Molecular-dynamics simulations of friction on a layered material in a solvent: how the subtleties on the nano scale can dramatically impact the real world

by Astrid de Wijn (NTNU Trondheim)

Monday 14 Sept 2026, 15:30 → 17:00 Europe/Stockholm

Albano Building 3

Quick clay is a highly sensitive soil that transforms rapidly from solid to liquid under minor stress.  It's common in countries that were under ice during the ice ages, such as Norway and Sweden.  The clay consists of layered platelets that were deposited under salt-water conditions.  The land has since risen up, and the salt has been leached out by fresh water.  This changes the interaction between the clay particles, and causes the structure to essentially turn into a house of cards.  I will present the results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate this through the sliding behavior of illite platelets, the key component in Norwegian quick clay. We focus on the different cations in the solution surrounding the surface, and the electric double layer structure. We find that divalent cations sit higher on top of the surface, and this leads to higher friction between the clay particles, which in turn will affect the stability of the soil.

 

Zoom link: https://stockholmuniversity.zoom.us/j/622224375