Monday, April 5 2010, 3:30pm Miller Learning Center, Room 102 Dr. Tobias Holck Colding Massachusetts Institute of Technology Monday, April 5, 2010 3:30pm, Room 102 Miller Learning Center Title of talk: Curve shortening flow and Mean Curvature flow Abstract: Mean Curvature Flow is the oldest of the geometric flows (Ricci flow being another example of a geometric flow). originates in material science where it has been studied at least since the 1940s. is an example of an evolution equation where a surface (or hyper-surface) moves in the direction where the area locally decreases the fastest. key problem for any geometric evolution equation is to understand the singularities that the flow goes through. will survey some of the results that we know about curve shortening flow and mean curvature flow and discuss what we would like like to know. Tuesday, April 6, 2010 3:30pm, Room 328 Boyd Graduate Studies Bldg. Title of talk: Minimal surfaces - the birth place of calculus of variations Abstract: Surfaces that locally minimize area have been extensively used to model physical phenomena, including soap films, black holes, compound polymers, protein folding, etc. The mathematical field dates to the 1740s and Euler and Lagrange, but has recently become an area of intense mathematical and scientific study, specifically in the areas of molecular engineering, materials science, and nanotechnology because of their many anticipated applications. will survey some of the recent results of about embedded (ie, without self-intersections) minimal surfaces. Wednesday, April 7, 2010 3:30pm, Room 328 Boyd Graduate Studies Bldg. Title of talk: Regularity theory Abstract: I will discuss some of my favorite problems in regularity theory from regularity theory for minimal surfaces, Einstein metrics, and curvature flows and will discuss some of the basic techniques to deal with singularities. Banquet There will be a banquet honoring Professor Colding after the first lecture. To register for the banquet, print and mail the registration form available at the Cantrell Lecture Series website, or contact Julie McEver • 706-542-2038 • julie@math.uga.edu
