Computation as a powerful tool for understanding particle systems: an interview with Aibing Yu

Abstract

When we talk about materials, we may have several images in our minds. We have functional materials with fine nanostructures and unique physical/chemical properties; we have structural materials such as metals and cement. However, we may sometimes ignore the construction pattern of materials. In fact, glass, iron, coal, cement, and many other materials that are common in our everyday life are particulate/granular materials. Recently, NSR talked to Aibing Yu, a professor of Monash University, Australia, and a scientist who has been working on particle systems for 30 years, about how to deepen our understanding of these particulate materials by computer simulation and modelling.