The case for differential geometry in continuum mechanics

Wed, 17/11/2010
10:15
Marcelo Epstein (University of Calgary) OCCAM Wednesday Morning Event Add to calendar OCCAM Common Room (RI2.28)
Modern differential geometry is the art of the abstract that can be pictured. Continuum mechanics is the abstract description of concrete material phenomena. Their encounter, therefore, is as inevitable and as beautiful as the proverbial chance meeting of an umbrella and a sewing machine on a dissecting table. In this rather non-technical and lighthearted talk, some of the surprising connections between the two disciplines will be explored with a view at stimulating the interest of applied mathematicians.