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Ponytails, catapults and chaos: a public lecture from IG Nobel prize winner

PonytailOn Tuesday 29 January 2013, Professor Robin C. Ball, co-author of the IG Nobel prize award winning publication 'Ponytails, catapults and chaos' will present a lecture on how physics can be applied to everyday life events.

The event is open to anyone (suitable for ages 16 and above) with an interest in physics. Expect some 'tough' maths at certain points, but the speaker aims to make the talk suitable for an A-level/undergraduate student to follow.

The lecture will take place from 6.30-7.30pm in the Physics PLT Lecture Theatre and will be followed by a food and drinks reception. Places do not need to be booked, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

About the lecture

From Leonardo Da Vinci to the Brothers Grimm, the properties of hair have been of enduring interest in science and art. New research provides the first mathematical understanding of the shape of a ponytail and could have implications for the textile industry, computer animation and personal care products.

Professor R.C. Ball is a co-author of this IG Nobel prize award-winning publication. His talk will review how physics can be applied to everyday life events. After attending the talk you might be able to calculate the shape of your ponytail using the ‘Equation of State’. There is much more physics in your hair that what you have ever thought before.