Our research spans diverse topics across computational physics. We develop theoretical and computational methods for quantum mechanical and statistical mechanics systems, applying high-performance computing to problems ranging from dense matter such as neutron stars to the flow of liquids in porous media.
Computational physics research at our group focuses on developing and applying advanced numerical methods to problems that lie beyond the reach of analytical calculation. Using high-performance computing clusters, we simulate physical systems across vastly different length and time scales. Our work spans from the quantum mechanical behavior of dense nuclear matter inside neutron stars to the statistical mechanics of complex fluids moving through porous rock. By combining theoretical insight with efficient algorithms, we gain predictive understanding of systems where direct experimentation is difficult or impossible. This interplay between theory, computation, and simulation drives much of our ongoing project work.
A central theme in our projects is the study of transport phenomena in porous media, particularly in low-permeability geological formations. We develop computational models that capture fluid flow and solute transport at multiple scales, from the pore level up to field-scale applications. These simulations help us understand how natural resources migrate through tight rocks and how extraction processes can be optimized. The challenge lies in bridging the gap between nanoscale physics and macroscopic behavior, requiring novel multiscale methods and careful validation against experimental data. Our porous media projects involve close collaboration with industry partners.
Quantum mechanical systems pose some of the most demanding computational challenges in physics today. Our group develops methods for simulating many-body quantum systems, applying techniques ranging from density functional theory to quantum Monte Carlo approaches. These projects target the properties of dense matter found in extreme astrophysical environments, such as the interior of neutron stars where matter is compressed to nuclear densities. Understanding the equation of state of such systems requires sophisticated numerical treatments that push the limits of available computing power. These efforts contribute to bridging theoretical nuclear physics with observational astrophysics.
Beyond our core research projects, we maintain a strong commitment to educational development in computational physics. We create open-source software tools and visualization resources designed to help students explore complex physical concepts through interactive simulation. Our teaching materials emphasize reproducible research practices, version control, and modern coding standards. We also supervise thesis projects at both the bachelor and master levels, where students contribute to ongoing research while developing their computational skills. Regular workshops and coding sessions bring together researchers at all career stages to share techniques and best practices in scientific computing.
Shale Gas & Tight Rocks
Investigating fluid flow and transport phenomena in low-permeability porous media, with applications to shale gas extraction and understanding tight-rock systems.
Porous Media Industry
Nanoscale Transport
Modeling transport processes at the nanoscale, where quantum effects and statistical mechanics govern behaviour in confined geometries.
Quantum Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Dots
Studying the electronic and optical properties of semiconductor quantum dots using computational methods for quantum mechanical systems.
Quantum Mechanics Semiconductors
Dense Matter & Neutron Stars
Exploring the physics of ultra-dense matter through large-scale simulations, connecting nuclear physics with astrophysical observations of neutron stars.
Astrophysics HPCCollaborators
We work closely with research centres and industry partners to tackle complex physical problems.
- NILU — Norwegian Institute for Air Research
- NERSC — Norwegian Earth System Research Centre
- University of Oslo departments and centres
- Industry partners in energy and materials