Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/S77103/01
Title:	Structure of Molecular Liquids and Liquid Crystals - Hunting the Bridge Function
Principal Investigator:	Masters, Professor AJ
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Chemistry
Organisation:	University of Manchester, The
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 October 2004	Ends:	31 December 2007	Value (£):	162,589
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Complex fluids & soft solids Condensed Matter Physics
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Manufacturing Electronics
Related Grants:	GR/S77240/01
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 29 Oct 2003 Physics Prioritisation Panel (Science) Deferred
Summary on Grant Application Form
Complex fluids - colloids, liquid crystals, emulsions, polymers - are of great importance in a range of applications, are scientifically fascinating, and are imperfectly understood. This proposal will address the problem of developing reliable theoretical methods for aiding the design process of real molecules which will give useful, functional, fluids, by dramatically improving our understanding of the liquid state structure. Example application areas are: suspensions of colloidal particles of various shapes, as found in shampoos; the use of dye molecules, chiral molecules, and microcrystals to improve alignment and performance in liquid crystal displays. Collaboration between groups at Manchester and Warwick will allow a dual approach based on theory (integral equations and density functionals) and simulation (inversion of structural data). The key property which must be predicted by an accurate theory, and which acts as a link between different forms of liquid state theory, is called the bridge function B(1,2). Only in recent years have techniques been developed to extract this quantity from simulation results. The aim is to test theory against simulation for some representative molecular models, with the aim of developing reliable theories which can then be used with confidence, replacing much more expensive simulations. The benefits of such a leap forward are wide ranging, and the present applicants are almost uniquely placed to carry such a research programme forward.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk Summary Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.man.ac.uk