Non-Monochromatic Wrinkles

 Abstract

The frustration that stems from Gauss’ Theorema Egregium is familiar to anybody who attempted to wrap a ball with a paper. This fundamental theorem states that one cannot change Gaussian curvature of a surface without straining it. Thin sheets, however, are nearly inextensible and do not tolerate stress. Often, they accommodate geometrically incompatible confinement by wrinkling.

In this talk, we discuss the behavior of a thin sheet on a spherical substrate and demonstrate how Gaussian curvature of the substrate gives rise to a “non-monochromatic” wrinkle pattern.