We are interested in general problems in statistical physics, particularly those concerning critical behavior in equilibrium and steady state non-equilibrium systems.
Our most recent research concerns the nature of jamming in granular systems and characterizing the non-equilibrium flowing steady states that result from the application of finite shear stress. We are interested in the broader implications of jamming for understanding behavior in other glassy systems.
We have also carried out research to investigate the structural properties of nanosized clusters and rods of gold atoms, where surface free energies are comparable to bulk free energies. We find that the stability of a nanocluster is determined by the stability of its surface facets.
A prior area of considerable research effort has been understanding the effects of vortex fluctuations in high temperature superconductors and in superconducting networks. In addition to its intrinsic interest for understanding the macroscopic behavior of superconductors, this system serves as a convenient model for investigating more general issues concerning the effects of commensurability, quenched randomness, and driving forces on phase transitions in strongly fluctuating many particle systems.
Investigations are carried out primarily through the use of large scale numerical simulations. For further details, see the Research page.
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