Processes of collective molecular organisation form the basis for the function of biological systems and are responsible for material properties. They involve molecular interactions which, on their own, are usually weak, but due to the combined action of the components, lead to new functions and properties. To conduct experimental studies of these interactions in terms of their energetics, dynamics and spatial alignment with the help of simple model systems and to describe them in terms of suitable models is the objective of a new collaborative research centre named "Collective molecular organisational processes in chemistry. Development, structure, dynamics and properties of highly organised systems". It will be set up at Essen University/Comprehensive University and Bochum University. The aim is to gain a better understanding of highly organised systems and to provide a basis for the specific development of artificial enzymes or new materials with customised properties.
Engineering sciences
The phenomenon of friction is ubiquitous in technology, from heavy-machine construction to
medical engineering and microtechnology, but so far it has not been possible to describe it in a
satisfactory manner. This is why at the collaborative research centre "Elementary friction
phenomena" at Berlin Technical University engineers, materials scientists and physicists
intend to analyse these complex processes in order to gain a consistent understanding of
friction, covering phenomena from nuclear friction to friction processes occurring in brake
linings. This will eventually provide the possibility to design friction linings for brakes and
clutches with potentially improv
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Contact: Dr. Pia Teufel
teufel@pr.dfg.d400.de
49-228-885-2376
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
19-Jun-1998