Convection and Dissolution Induced Geomorphologies

Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science Seminar

Mac Huang
Assistant Professor
New York University Shanghai

"Convection and Dissolution Induced Geomorphologies"

Abstract:
Ever-changing geological features on this planet never fail to capture our imagination and inspire new scientific advances. Among them, so-called "stone forests" are one striking geomorphology formed by dissolution and its accompanying convective flows. In this talk, we will demonstrate how coupled fluid-shape dynamics recovers key features of geomorphologies ranging from centimeter-scale pebble stones to kilometer-scale karst pinnacles. Simple scaling analysis also offers a principle for estimating the age and environmental conditions of geological structures, and answers to questions like how many licks does it take to get to the center of a lollipop.

Bio:
Mac Huang is an assistant professor of mathematics at New York University (NYU) Shanghai, where he established and oversaw the operation of the Applied Mathematics Laboratory Shanghai. Before joining the faculty of NYU Shanghai (2020), he obtained his PhD in Mathematics from NYU's Courant Institute (2018), and a BS in Applied Physics & Applied Math from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2013). Interested in experimental fluid dynamics and applied mathematics, his work has covered topics including thermal convection, heat and mass transfer in geophysical flows, and fluid-structure interaction problems such as dissolution, melting, and ablation. Currently, his research is sponsored by the NSFC Excellent Young Scientists Fund, NSFC Major Research Plan, and NSFC General Program.

Monday, January 30
2 p.m.
Mason Lab, 9 Hillhouse Avenue