Partial Differential Equations

The group contributes to the following application oriented research topics of WIAS:

Diffusion models in statistical physics

Many models in statistical physics contain random paths with interactions of various natures, like polymer models, where the path has a self-repellence and attractive interactions with the surrounding medium, or mass transport models in random medium, where the path carries a random mass that is increased and decreased, depending on the properties of the space visited, or self-intersection properties of the path. Also coupled nonlinear diffusion equations are used for modeling such phenomena. [>> more]

Electronic materials

Novel electronic materials require advanced charge transport modeling and simulation techniques in which moving ions on the crystal lattice cannot be neglected. Examples of such materials are perovskites and 2D layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) like molybdenum disulfide. They play a fundamental role for applications like solar cells as well as memristive devices. [>> more]

Modeling and simulation of semiconductor structures

Modern semiconductor and optoelectronic devices such as semiconductor lasers or organic field-effect transistors are based on semiconductor structures, which e.g. can be given by doping profiles, heterostructures or nanostructures. For the qualitative and quantitative understanding of the properties of these devices, mathematical modeling and simulation of the most relevant and, respectively, of the limiting carrier transport processes is necessary. In the context of the Green Photonics Initiative new topics move into the focus of research, e.g. reduced energy consumption of devices, new applications in the field of renewable energies, communication and lighting. [>> more]

Modeling of thin films and nano structures on substrates

Thin films play an important role in nature and many areas of technological applications. In particular on micro- and nanoscales technological processes such as dewetting or epitaxial growth are used to design surfaces with specific material properties. Apart from the need to derive mathematical decriptions, analyis and numerical simulation, that serve to accelerate the development of new technologies, it is also exciting to understand material behaviour on these small scales. [>> more]

Nonlinear material models, multifunctional materials and hysteresis in continuum mechanics.

Many components in modern equipment rely on specific properties of so-called multifunctional materials. These materials are distinguished by the fact that therein properties like elastic deformability, thermal expansibility, magnetizability, or polarizability interact nontrivially like for instance in a piezo-crystal. At WIAS coupled models describing these properties are developed and analyzed. [>> more]

Particle-based modeling in the Sciences

For more than a hundred years diverse processes and phenomena in the natural sciences have been modelled using random particle systems. At the WIAS macroscopic phenomena in such large systems are analyzed with particular focus on phase transitions such as percolation or gelation. [>> more]

Phase field models for complex materials and interfaces

This research topic focusses on modeling complex material systems with different phases including multiphase and interfacial flows, damage and fatigue modeling, topology optimization and complex materials. Physical phenomena modelled involve fluid flow, diffuse transport and (visco)elastic deformation in the context of phase separation and phase transitions. Applications range from biology to physics and engineering. [>> more]

Quantum models for semiconductors

Mathematical modeling of electrons in semiconductor nanostructures and molecules requires a quantum mechanical description using the Schrödinger equation. In semiconductors, e.g., the electronic band structure, which determines the functionality of devices, can be understood by this means. The simulation of time-dependent processes such as the coherent evolution of electrons in semiconductor nanostructures or the evolution of chemical reactions is of major interest in numerous applications. Modeling dissipative processes requires evolution equations for density matrices that describe the interaction of qauntum particles with their macroscopic environment. [>> more]

Thermodynamic models for electrochemical systems

The behavior of electrochemical systems is widely investigated with continuum physics models. Applications range from single crystal electrochemistry to lithium batteries and fuel cells, from biological nano-pores to electrolysis and corrosion science, and further. [>> more]

Archive

Further application topics where the institute has expertise in:

Photovoltaics

This work is focussed on the design of nanostructures and semiconductor simulations in photovoltaics as well as the production of solar silicon. [>> more]