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Professor Thompson will give a fascinating pictorial overview of non-linear phenomena and the chaos that can arise from simple changes, highlighting key findings from his own research throughout his career.
Professor Thompson will give a fascinating pictorial overview of non-linear phenomena and the chaos that can arise from simple changes, highlighting key findings from his own research throughout his career.
Dramatic film clips and simulations will highlight the stability and buckling of engineering structures. Professor Thompson will examine the so-called chaos which arises when we take one small step beyond the solutions suggested by Newton, highlighting how simply stepping from a single pendulum to a double pendulum results in unsolvable chaotic motions. The lecture includes a look ahead, to global warming and the prediction of climate tipping points.
Professor Thompson is currently Sixth Century Professor in Theoretical and Applied Dynamics at the University of Aberdeen, Emeritus Professor at University College London and Honorary Fellow at DAMTP in Cambridge University. He has authored a number of books and his work has been recognised through prizes and awards including the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) Gold Medal for lifetime contribution to mathematics in 2004.
From Instability to Chaos is the third in the School of Engineering’s RV Jones lecture series. Delivered by leading experts in the field of engineering, the series commemorates Professor RV Jones, one of Aberdeen's most distinguished professors who played a key role in the defence of Britain during World War 2.
Places at the event are free of charge and advance booking is required. To book your free place click here.
- Speaker
- Professor J Michael T Thompson FRS
- Hosted by
- School of Engineering
- Venue
- Kings College Conference Centre, Kings College. University of Aberdeen