Achievement

Rheology -- the science of deformation and flow of matter -- is important in diverse forming processes for shaping and molding complex fluids, such as polymers, into usable objects. The breadth of the field is concisely captured in the motto of the Society of Rheology, Everything Flows. To introduce IGERT Fellows to this important field, Prof. Lynden Archer offered a two-week module on the rheology and dynamics of complex fluids. Beginning with a description of the equilibrium statistical mechanics of isolated polymer chains, this module introduced students to the statistical thermodynamics of complex fluids and their relationships to macroscopic flow behavior. Experimental techniques for characterizing flow and dynamics of complex fluids were also discussed. In addition to educating the IGERT Fellows, this module attracted a standing-room-only audience of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.