What can mathematics say about liquid crystals?

The International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS) will be hosting a workshop on 'Hyperbolic conservation laws and related analysis with applications' from 19-23 September 2011.

As part of the workshop there will be an evening lecture by Sir John Ball, University of Oxford, entitled: 'What can mathematics say about liquid crystals?'

Lecture abstract

Liquid crystals represent a vast and diverse class of materials which are intermediate between isotropic liquids and crystalline solids. Liquid crystal ordering is found in a wide variety of systems, ranging from fluids made up of simple rods, polymers, elastomers and biological organisms. Liquid crystals have a multitude of applications, notably those in flat panel display technology, which has fundamentally impacted modern life. The lecture will describe these fascinating materials and what mathematics, in particular the study of partial differential equations, can tell us about them.

The lecture will be followed by a wine reception.

Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.