HYDRODYNAMICS AND COLLECTIVE DYNAMICS (spring 2019)

This spring's Delta ITP Course Advanced Topics in Theoretical Physics aimed at advanced Master’s students, PhD and postdoctoral researchers, is built around the general theme of Hydrodynamics and collective dynamics.
Lectures will take place on Monday's at 11:15-13:00, followed by a study/exercise session 13:45- end.
The location of this semester's course rotates between the three institutes. The first module will be held in Amsterdam, the second in Utrecht and the third in Leiden.
The course will be divided into three 5-week modules; for each one there are four lectures (2hrs each) and four exercise sessions (4hrs each). At the end of the module there is an exam. All exams will be graded with a pass or fail. You need to pass all three exams to receive credit for the course.
Please fill in the registration form before the course begins, even if you do not plan to take the course for credit.
We cannot process your grade or send important notices if you do not register ahead of time.
Travel Cost Reimbursement:
Students who do not have an OV-card from the Dutch government can have their travel costs reimbursed from Delta ITP.
Please contact your local organizer (below) for details.

  • Module 1:

    finished
    Jan de Boer (UvA): Hydrodynamics and effective field theory
    Abstract: In these lectures we will (i) review some basic facts about hydrodynamics, (ii) review three approaches to hydrodynamics, namely gradient expansions of conserved currents, hydrostatis partition functions and effective actions, (iii) describe fluid/gravity duality, and (iv) describe some applications and generalizations. The point of view will mostly be that of a high-energy physicist.

    Important message from Jan de Boer (7 Febr. 2019):
    Dear all,
    Since there are only 5 students who are taking the ATTP hydrodynamics course for credits, I decided to change the format.
    The plan is as follows:
    -there will be no more lectures;
    -I will list a series of topics + possible references;
    -you can each pick one these topics (or some other related topic that might interest you) and the idea is that you study this subject yourself during the next weeks;
    -Juan Pedraza (j.f.pedraza@uva.nl) and I will be available to answer questions over email and/or skype in this period;
    -you will all give a plm 20 minute presentation about this subject on Monday March 4, in room G0.05, 13-17h;
    -based on your presentation you will receive a pass/fail grade.
    Please let me know if you have any questions.
    Best, Jan de Boer, j.deboer@uva.nl

  • Module 2:

    finished
    Joost de Graaf (UU): The emergence of hydrodynamics from microscopic collisions
    Lectures (Monday, weeks 11 t/m 14): Mar 11, 18, 25, Apr 1 in Buys Ballot Building, room 1.19 (11-13 hrs);
    Exercise sessions (Monday, weeks 11, 12, 14): Mar 11, 18, Apr 1 in Buys Ballot Building, room 1.79 (13-17 hrs);
    (Monday, week 13): Mar 25 in Minnaart Building, room 015 (13-17 hrs);
    Exam: (Monday, week 15): Apr 8 Take-home exam

    Abstract: In these lectures we revisit the classic equations of hydrodynamics, the Navier-Stokes equations. They will be constructed from the Hamiltonian of an interacting particle system through systematic coarse-graining via the BBGKY hierarchy, ultimately leading to the Boltzmann Transport Equation. This equation is subsequently cast into the traditional form for the Navier-Stokes equations through the Chapman-Enskog expansion. This approach is challenging, but also rewarding as it reveals how macroscopic transport quantities emerge from microscopic dynamics. In addition, in its discretized form, the Boltzmann Transport Equation gives rise to a powerful numerical solver for fluid flow, which we will also discuss. The lecture series is rounded out by an introduction to the microhydrodynamics of the Stokes equation and its relevance to bacterial swimming.

  • Module 3:

    finished
    Luca Giomi (UL): Hydrodynamics of liquid crystals
    Lecture dates: Apr 15, (22 = Easter) 29, May 6, 13
    Location lectures: room HL 414; exercise sessions: room HL 414
    Exam: May 20; room HL 414

    Abstract: This mini-course aims to give an introduction the hydrodynamics of complex fluids (i.e. fluids with internal structure) with special attention on liquid crystals. The lectures will focus on the following topics:
    • Introduction on liquid crystals and Frank’s elasticity.
    • Nematic hydrodynamics, viscous flow in nematics, flow-alignment and elastic backflow.
    • Topological defects, statics and dynamics, defect trapping by viscous flow.

  • Contact:

    Dr. Lars Fritz
    Institute for Theoretical Physics
    Utrecht University
    Princetonplein 5
    3584 CC Utrecht
    tel: +31 30 253 3880
    e-mail: l.fritz@uu.nl

    Prof. Koenraad Schalm
    Instituut-Lorentz for Theoretical Physics
    Leiden University
    Niels Bohrweg 2
    2335 CA Leiden
    email: kschalm@lorentz.leidenuniv.nl

    Dr. Wouter Waalewijn
    Institute for Theoretical Physics
    University of Amsterdam
    Science Park 904
    1098 XH Amsterdam
    tel: +31 (0)20 525 3204
    e-mail: w.j.waalewijn@uva.nl

    Administrative matters:
    Wanda Verweij
    Institute for Theoretical Physics
    Utrecht University
    Princetonplein 5
    3584 CC Utrecht
    tel: +31 30 253 5906
    e-mail: w.l.verweij@uu.nl

  • Participants: