Simpler Models for Polymeric Liquids Far from Equilibrium -- Dumbbell Model for Dilute and Semi-Dilute Solutions -- Chain Model for Dilute Solutions -- Chain Model for Concentrated Solutions and Melts -- Chain Models for Transient and Semiflexible Structures -- Primitive Path Models -- Elongated Particle Models.

Models should be as simple as possible, but no simpler. For the physics of polymeric liquids, whose relevant lengths and time scales are out of reach for first principles calculations, this means that we have to choose a minimum set of sufficiently detailed descriptors such as architecture (linear, ring, branched), connectivity, semiflexibility, stretchability, excluded volume, and hydrodynamic interaction. These 'universal' fluids allow the prediction of material properties under external flow- or electrodynamic fields, the results being expressed in terms of reference units, specific for any particular chosen material. This book provides an introduction to the kinetic theory and computer simulation methods needed to handle these models and to interpret the results. Also included are a number of sample applications and computer codes.