Materials Science Program seminar by Prof. Randy Ewoldt, Mechanical Science & Engin., UIUC

Many biological systems involve viscoelastic material behavior for their function, including (i) a predatory defense mechanism used by hagfish, (ii) motility of ulcer-causing bacteria through a biopolymer gel, and (iii) processing microalgae suspensions for biofuels. Rheology plays a critical role in achieving the desired function in each system. This talk summarizes efforts to fundamentally understand the complex rheology in these inspiring biological systems, including careful experimental.