Models should be as simple as possible, but no simpler. For the physics of polymeric liquids, whose relevant lengths and time scales are out of reach for first principles calculations, this means that we have to choose a minimum set of sufficiently detailed descriptors such as architecture (linear, ring, branched), connectivity, semiflexibility, stretchability, excluded volume, and hydrodynamic interaction. These 'universal' fluids allow the prediction of material properties under external flow- or electrodynamic fields, the results being expressed in terms of reference units, specific for any particular chosen material. This book provides an introduction to the kinetic theory and computer simulation methods needed to handle these models and to interpret the results. Also included are a number of sample applications and computer codes.

Senior Researcher at Polymer Physics, ETH Zürich, since 1997 Lecturer at the Institute of Theoretical Physics, Technical University Berlin, 2001-2005 Director Beowulf-Cluster ETH Zürich, since 1997 Editor-in-Chief international journal Applied Rheology, since 1998 Recipient of several scientific awards (Carl-Ramsauer, Kurt Ueberreiter, Rheology Prize), Member of several physical and rheological societies, Referee for National Science Foundations, and several publishers. Project leader in priority program 'Colloidal magnetic fluids' and several special research areas (Smoothed particle dynamics, elementary friction processes, anisotropic fluids, mesoscopically organized composites) of the German Research Foundation