Dynamics of Driven Systems from Newtonian to Athermal Limits

Abstract

The dynamics and properties of driven flowing systems are examined using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations in conjunction with an energy landscape analysis. The systems are analyzed as a function of temperature and driving rate, and span the range from high temperature/low driving rate to low temperature/high driving rate. In the high temperature/low driving rate limit the dynamics are due to thermally activated transitions, while in the low temperature/high driving rate limit the dynamics are due to the external driving force. The purpose of this investigation is to link the properties of flowing thermal system (e.g. liquids and colloids) to flowing athermal systems (e.g. foams and granular materials).

Keywords:

• Tanning
• Thermal and athermal systems
• Shear flow
• Energy landscapes

Acknowledgements

Funding for this project was provided by the National Science Foundation (grant numbers DMR-0080191 and DMR-0324396).