Elasto-capillary Phenomena in Thin Solids: Singular Mechanics and Irregular Geometry

Abstract: The wetting of solid surfaces by liquids is a classical field of research, which has been studied intensively for nearly two centuries. When the wetted solid is a thin body, new phenomena, which do not conform easily to one's intuition,come to the surface. Underlying these phenomena is the nontrivial manner by which thin solids accommodate tensile loads and imposed curvature.

In this talk I will describe a few unifying principles, which characterize the interplay between mechanics and geometry in solid sheets. I will demonstrate these principles through a few basic elasto-capillary phenomena: the wrapping of liquid drops by solid sheets, and the partial wetting of solids.

All seminars are held on Wednesdays from 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m. in the Bowen Hall Auditorium Room 222. A light lunch is provided at 11:30 a.m. in the Bowen Hall Atrium immediately prior to the seminar.