Mathematical Design for Solid Complex Materials
Cambridge University
Background Complex materials have extraordinary and unique features which are usually determined by their rich microsctructures. They are key components to many of the emerging applications we take for granted in our everyday lives – in liquid crystal displays, microsensors and actuators, miniaturised phones, light but tough metals in cars, biological implants, composites for aerospace and many more.Mathematics plays an important role in ensuring that technological advances in complex materials continue. It is integral to the design of such materials with desirable functionalities. However, the theoretical understanding and modelling of them have so far been quite inadequate. Mathematical modelling and understanding is a key enabler for complex material development and further promotes greater potential of these materials with actual engineering applications.Some of the mathematical areas that are directly relevant to the key scientific questions of interest include optimisation