Research subfield Phenomenological physics (FeF)
Phenomenological physics describes macroscopic physical phenomena in complex systems
Macroscopic behaviour typically emerges from the interaction on multiple time- and length-scales between various elements making up an entire system. For example, macroscopic biological functionality in tissues arises from the coupling of millions of cells on various hierarchical levels. With its focus on the resulting macroscopic behaviour, phenomenological physics provides a bridge between fundamental microscopic physical phenomena and applied macroscopic physics. This may lead to innovations required to address technological and societal problems such as the increasing need for sustainable energy and materials cycles.
Macroscopic behaviour typically emerges from the interaction on multiple time- and length-scales between various elements making up an entire system. For example, macroscopic biological functionality in tissues arises from the coupling of millions of cells on various hierarchical levels. With its focus on the resulting macroscopic behaviour, phenomenological physics provides a bridge between fundamental microscopic physical phenomena and applied macroscopic physics. This may lead to innovations required to address technological and societal problems such as the increasing need for sustainable energy and materials cycles.
Phenomenological physics in the Netherlands
The three core disciplines of Phenomenological physics in the Netherlands are Physics of fluids, Meso- and macroscopic physics of materials, and Metrology and instrumentation. The fluid dynamics research is organized within the J.M. Burgerscenter, in which 37 research chairs are represented. Materials science is broadly represented at Dutch universities, with 15 to 20 research groups actively focussing on meso- and macroscopic materials properties. Both communities enjoy a high international reputation. Research in optical metrology and high resolution measurement standards, is largely focused at the laser centres at the VU, AMOLF and at NMI, which is part of TNO. In all three areas, tight links to the industry are present, including major players such as ASML, Tata Steel, Shell, DSM and Akzo-Nobel.
Research themes
Physics of fluids
- Complex fluids
- Micro- and nanofluidics
- Turbulence and geophysical flows
- Acoustics and ultrasound in fluids
- Low temperature plasma physics
Meso- and macroscopic physics of materials
- Materials for miniaturization
- Composite materials
- Biomaterials
- Friction and tribology
- Materials synthesis
Metrology and instrumentation
- Optical measurement techniques
- Instrumentation for health care applications
A description of these themes can be found in the 'FeF for the future' document (top right of this page).
Advisory committee Phenomenological physics
For the subarea Phenomenological physics an advisory committee has been appointed that provides the Executive Board with solicited and unsolicited advice about proposals for new FOM programmes. The committee also helps to monitor the progress of current FOM programmes.
The Phenomenological physics committee members are:
- Dr.ir. A.I. van Berkel (chair a.i., TNO)
- Dr. R. Badie (ASML)
- Prof.dr. H.J.H. Clercx (TU/e)
- Prof.dr. M.L. van Hecke (AMOLF)
- Prof.dr. A.G.J.M. van Leeuwen (AMC)
- Prof.dr. M.A. Loi (RUG)
- Prof.dr. F.M. Mulder (TUD)
- Prof.dr.ir. P.R. Onck (RUG)
- Dr. A.M. Versluis (UT)
secretary: Dr.ir. P. Spijker
The following research programmes are incorporated in this subarea.