Shock formation in driven flows

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

Shock formation in driven flows

Event details

A shock is a change in density over a distance which is on the scale of the consitutents of the flow. So for example the rear end of a traffic jam is a shock between the high density of cars in the traffic jam and the low density of cars in the freely flowing region behind. I shall review the Lighthill and Whitham (Proc. Roy. Sco. A vol. 229, p281 1955) theory of such flows and show how it predicts kinematic waves which move through flow. I will then discuss how things are modified when there is creation and annihilation of the constituent particles of the flow and discuss the relevance to molecular motors.

About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars

This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..

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