Albion College Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium

 Title: Unusual Behavior in Rubber Cubes Speaker: Darren E. Mason Associate Professor Mathematics and Computer Science Albion College Abstract: In this talk we will consider the mathematical problem associated with special linear deformations of an incompressible and nonlinear elastic cube. We will discover that the problem admits a wide variety of different solutions, depending on the magnitude and direction of external isotropic forces. To understand why certain solutions are preferred by nature, we will then study an associated energy minimization problem that leads to a selection criterion to determine the optimal deformed state of the cube. Finally, we will connect the mathematical appearences of these multiple solutions, natural and mathematical stability, and the fundamentals of bifurcation theory. Location: Palenske 227 Date: 4/7/2011 Time: 3:10 PM

@abstract{MCS:Colloquium:DarrenEMason:2011:4:7,
author  = "{Darren E. Mason}",
title   = "{Unusual Behavior in Rubber Cubes}",
address = "{Albion College Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquium}",
month   = "{7 April}",
year    = "{2011}"
}