Polymer Conformations and Diffusive Transport in Disordered Environments

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Wolfhard Janke; Professor Dr. Klaus Kroy
• Subject Area: Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2011 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 34815210

The paradigmatic problem of polymers in disordered environments is linked both to a broad range of deep and long-standing problems in contemporary theoretical physics, and to very topical applications in biological physics. It provides formidable challenges on the conceptual and on the computational level. In a collaborative effort, we will address it along two main routes, with the aim of spanning from fundamental questions studied with paradigmatic mathematical models to practical questions arising in current interdisciplinary applications, and bringing to bear both analytical and advanced simulation techniques. In particular, we will analyze how the statistical conformations and transport properties of stiff and flexible polymers are affected by a crowded disordered environment.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 877: From Local Constraints to Macroscopic Transport