Physics & Astronomy Seminar: What if LIghtning Strikes Twice?

  • Tuesday, November 13, 2018
  • 3:45 PM–4:45 PM
  • SB 110

The Calvin College Physics and Astronomy Department Seminar “Models of Pattern Formation in Plasma Discharges: What if Lightning Does Strike Twice in the Same Place?”

The Calvin College Physics and Astronomy Department will host a seminar entitled “Models of Pattern Formation in Plasma Discharges: What if Lightning Does Strike Twice in the Same Place?” presented by Chris Jang, Josh Gilmore, Kenton Greene, and Conrad Kuz on Tuesday, November 13 at 3:45 pm.  Join us in SB 110 to hear these students share about their research.

Sparks fly when an oscillating high voltage is applied across a thin layer of gas. In fact, these sparks (or "microdischarges") can ignite repeatedly as the voltage continues to oscillate. Moreover, numerous parallel sparks can become synchronized and arrange themselves into colonnade-like structures. After summarizing some experiments that reveal the complex spatiotemporal behavior of such patterns, this talk will describe ongoing efforts to model the pattern-formation dynamics using state-of-the-art computer codes. 

Refreshments will be served at 3:30 pm in SB 157, before the presentation

Location details

Science Building Room 110