MaPSS: Mathematical Postgraduate Seminar Series: Eric Hester (Sydney University) -- Fresh Insights on Dead Water

Dear All, 

We are delighted to present the MaPSS Seminar topic of Monday 13/03; please see the
abstract below.  

**This Semester the Seminar will always run on Monday, at 5:00pm in 535A** 

Following the talk, there will be pizza on offer.  

Speaker: Eric Hester (Sydney University) 

Title: Fresh Insights on Dead Water 

Abstract: Dead water refers to a mysterious increase in resistance experienced by boats
in density-stratified waters.  The problem has been documented since ancient times, and
studied scientifically for over a century.  However, past investigations have been
limited in several important ways.  For the first time, we study the phenomenon using
state-of-the-art numerical simulations.  We reproduce the effect and demonstrate that it
is most pronounced in strongly nonlinear regimes poorly modelled by current theory.  The
most exciting development is a new trailing vortex found behind the boat experiencing
the effect.  This robust structure is consistent with sailors accounts, but has been
missed in previous scientific studies.  We expect these results to lead to actionable
ways to mitigate dead water in the real world.  

Supervisors, please encourage your students to attend.  

Thanks,
MaPSS Organizers