Density functional theory of heterogeneous nucleation and microstructure formation

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Hartmut Löwen
• Subject Area: Materials Science
• Term: from 2007 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 51340282

Density functional theory of freezing will be employed as a microscopic theory for heterogeneous crystal nucleation and subsequent microstructure formation. Heterogeneous nucleation at external system boundaries and around fixed particles at prescribed positions will be determined and the subsequent growth into a solid microstructure will be calculated within dynamical density functional theory. The connection to phase field models which operate on larger length and time scales will be explored. Results will be compared to complementary approaches like computer simulations and experiments on colloidal suspensions.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1296: Heterogeneous Nucleation and Microstructure Formation: Steps towards a System- and Scale-bridging Understanding
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Michael Schmiedeberg