22.52J | Spring 2004 | Graduate

Statistical Thermodynamics of Complex Liquids

Course Description

This course explores the theory of self-assembly in surfactant-water (micellar) and surfactant-water-oil (micro-emulsion) systems. It also introduces the theory of polymer solutions, as well as scattering techniques, light, x-ray, and neutron scattering applied to studies of the structure and dynamics of complex …
This course explores the theory of self-assembly in surfactant-water (micellar) and surfactant-water-oil (micro-emulsion) systems. It also introduces the theory of polymer solutions, as well as scattering techniques, light, x-ray, and neutron scattering applied to studies of the structure and dynamics of complex liquids, and modern theory of the liquid state relevant to structured (supramolecular) liquids.
Learning Resource Types
Problem Sets
Exams
A computer rendering of the laser scanning data.
A 3D sample region imaged using a laser scanning confocal microscope.  Particles with a crystal-like surrounding are represented by the large red spheres while the smaller yellow spheres represent particles in the metastable liquid. (Image courtesy of NASA’s Fluids and Combustion Facility for the International Space Station.)