Elasticity of Soft Materials (421-0-20)

Instructors

Junsoo Kim
847/491-4322
Catalysis Bldg, Rm 326, 2137 Tech Drive, EV CAMPUS

Meeting Info

Technological Institute L160: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

In this course, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the mechanics of soft materials. In addition to theoretical concepts, students will be introduced to various experimental methods used to measure the mechanical properties of soft materials.

Registration Requirements

Basic knowledge of solid mechanics and chemistry.

Learning Objectives

Week 1: Polymers
Week 2: Entropy
Week 3: Thermal system, Free energy
Week 4: Ideal chains, Neo-Hookean model
Week 5: Boltzmann distribution, Freely-jointed chains
Week 6: Flory-Rehner model
Week 7: Finite deformation theory I
Week 8: Finite deformation theory II
Week 9: Instabilities
Week 10: Electric/magnetic fields coupling
Week 11: Case study

Homework

There are weekly homework assignments during the term, due in one week. The homework aims to digest the concepts taught in the class by giving an opportunity to have hands-on experience.

Final exam

The final exam is an oral exam. The student will receive a problem set 30 mins prior to the oral exam and present the answers to the instructor for 30 mins. The final exam is based on homework.

Class Materials (Suggested)

Course notes

Advanced Elasticity by Zhigang Suo

Mechanics of soft matter by Ken Shull

Thermodynamics by Zhigang Suo

Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Polymers by Rui Huang, Zhigang Suo

Polymer Physics by M. Rubinstein, Ralph H. Colby