Rigidity of periodic and symmetric structures in nature and engineering

23 - 24 February 2012, Newport Pagnell, United Kingdom

Introduction

Rigidity and flexibility are at the heart of the behaviour of designed and natural structures, machines and materials. Combining theories of rigidity and symmetry has given insights in all these fields, and now periodic and repetitive structures give new challenges in the analysis of deformations and dynamics. Open mathematical questions have practical implications for engineers, materials scientists and chemists: progress will be made at this multidisciplinary meeting by drawing together diverse approaches from these fields.