Theoretical Groups

Alexey V. Lyulin

TU Eindhoven

The research in our group deals with the multiscale modelling of soft matter, focusing on macromolecules, in close connection with experiment and industry. Our main interests include classical computer simulations of both synthetic and bio-inspired polymers and polymer nanocomposites in solution, melt and in a glassy state, by molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo and Brownian dynamics methods. The major emphasis is always on atomic-scale properties of polymer interfaces and their connection to the macroscopic performance; nowadays the attention is shifting toward novel energy-related applications.

Andrea Giuntoli

University of Groningen

Our group develops molecular dynamics and multiscale computational models to study structure-property relationships of soft materials. We focus on complex environments where heterogeneities, confinement, and out-of-equilibrium phenomena play a major role. In collaboration with experimental groups and industries, we use our models to understand what ingredients are needed to design optimal, sustainable materials towards a better environment (such as materials used for the energy transition) or a better life (such as materials used for biomedical applications).

Bas Overvelde

Amolf

We focus on the design, fabrication and fundamental understanding of materials that are capable of autonomously adapting to – and even harnessing – variations in their environment. We aim to uncover principles that help us understand how non-linearity and feedback can result in the emergence of complex – but useful – behavior in soft actuated systems. To this end, we explore active and sensing elements to implement feedback capabilities and computation in soft architected materials, and use a combination of computational, experimental and analytical tools. This line of research uniquely combines concepts from soft robotics and architected materials, providing new and exciting opportunities in the design of compliant structures and devices with highly non-linear behavior.

Brian Tighe

TU Delft

We study the mechanics of soft condensed matter using a combination of theoretical and numerical tools. Our focus is on the description, prediction, and control of constitutive relations in emulsions, foams, granulates, and other disordered materials with a rigidity transition.

Corentin Coulais

University of Amsterdam

We focus on "machine materials": artificial materials with programmable and interactive behavior. Using a combination of 3d printing techniques, desktop-scale precision experiments, numerical simulations and theory, we design and investigate materials with novel machine-like properties such as shape morphing or the ability to transmit motion in a single direction only. Such properties are not found in nature and have an impressive range of potential applications, from medical protheses to shock dampers for car and aerospace industries.

Devaraj van der Meer

University of Twente

We study the mechanics of granular materials and fluids, with a particular focus on those situations in which they interact with each other. Think for instance of the impact of a raindrop on sand, or the behavior of a very dense granular suspension. We strive to employ a combination of experiments, analysis and numerical techniques to attain to a profound understanding of the physics behind these systems.

Jasper van der Gucht

University of Wageningen

The Wageningen Soft Matter group works on a range of diverse topics, in which macromolecules generally play an important role. Specific topics include: foams, emulsion and ionic liquids; dense particle systems; biomimetic materials; molecular modelling; proteins and engineered protein polymers; self-assembly of micelles, membranes and vesicles; hydrogels. We aim at analysing soft materials from a physics point of view and manipulating them using chemical tools and expertise.

Joost de Graaf

University of Utrecht

Our research focuses on the study of hydrodynamic flow in colloidal systems that have a close relation to biology, where physical modeling can give insights into biomedically relevant problems. Specifically, we are interested in the effect of nonlinear response of the fluid medium (viscoelasticity) on the motion of out-of-equilibrium particles and model swimmers therein, think bacteria moving through mucus. In addition, we study the effect of simple fluid flow on large numbers of colloids, e.g., colloidal gels, and the effects of electrokinetic flow on the transport of particles and ions through nanopores. We employ lattice Boltzmann, finite element methods, Stokesian dynamics, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, and a host of analytic techniques to tackle these problems.

Kees Storm

TU Eindhoven

We are a theory group, focused on predictive modeling of the mechanical properties of soft, mostly biological, materials: Biopolymers, lipid bilayer membranes, biological and biomimetic network materials. We use analytical theory, Monte Carlo and MD simulations to better understand the relation between microscopic properties, spatial organization and, ultimately, macroscopic response.

Liesbeth Janssen

TU Eindhoven

We are interested in soft matter systems that are inherently out of thermodynamic equilibrium, ranging from non-crystalline polymers and glasses to active and living matter. We employ a combination of statistical-mechanical theory, analytical modeling, and computer simulations to study the structural, dynamical, and mechanical response properties of such materials. The aim is two-fold: firstly, we seek to gain new fundamental insight into the physics of soft and living matter, focusing mainly on the relation between microstructure and emergent dynamics; secondly, we aim to develop new theoretical tools that will ultimately allow us to rationally design, control, and optimize functional materials with adaptive, life-like, and "smart" properties.

Luca Giomi

University of Leiden and Lorentz Institute

We are interested in understanding the mechanics of soft materials, of which biological materials are prominent examples. Soft materials are those that can be easily deformed by external stress, electromagnetic fields or just thermal fluctuations: in other words everything that is wet, squishy or floppy. To pursue this, we use a combination of analytical techniques, numerical simulations and, from time to time, some simple experiment.

Marjolein Dijkstra

University of Utrecht

Our research focuses on theory and computer simulations of soft condensed matter systems to study physical phenomena like phase transitions, glass and jamming transitions, gelation, and nucleation in bulk systems and systems subjected to external fields like sedimentation, electric fields, etc. We employ Monte Carlo, (event driven) Molecular and Brownian Dynamics simulations, Stochastic Rotational Dynamics simulations to include hydrodynamics, Umbrella and Forward flux sampling, and simulated annealing techniques to predict densest packings, candidate (crystal) structures and to determine the (non)-equilibrium phase behavior of colloids, nanoparticles, liquid crystals, etc.

Martin van Hecke

University of Leiden and Amolf

We investigate the mechanics of soft materials near marginal points, such as the elasticity of marginal networks, and the flow and jamming of granulates, suspensions and foams. We focus on the interplay between mesoscopic organization and macroscopic features, and we combine numerical simulations, video imaging and mechanical/rheological measurements.

Mark Vis

TU Eindhoven

We want to deepen our understanding of depletion interactions in colloid–polymer mixtures and the phase behavior of these systems. Our focus is to move towards more realistic and more complex systems, featuring for instance charged species or anisotropic particles. We further focus on quantifying the structure of interfaces in these phase-separated colloidal systems. We approach these topics through a combination of theoretical and experimental methods, such as free-volume theory, self-consistent field computations, and light and X-ray scattering. Additionally, we work on (deep) eutectic solvents, which we similarly approach from both theory and experiments.

Patrick Onck

Groningen University

Our research is aimed at a theoretical understanding of the fundamental biophysical processes that are active in the cell. We use computational techniques such as all-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics, the finite element method and solid-fluid interaction techniques to study e.g., selective transport through the nuclear pore complex, the mechanics of the cytoskeleton, liquid-liquid phase separation of intrinsically-disordered proteins and protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases.

Paul van der Schoot

TU Eindhoven

We apply statistical mechanics to problems in liquid crystals, colloids, supramolecular polymers, viruses and geometric percolation. The toolbox we make use of ranges from analytical methods to Brownian and molecular dynamics simulations. In the past focus was on static properties and phase behaviour in soft matter systems but our attention is shifting toward dynamics.

Peter Bolhuis

University of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Center for Multiscale Modeling

We study rare events in soft matter and biomolecular systems, including folding of proteins, biomolecular isomerization and association, soft matter self-assembly and nucleation, and active matter transitions. In order to gain insight in such processes and make predictions, we conduct multiscale modeling simulations using rare event and coarse-graining techniques. In addition, we develop novel advanced simulation methods, including machine learning based techniques. The final aim is to predict biophysical and soft matter properties, to understand complex systems and design novel materials.

Peter Schall

University of Amsterdam

We investigate soft condensed matter at the micron scale - crystallization and phase separations, solid and liquid-like behavior, elastic and plastic properties. Using three-dimensional microscopic imaging and light scattering we bridge length scales from the particle scale to macroscopic lengths, thereby linking the microscopic behavior of these materials to their macroscopic properties.

Remco Tuinier

TU Eindhoven

In the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry we study the i) self-organization of colloids and polymers, ii) phase behaviour (and dynamics) of colloidal and colloid-polymer mixtures and iii) polymers & colloids at surfaces. For theme i applications involve the controlled encapsulation of compounds that need protection and/or need to be released at a desired rate. Topic ii aims at gaining a better understanding of the phase stability and dynamics in complex mixtures of colloids and polymers and bringing the knowledge towards mixtures in which the particles have realistic interactions (such as charges, soft repulsions). Applications involve understanding phase stability of complex mixtures such as food and (drying) paint. Theme iii involves the development of advanced (modified) surfaces for anti-(bio)fouling, controlled absorption/release and specific (bio)adhesion using tuned chemistry and topography as well as modifying surfaces to understand wettability, swelling, oil/water interaction(s).

René van Roij

Institute for Theoretical Physics, Utrecht

Our research has a focus on theoretical and numerical analyses of thermodynamics, structure, and (hydro)dynamics of a variety of liquids and soft matter systems on the basis of statistical physics, classical (dynamic) density functional theory and transport theory combined with numerical finite-element calculations. Systems of interest include (i) electrolytes (ionic liquids, organic solvents, supercapacitors, electro-kinetics, blue energy, enhanced oil recovery), (ii) self-assembly in colloidal dispersions (bulk phase behaviour, crystals and liquid crystals of odd-shaped particles with flexibility/chirality/biaxiality), (iii) active matter (search for a thermodynamic formalism, self-propulsion mechanisms, swim efficiency), and (iv) interfacial phenomena (adsorption, wetting, capillarity, 2D self-assembly). We focus on fundamental questions but also study the underlying physics of devices and their applications where possible. We intensively collaborate with computer simulation and experimental groups.

Willem Kegel

University of Utrecht

We are interested in the mechanisms that govern the spontaneous formation of ordered structures from colloidal building blocks. Inspired by the rich complexity in biology, we develop and study new colloidal model systems in which both the geometry of the colloids and the orientation dependent interactions between them can be tuned. While emphasis is on experiments, theory plays an important role in our approach.

Wouter Ellenbroek

TU Eindhoven

We research the physical foundations of novel (often bio-inspired) materials that respond to their environment in interesting or useful ways. Using and developing numerical methods such as molecular dynamics, as well as analytical tools based in statistical physics, we study the (two-way!) interplay between mechanical forces and structural properties of novel responsive materials.