Mathematics - Colloquium
Thursday, October 1, 2009
4:00 PM-5:00 PM
ABSTRACT: In this talk I'll discuss a concept of dynamic materials in the presence of collision of characteristics. Generally, the problem allows for various formulations depending on the physical models and assumptions. A special extension related to a traffic flow described by the continuity equation in 1D without a takever will be examined in detail. Collision of characteristics in this model generates the formation of clots (delta singularities) in the solution for the mass density. The procedure resembles the "sticky particles" method used in pressureless gas dynamics, though there are some conceptual differences between the two approaches. This extension applies to optimization of mass transport in one line traffic.
This example shows that the concept of dynamic materials that is linear when the characteristics do not collide may become substantially nonlinear in the presence of such collisions.
Suggested Audiences: Adult, College
E-mail:
ma-chair@wpi.edu
Last Modified: October 23, 2009 at 4:07 PM
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