Growth, tissue regeneration and active process
You may join the talk online: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OTkwNTUzZjYtODU0ZC00ZDIxLThjZWItMjIwZTkxZTRjMjY4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22cc95de1b-97f5-4f93-b4ba-fe68b852cf91%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e6ced614-5673-458c-832d-5d4ada66f593%22%7d
When a specimen of non-trivial shape undergoes deformation under a dead load or during an active process, finite element simulations are the only technique for evaluating the deformation. Classical books describe complicated techniques for evaluating stresses and strains in semi-infinite, circular or cylindrical objects. However, the results obtained are limited, and it is well known that elasticity (linear or nonlinear) is strongly intertwined with geometry. For the simplest geometries, it is possible to determine the exact deformation, essentially for low loading values, and prove that there is a threshold above which the specimen loses stability. The next step is to apply perturbation techniques (linear and nonlinear bifurcation theory).

In this talk, I will demonstrate how many aspects can be simplified or revealed through the use of complex analysis and conformal mapping techniques for shapes, strains, and active stresses in thin samples. Examples include leaves and embryonic jellyfish.
Date: 30 October 2025, 12:00
Venue: Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road OX2 6GG
Venue Details: L3
Speaker: Prof. Martine Ben Amar (Laboratoire de Physique Statistique, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France)
Organiser: Alain Goriely (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address: Kirkham@maths.ox.ac.uk
Part of: Industrial & Applied Mathematics Seminar
Booking required?: Not required
Cost: Free
Audience: Public
Editor: Nicola Kirkham