Projects in winter semester 2025/26
The influence of rotational friction between particles
Slots: 1-4, Hours per week: 3-9, Completion within: 3-12 monthsFor students inrolled in: Applied Physics B.Sc., Informatics B.Ed., Informatics B.Sc., Mathematics B.Ed., Mathematics B.Sc., Meteorology B.Sc., Physics B.Ed., Physics B.Sc.,
Discription
Friction between rotating particles plays a key role in various physical or biological contexts and is under investigation in an SFB (Sonderforschungsbereich) in Mainz. Such particles like bacteria, for example, can be used as motors for bacteria-based batteries. This project will explore the influence of rotational friction between particles in typical molecular dynamic simulations.
Role of the students
The students will use ready-made Python code to analyze potential physical effects and applications of such friction between rotating particles in computer simulations. If they are interested, students can also adjust the source code.
Qualifications
Basic Python skills are necessary. You will have to use Linux in this project. However, you won't need basic Linux skills since you will learn it through the project.
(more information)
Projects in summer semester 2025
Phase Behavior and Morphological Analysis of 2D Colloidal Monolayers
Slots: 2, Hours per week: 6, Completion within: 6 monthsFor students inrolled in: Applied Physics B.Sc., Environmental Sciences with a Focus in Atmosphere and Climate B.Sc., Informatics B.Ed., Informatics B.Sc., Mathematics B.Ed., Mathematics B.Sc., Mathematics-Infomatics B.Sc., Meteorology B.Sc., Physics B.Ed., Physics B.Sc.,
Discription
Two-dimensional self-assembled colloidal particle monolayers have wide-ranging applications in nanotechnology. The phase behavior of such monolayers is predominantly influenced by inter-particle interactions. For example, in a 2D monolayer, an increase in particle diameter can induce phase transitions from a liquid-like state to a hexatic phase and ultimately to a crystalline solid phase. This project aims to give students basic understanding of the physics governing the self-assembly process and to provide hands-on experience with advanced tools for analyzing the morphology of two-dimensional colloidal assemblies.
Role of the students
The student will perform particle-based simulations using molecular dynamics (MD) software to explore the morphology of self-assembled structures by tuning inter-particle interactions. They will study the physics of self-assembly and analyze phase morphology using techniques such as 2D Fourier transforms, Delaunay triangulation, order parameters, and correlation functions.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate is motivated, enthusiastic, and committed to learning new tools and techniques. A basic knowledge of programming languages such as Python or C/C++ is essential. Preference will be given to students with a background in physics, mathematics, or computational physics. Proficiency in English is required for communication.
(more information)
Creating an analysis framework for Coarse-Grained LLPS-Simulations
Slots: 1, Hours per week: 6, Completion within: 6 monthsFor students inrolled in: Applied Physics B.Sc., BMC B.Sc., Chemestry B.Ed., Chemestry B.Sc., Environmental Sciences with a Focus in Atmosphere and Climate B.Sc., Geography B.Ed., Geography B.Sc., Geosciences B.Sc., Informatics B.Ed., Informatics B.Sc., Mathematics B.Ed., Mathematics B.Sc., Mathematics-Infomatics B.Sc., Meteorology B.Sc., Molecular Biology B.Sc., Molecular Biotechnology B.Sc., Physics B.Ed., Physics B.Sc.,
Discription
Complementary to the work of our experimentalists in biology, we investigate the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of different proteins using coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. To create a phase diagram, many simulations with varying starting parameters are carried out and evaluated according to the same scheme. Additional features are to be added to the existing framework for this purpose.
Role of the students
The students implement new analysis features and thus gain an insight into research using biophysical simulations, as well as the development of research software using test-driven development.
Qualifications
Basic knowledge of statistical physics, programming and willingness to familiarize yourself with an interdisciplinary field are required. Knowledge of MD simulations, the Julia programming language, good English skills, Git and statistics are advantageous.
(more information)
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