Math colloquium on ‘Hovercraft Kinematic Modeling’ is March 8
UST sophomore Lindsey Hines will speak on “Hovercraft Kinematic Modeling” on Wednesday, March 8. Her talk is part of the Center for Applied Mathematics colloquium series that introduces members of the University of St. Thomas community to a variety of problems, careers and professional activities involving applications of mathematics.
All presentations in the series will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesdays in the 3M Auditorium, Owens Science Hall, Frey Science and Engineering Center, located at the southwest corner of Summit and Cretin avenues. Refreshments will be available at 2:45 p.m.
The hovercraft is an interesting mechanical system, similar in some respects to a two-dimensional rocket. With applied force and very little friction, the motion of a hovercraft can seem erratic and unstable. Creating an accurate mathematical model of this motion, using Matlab and Simulink, allows greater understanding of the system while permitting issues of control to be examined and applied. The hovercraft involved in this research was a remote-control toy that operates on the same principles as the commercial version, just on a smaller scale.
Hines is majoring in mechanical engineering and mathematics and enjoys downhill skiing and science fiction. She is the Web master for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and also is a member of the Society for Women Engineers. An Aquinas Scholar, Hines recently was invited to join the Delta Epsilon Sigma national honor society.
For further information, visit the CAM Web site or call (651) 962-5524.
