Although, a lot is now known about the synthesis of spherical and nonspherical
nanoparticles by the microemulsion route, and enormous amount of data and observations
have been reported over the last decade, there exists very few studies that exactly explain the
physics of these systems. Simulation is a powerful tool not only to reduce experiments, but
also to substantiate the correct understanding of the physics of a problem. This project would
involve development of simulation techniques, based partly on the experience derived from
the case of spherical nanoparticles, to explain interesting observations in non
spherical/complex nano particles. There is also a need to develop good simulation algorithm
for particle formation which incorporates the effect of shear and fluid flow on the properties
of NPs/ Multiscale reactor models with a MonteCarlo/Population balance/Brownian
dynamics simulation methods. Exploratory strategies to couple the above approaches with
CFD would be assessed. The existing model would also be extended to a continuous reactor
configuration, with the model taking into account, both shear effects as well as effects due to
the input output streams and residence times. Studies would also be carried out to develop
algorithms to simulate anisotropic nanoparticles using Brownian dynamic simulation. Most
complex surfactant systems such as the wormlike micelles or the cylindrical micelles can be
adequately described by Brownian Dynamics, and it would be interesting to simulate these,
with nanoparticles being synthesized inside the surfactant core. The project would be
theoretical (analytical theory and computer simulation and modeling) in nature.