The hidden physics governing the volume and elasticity of human hair
In short: Why does hair have its signature fluffiness? This lecture explores how individual strand properties—weight, curl, and elasticity—combine into a complex mathematical theory to determine the shapes we see.
Professor Raymond E. Goldstein breaks down the macroscopic behavior of hair by examining the microscopic interplay of physics. The talk traces the historical development of elasticity theory, specifically citing the foundational work of Euler and Bernoulli.
The presentation utilizes the calculus of variations to explain how hair finds energy-minimizing shapes. By synthesizing these elements, the lecture provides a quantitative framework for understanding why hair behaves the way it does.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Leonardo, Rapunzel and the Mathematics of Hair - Professor Raymond E. Goldstein
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