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Spontaneous symmetry-breaking and pattern formation
Colloquium| Speaker: | Prof. Mary Silber, Northwestern Univ. |
| Location: | 693 Kerr |
| Start time: | Mon, Oct 9 2000, 4:10PM |
I will review the application of equivariant bifurcation theory to pattern formation problems. As a case study I'll focus on parametrically excited surface wave patterns. These form on the free surface of a layer of fluid when it is subjected to a vertical vibration. In particular I will show how results of bifurcation theory apply to a variety of beautiful standing wave patterns that have been observed recently in laboratory experiments.