November Meeting Notice
Wednesday,November 18, 2009
CSU Mather mansion, Cleveland, OH
Mathematics and Soap Films
Dr. John Oprea, CSU
4:30 pm Executive Committee Meeting
5:30 pm Social Hour
6:30 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Presentation |
Why do one-celled creatures take the shapes they do? Why do red-blood cells have their characteristic shape? More and more, in biology as well as other sciences, the notion of "shape" is becoming important. Mathematicians have ways of measuring shape and of determining shape through optimization. This fits well with Nature's penchant for economy, so it isn't surprising (in retrospect) that soap films, which arise from surface tension's ability to shrink surface area, are a kind of analog computer for the mathematics of minimizing surface area. This talk will consist of three parts: soap film demonstrations (which will set the stage for); a bit of mathematics and; computer experimentation and illustration. Since audience participation is required for soap film experiments, attendees are encouraged not to wear their best attire!
DINNER RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Please RSVP by contacting David Ball, by phone at 216-687-2456 or by e-mail at d.ball@csuohio.edu by 5 pm on Friday, November 13. (For phone reservations, please clearly spell your last name and leave a return phone number). Cost of the dinner is $20 for members & guests and $10 for students/retirees/unemployed. Checks made out to “Cleveland ACS” are greatly appreciated. Dinner will include Chicken Parmesan, Fall Salad: Mixed Greens, Toasted Almonds, Dried Cranberries, Apple Wedge, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette, Moroccan Cous Cous salad, Roasted Vegetable Medley, and Apple Pie.
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