Date of Award
5-2020
Type
Thesis
Major
Mathematics
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
Department
Mathematics and Philosophy
First Advisor
Carlos Almada
Second Advisor
Eugen Ionascu
Third Advisor
Timothy Howard
Abstract
Minimal surfaces are a special subset of surfaces that have gone through a long and extensive development and have also led to many fruitful findings in mathematics. Several periods that are key to the progression of the theory are coined as Golden Ages for the field’s development. Here, a historical and mathematical development of minimal surface theory is presented that spans from its inception in the late 18th century to the present day. Along with the development, there is an emphasis on showing connections of minimal surfaces to various natural phenomena that occur such as soap films, black holes, biological systems, etc. Lastly, it is discussed briefly where the field is currently and where its future lies beyond.
Recommended Citation
Pitts, Timothy, "A Mathematical Development of Minimal Surface Theory: From Soap Films to Black Holes" (2020). Theses and Dissertations. 389.
https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/389