Lorentz Institute

Jan. 14, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
CM 1.26

Non-Euclidean Sheets - From Growing Leaves to Self-Morphing Architecture and to Locomotion

Eran Sharon

I will review the growing scientific field of non-Euclidean sheets, known also as "Self-Morphing". This field suggests theoretical framework and manufacturing approaches that allow the constructions of flat thin sheets of material that, upon induction, shape themselves into desired three-dimensional configurations, much like the way natural growing sheets shape themselves. I will suggest a new way to look at solid sheets – not as passive entities, but as programmable active surfaces and will review the up to date research achievements. I will then focus on two projects: In the first project we study a new way of dynamics – curvature driven locomotion. The second project aims at manifesting the principles of self-morphing in large scale, industrial materials. We develop the basic technique for the construction of flat architectural elements that, upon induction, shape themselves into a desired shape, saving the expensive and wasteful usage of molds.

April 15, 2026, 7:30 p.m. CE Roberto Car (Princeton University, USA) TBA

May 27, 2026, 7:30 p.m. CE Emanuela del Gado (Georgetown University, USA) TBA

June 3, 2026, 7:30 p.m. CE Emanuela del Gado (Georgetown University, USA) TBA

Oct. 14, 2026, 7:30 p.m. CE Vijay Balasubramanian (U. Penn USA) TBA

Nov. 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m. CE Bernard Derrida (College de France) TBA

Dec. 2, 2026, 7:30 p.m. CE Mariangeles Serrano Moral (University of Barcelona) TBA

LS = Lorentz Seminar, Casimir room (276), Oort building
CE = Colloquium Ehrenfestii, De Sitter lecture room, Oort building
SBM = Soft & Biological Matter Seminar, Casimir room (276), Oort building
CS = Cosmology Seminar, Casimir room (276), Oort building
ST = String Theory Seminar, Casimir room (276), Oort building