Fluid Mechanics everywhere: Similarity Solutions, Spindle Formation, and Swimming Cells
MIE Department Seminar
September 24, 2024
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM America/Chicago
Presenter: Howard Stone, PhD, Princeton University
Location: ERF 1043
Abstract: In this talk I sketch some recent themes* from my research group, starting with a brief survey of some of the fluid mechanics problems that we have been investigating in recent years. Second, traditional similarity solutions in course work and research typically involve nonlinear equations with two independent variables: I will illustrate an unusual case involving three independent variables, motivating the idea with an experiment and rationalizing it with an analysis of the appropriate thin film equation. Third, I will discuss the formation of the spindle in a dividing cell, which is a fundamental aspect of molecular biology, and show how some fluid mechanics questions appear. If there is time, I will provide a glimpse at a new connection between swimming cells in flow and a genetic response.
*The research described was performed by many people in my research group, as well as some external collaborations.
Speaker Bio: Professor Howard Stone received the B.S. degree in chemical engineering from UC Davis in 1982 and the PhD in chemical engineering from Caltech in 1988. After a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Cambridge, in 1989, he joined the faculty of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University. In July 2009, Stone moved to Princeton University where he is Donald R. Dixon ’69 and Elizabeth W. Dixon Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. From 2014-2023, he served as chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Date posted
Sep 10, 2024
Date updated
Sep 18, 2024