Simulating the Rheology of Particulate Networks in Complex Fluids

Complex fluids are an inherent part of our existence. Everyday items such as butter and toothpaste and even some cytoskeletal biofluids comprise particulate networks that govern the functional properties of these materials such as flowability, texture and the transport of actives. 

In this study, we will investigate the microstructure of these materials as a function of the shape of particles and the interparticle interactions. The objective would be to decipher the physics of the network formation and to simulate the material such that it perfectly emulates the experimentally observed rheological and transport properties of the materials, thus enabling a deeper micromechanical understanding than what is possible through experimental investigations.