Mathematics Colloquium: Snakes on the plane: From Alan Turing to modern theories of localised pattern formation

Speaker:  David Lloyd, University of Surrey

Title:  Snakes on the plane: From Alan Turing to modern theories of localised pattern formation

Abstract:   In this talk, I will start with the University of Surrey’s link to Alan Turing (1912-1954, famous for cryptanalysis of the Enigma during world war two, computing, subject of the Imitation Game film) and provide an introduction to the mathematics of pattern formation. This field has many applications in biology, chemistry and physics where I will show that fully localised patches of cellular pattern occur readily in these systems. Concentrating on an experiment involving a magnetic fluid, I will show how we can provide a partial mathematical explanation for the formation of localised spots and patches of various cellular patterns. Finally, I will present a heuristic argument to compute the pattern selection of these patches and discuss how these results apply to other systems.  

Time:  Friday, April 29, 2022, 3:30pm – 4:20pm

Place:  Zoom