Resolving dynamic singularities: from vortices to contact lines
Presenter
July 21, 2008
Keywords:
- Dynamic singularities
MSC:
- 37-XX
Abstract
When a physical object, which is perceived as a singularity on
a certain level of mathematical description, is set into
motion, a paradox may arise rendering dynamic description
impossible unless the singularity is resolved by introducing
new physics in the singular core. This situation, appearing in
diverse physical contexts, necessitates application of
multiscale matching methods, employing a simpler long-scale
model in the far field and a short-scale model with more
detailed physical contents in the core of the singularity. The
law of motion can be derived within this approach by applying a
modified Fredholm alternative in a region large compared to the
inner and small compared with the outer scale, and evaluating
the boundary terms which determine both the driving force and
dissipation. I give examples of applying this technique to both
topological (vortices) and non-topological (contact lines) singularities.