Robert P Behringer, J. B. Duke Professor (secondary appts: Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering & Material Sciences)  

Office Location: 095 Physics
Office Phone: (919) 660-2550, (919) 660-2553
Email Address: bob@phy.duke.edu
Web Page: http://www.phy.duke.edu/~bob

Research Categories: Condensed Matter

Research Description: Professor Robert P. Behringer is a James B. Duke Professor of Physics. Dr. Behringer's research interests include nonlinear dynamics and low-temperature physics. His studies of nonlinear dynamics include experiments on granular flow, on convection in liquid helium, as well as room temperature fluids, and on convection in porous media. His group has recently pioneered the use of magnetic resonance imaging and novel optical techniques to study flows in porous media. Novel experiments on the flow of granular materials such as sand have yielded new insights into the dynamics of this complex, technically important and intriguing system. Other experiments probe pattern formation phenomena in shear flows and in film flows. Experiments in low-temperature physics probe the unusual and striking properties of superfluid helium.

Recent Publications   (More Publications)

  1. L. Kondic, O.M. Dybenko, and R.P. Behringer, Signal Propagation Through Dense Granular SystemsProbing dense granular materials by space-time dependent perturbations, Phys. Rev. E, vol. 79 (2009), pp. 041304 .
  2. R.P. Behringer, Wetting dynamics of thin liquid films and drops under Marangoni and centrifugal forces, J. Phys.: Condens. Matter, vol. 21 (2009), pp. 464123 .
  3. L. Kondic, X. Fang, O.M. Dybenko, and R.P. Behringer, Energy Transport Through Dense Granular Matter, Powders and Grains 2009 (2009), pp. 293--296 .
  4. B. Utter and R.P. Behringer, Multiscale Motion in the Shear Band of Granular Couette Flow, Powders and Grains 2009 (2009), pp. 339-342 .
  5. J. Tang, S. Sagdiphour and R.P. Behringer, Jamming and flow in 2D Hoppers, Powders and Grains 2009 (2009), pp. 527--530 .

Current Ph.D. Students   (Former Students)

Postdocs Mentored

  • Jie Zhang (2005 - present)  
  • Matthias Sperl (August, 2004 - November 28, 2006)  
  • Jean-Philippe Matas (2003/12-present)  
  • Brian Utter (2002/12-present)  
  • Karen Daniels (2002/12-present)  
  • Jeanman Sur (2002/12-present)  
  • Scott Paulson (2002/12-present)