In his inaugural lecture, on Wednesday 15 June, Professor Nigel Wilding will explore the computer simulation of changes of state in models for atoms and complex molecules.
Most substances can exist in a number of different states, or ‘phases’, with familiar examples being the solid, liquid and gaseous states of matter.
Predicting the phase behaviour of a material is a central goal of condensed matter science, and a pre-requisite for designing new materials with tailored or novel phase behaviour.
Professor Wilding’s lecture will outline how computer simulation of phase behaviour now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with traditional approaches of experimental and analytical theory.
He will focus on one particularly powerful and flexible computational technique called ‘Monte Carlo simulation’.
The lecture will outline the history and basic methodology of Monte Carlo simulation before going on to describe how it can be used to accurately quantify phase behaviour.
Professor Wilding’s lecture will use case studies from his own research to illustrate the use of Monte Carlo simulation.
The lecture will also look to the future of computer simulation, and Professor Wilding will attempt to identify the grand challenges for condensed matter science where Monte Carlo simulation will doubtlessly play an important role.
For free tickets for the lecture, please email or call 01225 383647.