Week 2: Blender

For the second week, I concentrated on learning Blender, an open source 3D modeling software. The goal of this part of the project is to visualize MOF interaction with a guest source, such as a gas. One variation of MOFs is flexible MOFs also known as Soft Porous Crystals (SPCs). These crystal structures can bend, twist, or shift depending on whether a guest is added or removed. It is an advantage because structurally rigorous MOFs had a tendency to collapse if the guest is removed.  In general, there are six known variations in which flexible MOFs can change. These are chains, single-type layers, interdigitated layers, pillared layers, expanding and shrinking grids, and interpenetrated grids. Over the next weeks, I can utilize Blender to portray these variations. As of now, I am learning the basics and beginner animation techniques. For next week, I'll be working on the first two variations, learning more animation techniques, and explaining them for the next blog.

Here's what Blender's user interface looks like: