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SUMMARY:Instability-induced nonlinear dynamics in solids and structures: f
 rom snapping structures to ferroelectric switching - Dr Dennis M Kochmann\
 , Caltech
DTSTART:20160129T140000Z
DTEND:20160129T150000Z
UID:TALK63274@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Ms Helen Gardner
DESCRIPTION:Instabilities in solids and structures are ubiquitous across l
 ength and time scales\, and our engineering design principles commonly aim
  to prevent those. In recent years\, engineering mechanics has undergone a
  paradigm shift towards taking advantage of instabilities. At the core of 
 all instabilities lies a non-convex energy landscape that is responsible\,
  e.g.\, for phase transitions\, localization\, and structural buckling. Am
 ong others\, such systems can give rise to strongly nonlinear transition w
 aves that switch between stable configurations (e.g.\, between phases or b
 etween buckled shapes). Understanding the underlying dynamic phenomena ena
 bles us to understand the physics of various microscale phenomena as well 
 as to create new interesting mechanical systems that exploit the effects o
 f instability. Here\, we will develop the underlying theory and discuss it
 s application to selected examples including periodic snapping structures 
 for mechanical logic and nonlinear diodes\, domain switching in ferroelect
 ric ceramics\, and composites with metastable phase transitions.
LOCATION:Oatley Seminar Room\, Department of Engineering
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