Patrick Dondl (University of Bonn)-Pinning of interfaces in random media

Mathematics - Colloquium

Friday, August 28, 2009
11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Stratton Hall
203

ABSTRACT: We consider the evolution of an interface, modeled by a parabolic equation, in a random environment. The randomness is given by a distribution of smooth obstacles of random strength. To provide a barrier for the moving interface, we construct a positive, steady state supersolution. This construction depends on the existence, after rescaling, of a Lipschitz hypersurface separating the domain into a top and a bottom part, consisting of boxes that contain at least one obstacle of sufficient strength. We prove this percolation result.

Joint work with N. Dirr (Bath University) and M. Scheutzow (TU Berlin).

Suggested Audiences: Adult, College

E-mail: ma-chair@wpi.edu

Last Modified: August 13, 2009 at 11:53 AM