Physics 514: Mechanics, Fluids, Chaos, Spring 2001
P. Nelson
We'll cover the mechanics of Lagrange and Hamilton, then move to the
basics of fluid mechanics, a classical field of ever-growing
importance to condensed matter, biophysics, and applied
physics. Finally I'll discuss the amazing way in which simple systems,
with few degrees of freedom and obeying simple deterministic equations
of motion, can behave erratically. Such ``chaotic'' systems are all
around us; recent improvements in our understanding of such processes
have had a revolutionary effect on our modern conception of classical
mechanics.
I'll also touch on biophysical fluid dynamics and the spontaneous
formation of patterns in driven dissipative systems, a phenomenon
which is fast becoming a paradigm for biology as well as physics. The
course also serves as an introduction to the qualitative theory of
nonlinear differential equations, a subject of great use outside of
physics.
General prerequisites: Intermediate mechanics. Undergraduates are
welcome.
This course is offered only in alternate years. We expect to offer it
in Spring 01.
Announcements:
Phil Nelson