Organizers:
- Joseph Bonavia, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Dr. Chockalingam Senthilnathan, MIT/Purdue
- Prof. Mrityunjay Kothari, University of New Hampshire
- Dr. Kiana Naghibzadeh, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Dr. Hudson Borja da Rocha, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Description:
This mini-symposium will explore cutting-edge mathematical approaches and theoretical frameworks in continuum mechanics, with a particular emphasis on synthetic and biological soft matter. As these materials exhibit complex behaviors such as large deformations, growth, and intrinsic incompatibilities, robust mathematical tools are essential for advancing both fundamental understanding and practical applications.
The symposium will encompass a diverse range of topics, including:
- Analytical Models for capturing the mechanics of complex systems.
- Nonlinear Solid Mechanics with applications to highly deformable materials.
- The role of Differential Geometry in describing material structure and deformation.
- Incompatibility and Growth in evolving and constrained systems.
- Eulerian Solid Mechanics, particularly for materials with evolving configurations.
- Novel Constitutive Modeling techniques for synthetic and natural soft materials.
- Development of Analytical Solutions to benchmark numerical and computational approaches.
We welcome contributions that address these themes, especially those that provide new insights into modeling the mechanical behaviors of soft biological tissues, hydrogels, elastomers, and other related systems. Interdisciplinary studies that connect continuum mechanics with biology, materials science, or applied mathematics are highly encouraged.
This symposium aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among researchers and to highlight innovative methodologies that advance our understanding of the mechanics of soft matter.
Topics of interest:
- Analytical Methods
- Analytical Models
- Nonlinear Mechanics
- Soft Materials
- Incompatibility
- Growth
- Eulerian Solid Mechanics