Strain Induced Shape Formation: Analysis, Geometry and Materials Science

This workshop is devoted to analytical aspects of morphogenesis (shape formation), arising as a consequence of the inelastic effects associated with growth, swelling, shrinkage or plasticity. Such effects result in a local and heterogeneous incompatibility of strains and naturally lead to the non-trivial shapes, seen even in the absence of any external forces, in a variety of science and technology situations.

A large body of experimental data, as well as numerous formal derivations, present in physics and mechanics literature, suggest various approaches to coupling between residual strain and the ultimate shape of an object. On the other hand, the rigorous results are sparse, and call for a more detailed analysis.

During the workshop, we hope to stimulate discussions and enhance further interactions between applied mathematicians, physicists, analysts and geometers, who pursue research around problems in strain-induced morphogenesis.