Events

Week of November 1 2009

Approximating Eigenvalues of Self Adjoint Dirichlet Problems Over Domains of Irregular Shape - Preliminary Report

Time: November 2, 2009 - 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Place: Mathematics 402

Abstract:

Two-sided approximations to single eigenvalues of the Laplace operator over bounded Lipschitzian Graph domains are obtainable by the method of point solutions. Each eigenvalue must be estimated separately, and to tell which of the ordered eigenvalues is approximated, additional a priori information, such as the Weyl asymptotics, must be invoked. This method uses solutions of the homogeneous Helmholtz equation as trial functions, but does not require satisfaction of any boundary conditions.

The Differential Geometry of Biological Growth

Speaker: Alain Goriely
Time: November 5, 2009 - 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Place: Mathematics 402

Abstract:

During growth processes many biological and physiological systems develop residual stresses. These stresses are present in the body even in the absence of external or body loadings and are known to play an important role in regulation processes. Residual stress can be observed when the body is cut and part of the stresses are relieved. A fundamental difficulty in elasticity is to describe the mechanics of a body with residual stresses.

Mathematical Approaches to Three Problems in Vascular Biology Related to Intravascular Blood Clotting

Time: November 6, 2009 - 4:00pm
Place: Mathematics 501

Abstract:

Damage to the lining of a blood vessel triggers the intertwined processes of platelet aggregation and coagulation that result in the formation of a thrombus (clot) at the injury site. The thrombus itself is made up of platelets adherent to the vessel and to one another, and of a fibrin protein gel surrounding and between the platelets. An enzyme, thrombin, is critical to both platelet deposition and to fibrin gelation and is produced by a complex network of reactions on the vascular surface, in the blood plasma, and on the surfaces of platelets.

Refreshments served in Math 401N at 3:30.