Accueil du site > Séminaires > Séminaires 2012 > Confronting theory with simulation : examples from biology and granular materials
Mardi 24 janvier 2012-14:00
Confronting theory with simulation : examples from biology and granular materials
Fabien Paillusson (Universite de Cambridge, Royaume-Uni)
par - 24 janvier 2012
In the first part, I will discuss the role that can play electrostatics in the non specific binding of a -positively charged- target specific protein on a DNA segment. We will see that, depending on the protein shape, an opposite charge repulsion can be observed in simulations. Interestingly enough, such a behaviour can be well captured within the framework of the DLVO theory.
In the second part, I will present some of Edwards’ ideas on an "equilibrium statistical mechanics of powders". We will see that, contrary to usual statistical mechanics, some elementary features of Edwards’ theory are still unclear which makes it difficult to test in general. In the work presented, we suggest a clear test protocol that may allow one to discriminate between systems compatible or incompatible with Edwards’ theory. We then use this protocol on a numerical shaking experiment of granular matter as a case study.