HYD/PETR 552- Fluid/Surface Interactions

Class Times: Spring 2004, Mon/Wed 9:30-10:45
Final Exam: Monday, May 10 at 9am
Instructors: Robert Bowman, 835-5992, 835-6436 (FAX), email: bowman at nmt.edu
J.S. Buckley, 835-5405, email: jill at prrc.nmt.edu
Textbook: Israelachvili, J.N., 1991. Intermolecular and Surface Forces. Academic Press, New York

• Prerequisites
• Course Objectives
• Course Structure
• Lecture Outline
• Lecture Notes
• Student Presentations
• Guidelines
• Schedule
• Homework
• Readings

Course Objectives

1. Review the basic physics and chemistry of interfaces
2. Determine how molecular-scale forces result in observable interfacial phenomena.
3. Provide examples of interfacial phenomena of particular importance to hydrology, petroleum engineering, environmental engineering, and materials science.

Course Structure
Approach

• Readings will be selected from the textbook and from materials handed out in class.
• Lectures will cover and expand upon materials presented in the readings.
• Homework will be assigned and graded on a regular basis.

• Attend and participate in all regularly scheduled classes.
• Complete and hand in all assigned homework. Homework is due at the beginning of the designated class period. Late homework will not be accepted.
• Complete midterm and final exams.
• Lead an oral discussion on a relevant current paper from the literature.

• The average homework score will count for 25% of the final grade, the midterm exam 25%, the final exam 30%, and the paper presentation 20%.
• The grading scale will be:
100-90, A
  89-80, B
  79-70, C
  69-60, D
less than 60, F
• The final grade may be adjusted upward in recognition of meaningful class participation and demonstrated interest.
• Students auditing the class will be expected to attend all lectures, read assigned materials, and participate in class discussion to receive a grade of “SA”.

¹Based on material in Israelachvili
²Based on papers or other sources outside of textbook
³Presentation and class discussion of a relevant paper from the literature, led by a student. Two student presentations per class period.

• April 19 and 21, 2004 (PDF 501 KB)
• Application Lecture, 28 April: Surfactant Modified Minerals (PowerPoint, 2.45 MB)
• Application Lecture, 3 May: Paper by D.E. Smith, Langmuir 14:5959-5967 (1998)

The purpose of this portion of the course is to:

• Introduce relevant material not covered in the textbook or regular course lectures.
• Allow students to investigate topics related to their individual interests.
• Give students experience in preparing for and leading a discussion of current research.

• At least three weeks before the date of the presentation, the student meets with instructor(s) to discuss the paper selected. The paper may be one identified from the student, or one suggested by the instructors.
• One week before the date of presentation, the student distributes copies of the paper to all class participants.

• The student thoroughly familiarizes him-/herself with the paper’s contents and concepts. Preparation will include other relevant publications cited by the authors.
• The student presents a synopsis of the paper, paying particular attention to new or difficult concepts. The presentation should include supporting visuals from the subject paper and other sources.
• During and following the synopsis, the student leads a general discussion of the paper. This may be stimulated by, for instance, posing alternative hypotheses to those presented by the authors, or by considering new or outstanding questions derived from the work.

• Read the paper prior to class
• Contribute to the in-class discussion by asking at least one question or making at least one comment

Readings

• The Geometry of Soap Films and Soap Bubbles, Scientific American, July 1976