Soft matter physics

Our expertise, combined with access to the largest computing facilities, allows us to contribute to world-leading science in soft matter physics.

Computer simulation plays an important role in many areas of physics. One broad category of materials for which such simulation has relevance for many everyday applications is that of 'soft matter', whch includes materials that are soft to the touch and may flow like a liquid when forced or heated gently. Examples are foodstuffs (butter, tomato ketchup) and cosmetics (many powders, gels and foams). Soft matter also has many important industrial and medical applications.

As part of a long-standing collaboration with Prof. Mike Cates FRS of the Soft Matter and Statistical Physics Group at the University of Edinburgh, EPCC has considerable experience and expertise in the modelling and simulation of soft matter, especially complex fluids and liquid crystals. We also collaborate within the UK and worldwide.