Topics in Physics (390-0-1)

Topic

Physics of Fluids

Instructors

Pulak Dutta
847/491-5465
Technological Institute (2145 Sheridan Road), Room F-114, Evanston

Meeting Info

Technological Institute L168: Mon, Wed, Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM

Overview of class

Physics 390-0 Physics of Fluids

This class will discuss physical approaches to understanding the behavior of simple and complex fluids. Topics include bulk properties of fluids, surface properties, solid-fluid and fluid-fluid phase transitions, structures of fluids, diffusion, Navier-Stokes equation, liquid crystals, non-Newtonian fluids. (Note that while some applications of the Navier-Stokes equation will be discussed, this course is not purely dedicated to the topic of fluid dynamics.)

Registration Requirements

Prerequisites: PHYS 330-1, PHYS 330-2, PHYS 332-0 or equivalents

Learning Objectives

1. To understand the structures and properties of simple and complex fluids
2. To learn about phase transitions to, from and between fluid phases and how physicists describe and understand them
3. To learn how to describe the dynamic behavior of fluids in various applications

Teaching Method

In-person lectures

Evaluation Method

Homework, Midterm, Final Exam

Class Materials (Required)

Online resources, supplemented by instructor's notes. No purchases are required.