Lecturer: Prof. Benny Davidovitch
Affiliation: Physics Department,
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Abstract:
Imposing a curved shape on
a solid sheet, generates in it
elastic stress. This familiar
motif is a consequence of
Gauss’ theorema Egregium,
which posits that there exists
no isometric map between
two surfaces of different
Gaussian curvatures. This
coupling between geometry
(curvature) and mechanics
(stress) underlies the
morphological richness
observed in solid sheets, and
their nontrivial response to
exerted forces.
In this talk I will attempt to
provide a unifying framework
for morphological transitions
in elastic sheets, by
demonstrating basic
mechanisms through which a
Gaussian curvature can (or
cannot) be accommodated. I
will present a few examples
of elasto-capillary
phenomena, and will discuss
in depth a specific problem:
the action of a point force
(indentation) on a tensed
sheet.