EPSRC Reference: |
GR/L89396/01 |
Title: |
SPIN-GLASS STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF LIQUID CRYSTALLINE POLYMER NETWORKS |
Principal Investigator: |
Terentjev, Professor E |
Other Investigators: |
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Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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Project Partners: |
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Department: |
Physics |
Organisation: |
University of Cambridge |
Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
Starts: |
01 February 1999 |
Ends: |
31 January 2001 |
Value (£): |
96,149
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EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
Materials Characterisation |
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EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
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Related Grants: |
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Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
Random networks with a broken orientational symmetry (L.C. Elastomers) are driven in their behaviour by the random-disorder effects, similar to those in spin glasses. A key difference lies in elastic domain walls, which are topologically stable in LCE and localise under external stress into a network of topological fossil defects. The project will study the transition between a disordered equilibrium state and the monodomain state aligned by external stress or field. Using microscopy, light scattering and WAXS, we shall study the internal structure and correlations and the relaxation dynamics - looking for universal laws and parallels with spin-glass results. Theoretical work, using the concepts of replica symmetry breaking, will be done together with experiment. The project benefits from a developed collaboration with leading international groups in chemical synthesis. The priorities of the programme are fundamental experimental and theoretical results on the ordering of randomly disordered systems by external fields and the relaxation dynamics, hopefully bringing a feedback to the area of spin glasses.A continuous employment of Dr SM Clarke is requested , because his expertise acquired in the currently running project will be vital for the success of the new one.
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Key Findings |
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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Impacts |
Description |
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Summary |
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Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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Project URL: |
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Further Information: |
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Organisation Website: |
http://www.cam.ac.uk |