Calculus of Variations and Geometric Measure Theory

Quasi-static evolution and contact angle hysteresis in capillarity

Giovanni Alberti (Dip. Mat. Univ. Pisa)

created by magnani on 03 Feb 2011
modified on 24 Feb 2011

16 feb 2011

Abstract.

Dipartimento di Matematica - Sala Seminari - ore 17:00

ABSTRACT: In the first part of this talk, I will recall the notion of quasi-static evolution (or rate-independent dissipative process) focusing on the simple model of a point mass subject to dry (or contact), and then describe the standard approach to existence results by time-discretization. In the second part, I will show how the hysteresis of contact angle of a capillary drop sitting on a solid surface can be modelled by introducing a simple frictional force on the contact line. If time permits, I will describe the existence result for the corresponding quasi-static evolution. This is a joint work with Antonio De Simone (SISSA).