GPU-accelerated continuum dynamics of block copolymer blends and solutions

We present an open-source, graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated software implementation of the Uneyama-Doi model (UDM) for studying the collective dynamics of block copolymer blends and solutions. The UDM provides a field-theoretic framework that includes the entropy of mixing, binary interactions between segment species, and molecular connectivity, thereby capturing interfacial properties even in the strong-segregation regime. Our implementation utilizes a semi-implicit time-stepping scheme, incorporates thermal noise, and employs a concentration-conserving regularization algorithm that maintains non-negative concentrations. Spatial derivatives and convolutions are computed via optimized CUDA-based pseudo-spectral methods, enabling simulations of systems spanning tens of polymer end-to-end distances and thousands of molecular relaxation times within hours on a single GPU. We validate the implementation against established results, including the mean-field phase diagram of diblock copolymers, structure factors of disordered systems, and the fluctuation-induced order-disorder transition for symmetric copolymers. Dynamic simulations reproduce experimentally observed amphiphilic morphologies, including micellar lattices, vesicles, and phase-separated structures. The software provides an efficient and versatile tool for investigating equilibrium and nonequilibrium behavior of complex polymer systems.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
The Journal of Chemical Physics
Published
2026-01-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0305862
Primary Topic
Block Copolymer Self-Assembly
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

GPU-accelerated continuum dynamics of block copolymer blends and solutions

Gregor Häfner, M. Müller
The Journal of Chemical Physics
Block Copolymer Self-Assembly
article

GPU-accelerated continuum dynamics of block copolymer blends and solutions

Gregor Häfner, M. Müller
article en

Abstract

We present an open-source, graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated software implementation of the Uneyama-Doi model (UDM) for studying the collective dynamics of block copolymer blends and solutions. The UDM provides a field-theoretic framework that includes the entropy of mixing, binary interactions between segment species, and molecular connectivity, thereby capturing interfacial properties even in the strong-segregation regime. Our implementation utilizes a semi-implicit time-stepping scheme, incorporates thermal noise, and employs a concentration-conserving regularization algorithm that maintains non-negative concentrations. Spatial derivatives and convolutions are computed via optimized CUDA-based pseudo-spectral methods, enabling simulations of systems spanning tens of polymer end-to-end distances and thousands of molecular relaxation times within hours on a single GPU. We validate the implementation against established results, including the mean-field phase diagram of diblock copolymers, structure factors of disordered systems, and the fluctuation-induced order-disorder transition for symmetric copolymers. Dynamic simulations reproduce experimentally observed amphiphilic morphologies, including micellar lattices, vesicles, and phase-separated structures. The software provides an efficient and versatile tool for investigating equilibrium and nonequilibrium behavior of complex polymer systems.

The Journal of Chemical PhysicsVol. 164(2)
University of Göttingen (DE)
Openalex Percentile: Top 89%
Block Copolymer Self-Assembly
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

GPU-accelerated continuum dynamics of block copolymer blends and solutions — Gregor Häfner, M. Müller · The Journal of Chemical Physics (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS