daniele Trimarchi
Postgraduate Research Student, Engineering Sciences (FEE)

Petrina Butler
Administrative Staff, Research and Innovation Services