Foams and Minimal Surfaces: Recent Episodes
Cambridge University
Computational methods have given fresh impetus to the mathematics of minimal surfaces and its applications. In particular the theory of liquid foams, which has its roots in the work of Plateau in the 19th century, has been greatly advanced. The Surface Evolver software developed by Ken Brakke and others has been particularly valuable. The subject remains a fertile ground for interaction between pure and applied mathematicians, physicists and engineers, using mathematical analysis and extensive simulations.
In addition to the further analysis of equilibrium foam structure, physical properties associated with coarsening, drainage, rheology and collapse are actively debated. These are of widespread industrial interest (detergents, foods and beverages, defoaming).
The programme will progress from the theory of minimal surfaces and discrete geometry to a wide range of techniques and applications, and will include related fields (emulsions, biophysics, solid foams).
Höhler, R (Pierre et Marie Curie, Institut des Nanosciences de Paris, Paris-Est) Friday 28 February 2014, 09:30-10:15
Gabbrielli, R (Università degli Studi di Trento) Thursday 27 February 2014, 12:05-12:30
Hilgenfeldt, S (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Wednesday 26 February 2014, 16:15-16:35
Tarnai, T (Budapest University of Technology and Economics) Thursday 27 February 2014, 11:45-12:05
Kusner, R (University of Massachusetts at Amherst) Tuesday 25 February 2014, 09:30-10:15
Mughal, A (Aberystwyth University & Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg) Tuesday 25 February 2014, 14:55-15:15
Blumenfeld, R (Imperial College London/Cambridge University) Tuesday 25 February 2014, 12:05-12:30