Geometry and Mechanics of Structured Materials

September 29 - October 25, 2002


Organization:

  • Katrin Lantsch (MPIPKS Dresden, Germany)

    • Scientific Coordination:

  • Renaud Delannay (Université de Rennes 1, France)
  • James T. Jenkins (Cornell University, Ithaca, USA)
  • Gudrun Schliecker (MPIPKS Dresden, Germany)


    • Many materials possess a heterogeneous microstructure composed of cells or grains. Examples are sand and gravel, liquid and solid foams, cellular bone, cork,  and multi-crystalline aggregates. How the mechanical properties of these materials depend on their microstructure is a research topic of great interest in the applied sciences.

    The prediction of the mechanical properties of a  material from its microstructure requires expertise from such completely different areas as geometry, statistics, physics,  mechanics, and engineering. The purpose of this international research seminar is to engage researchers from these fields in an exchange of expertise and the development of scientific collaborations. It will extend over four weeks, with the expectation that participants will stay over all or a significant fraction of this period. The MPI PKS will provide personal office space and computer access.

    The seminar will begin with a focus week during which  plenary sessions will dominate the program. These sessions are intended to provide a common basis for the participants from the different areas and to identify promising directions for future fundamental and applied research.

    During the second and third weeks, only one or two talks per day will be scheduled. These are meant to serve as a starting point for discussions and research activities. The participants will have the opportunity to form working groups, to outline new collaborations, and to develop existing joint projects.

    The seminar will conclude with a workshop taking place from October 20 to 25, 2002. The workshop, which may include additional participants, will provide an overview of recent developments from the perspective of the different fields. It will consist of invited lectures, contributed talks, and posters.

    Invited speakers include:
    T. Aste (Italy)                              J. P. Bouchaud (France)               E. Clement (France)
    F. De Larrard (France)                S. Edwards (UK)                         M. Fortes (Portugal)
    J. D. Goddard (USA)                   E. Guyon (France)                       H. J. Herrmann (Germany)
    A. Kraynik (USA)                       C. Koenders (UK)                       G. Le Caer (France)
    S. Luding (Germany)                   A. Mehta (India)                         C. Moukarzel (Mexico)
    L. Oger (France)                           F. Radjai (France)                       N. Rivier (France)
    S. Torquato (USA)                       D. Weaire (Ireland)
     

    Application forms can be filled in online. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2002.
    The registration fee is 125 Euro. Costs for accommodation and meals will be covered by the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems. In exceptional cases, limited funding is available to partly cover travel expenses.

    For further information contact: geomes@mpipks-dresden.mpg.de