Wrinkling - Oxford Mathematics Research Seminar

Explore the mathematics of wrinkling in this 56-minute Oxford Mathematics Research Seminar presented by Dominic Vella. Delve into complex mathematical concepts, from basic mechanisms to the Theorem Egregium, as they apply to everyday objects like bicycles and empanadas. Examine the elastica, wasting lengths, and the simplest wrinkling problem before progressing to instability analysis and practical applications. Investigate the Lamé problem, isometries, and the forcing of Gaussian curvature through experiments and theoretical discussions. Learn about the effects of finite sheet size, mean interfacial shape, and poking force on wrinkling phenomena. Discover the energetic structure behind curved shapes, wrinkle numbers, and mirror buckling. Conclude with insights into variational principles and take-home messages that bridge the gap between advanced mathematics and real-world observations.