Advanced Diploma in Soft Matter
In this free online course, learn about the functions and equations of soft matter in physics..
Description
In this free online course, you are introduced to the subject of soft matter or soft condensed matter, which refers to materials that are easily deformed by thermal fluctuations and external forces. You will explore the two aspects that make up material linearity, as well as the classification of polymers and the material response to sinusoidal oscillations. Demonstrations, problems, examples and assessment questions in this instructor-led video-based course, are designed to provide you with a comprehensive foundation in everything connected to the study and analysis of soft matter.
The course will introduce you to the definitions of soft condensed matter and viscoelasticity. Then, the creep phenomenon will be discussed, which describes a continued straining or flow under constant stress. You will explore the concept of objectivity, which states that the fundamental laws of nature are independent of the frame of reference. You will also discover the fact that, in the viscoelastic solid type response, the stress relaxation function does not decay down to zero.
Next, you will learn about creep and stress relaxation functions. You will gain insight into the Deborah number (De), the University of Queensland’s pitch drop experiment and you will discover the importance of understanding constitutive modelling. Finally, you will study three-parameter viscoelastic models, constitutive equations and sinusoidal oscillations. This course will be of interest to mechanical engineering students, or those professionals in fluid mechanics or continuum mechanics. Start this course now and become an expert in the properties of soft matter today.
Start Course NowModules
Viscoelasticity
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Viscoelasticity - Learning Outcomes
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Introduction to Soft Matter
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Deborah Number
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Response of Elastic Solids
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Response Classical Viscous Fluid
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Viscoelastic Material
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Viscoelasticity - Lesson Summary
Creep and Stress Relaxation
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Creep and Stress Relaxation - Learning Outcomes
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Creep and Stress Relaxation
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Creep and Stress Relaxation Functions
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Linearity of Scale
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Mechanical Analogues
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Mechanical Analogue Examples
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Creep and Stress Relaxation - Lesson Summary
Atoms and Bonds
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Atoms and Bonds - Learning Outcomes
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Atomic Bonds
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Interatomic Bonds
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Polymers
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Types of Polymers
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Classification of Polymers
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Atoms and Bonds - Lesson Summary
Constitutive Equations
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Constitutive Equations - Learning Outcomes
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Freely Jointed Chain Model
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Constitutive Equations
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Vectors and Tensors
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Inelastic Material Laws
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Viscoelastic Effects
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Constitutive Equations - Lesson Summary
Advanced Diploma in Soft Matter - First Assessment
Viscoelastic models
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Viscoelastic models - Learning Outcomes
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Lab Session
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Polymer Concentrations
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Lagrangian and Eulerian Perspectives
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Maxwell Model
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Maxwell Equation and Kelvin-Voight Viscoelastic Model
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Kelvin-Meyer-Voigt Body
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Viscoelastic Models - Lesson Summary
Three-Parameter Viscoelastic Models
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Three-Parameter Viscoelastic Models - Learning Outcomes
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Three-Parameter Models
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Laplace Transform
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Three-Parameter Model Equations
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Jefferey’s Model
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Two Maxwell Models
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Three-Parameter Viscoelastic Models - Lesson Summary
Constitutive Modelling
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Constitutive Modelling - Learning Outcomes
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N-Maxwell Model
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N-Maxwell Model: Special Cases
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N-Kelvin Meyer Voigt Model
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Constitutive Modelling
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Principle of Material Objectivity
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Constitutive Modelling - Lesson Summary
Sinusoidal Oscillations
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Sinusoidal Oscillations - Learning Outcomes
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Time Frame Objectivity
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Sinusoidal Oscillations
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Sinusoidal Stress and Strain History
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Complex Variable Representation
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Complex Modulus
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Jefferey’s Fluid Element: Tutorial
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Sinusoidal Cycle: Tutorial
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Sinusoidal Oscillations - Lesson Summary
Advanced Diploma in Soft Matter - Second Assessment
Course assessment
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Discuss the response of viscoelastic material to step stress
- Explain the concept of linear scaling
- Discuss the history and length scales of atoms and bonds
- Explain the freely jointed chain model, vectors and tensors
- Discuss polymer concentrations and the Maxwell model
- Describe the three-parameter viscoelastic models
- Discuss the two approaches of constitutive modelling
Certification
All Alison courses are free to enrol, study and complete. To successfully complete this Diploma course and become an Alison Graduate, you need to achieve 80% or higher in each course assessment. Once you have completed this Diploma course, you have the option to acquire an official Diploma, which is a great way to share your achievement with the world. Your Alison Diploma is:
Ideal for sharing with potential employers - include it in your CV, professional social media profiles and job applications
An indication of your commitment to continuously learn, upskill and achieve high results
An incentive for you to continue empowering yourself through lifelong learning
Alison offers 3 types of Diplomas for completed Diploma courses:
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