Mathematical Research Experience for Undergraduates
Internship available summer, 2002

Analysis

Computation

Experiment

Applications are currently being accepted for at least one summer research position in mathematical and experimental fluid mechanics. Participating students will choose a project, build an apparatus, carry out a mathematical analysis of the system, and prepare the results for publication. Sample projects include

1. Ablett's contact angle experiment (An investigation of the angle of contact between paraffin wax and water. Philos. Mag. 46 (1923), 244-256). A cylinder is turned while partially submerged in a tank of liquid. Contact angles are measured on each side of the cylinder (using a laser) and compared at different speeds of rotation.

2. Taylor's wedge experiment (Concerning the ascent of water between two glass plates. Philos. Trans. Roy. Soc. London 27 (1712), 538). Two plates that form a wedge are lowered into a bath of liquid. The motion and geometry of the liquid is observed and recorded.

3. Surface tension and scaling in a partially filled rotating cylinder of liquid. The shape of the bubble in a cylindrical container that rotates about its axis at high speed is measured and analyzed.

It is anticipated that techniques in ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, differential geometry, and numerical analysis will be learned and used.

Subject to funding approval, ACE Lab internships will be provided for in part by funds from the School of Mathematics VIGRE Research Experience for Undergraduates Program. This program provides a $3500 stipend and a $1200 living allowance.

For additional information on activities in the ACE Lab, click on the aces above.

A completed application consists of

1. a statement of interest (1-2 typed pages),
2. a description of previous undergraduate work (including coursework/grades),
3. contact information, and
4. the name and contact information for at least one reference we can contact concerning your application.

Any questions and all application materials may be sent on or before January 15, 2002 to

John McCuan
School of Mathematics
Georgia Tech
Atlanta, GA 30332

phone: (770)-445-1145
fax: 404-894-4409
email: mccuan@math.gatech.edu
office: Skiles 265