Speaker: Dr. Katharine Jensen
Host: Dr. Itamar Kolvin
Title: Experiments with Soft Interface Mechanics: Proteins, Plants, and Adhesive Contact
Abstract:
Surface and interfacial tensions play key roles in governing the mechanics of highly compliant materials, from traditional fluid capillary mechanics to the emerging field of elastocapillary mechanics of very soft solids. Our research group particularly studies the role of surface tension in soft interface mechanics, from driving surface instabilities and fracture on fluid surfaces to facilitating plant reproduction or competing with solid elasticity during adhesive contact. Our experiments combine mechanical manipulation with sensitive, high-speed 2D and 3D optical imaging to measure soft interface mechanics in both static and dynamic contexts. In this talk, I will discuss recently-discovered physical phenomena on fluid surfaces with adsorbed species, including Marangoni-driven, symmetric, star-shaped fracture on protein-laden fluid interfaces and the capillary multipole interactions harnessed by primitive land plants during their asexual reproduction.
Event Details
Date/Time:
-
Date:Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - 2:30pm to 3:45pm
Location:
Howey N201/N202
