The Kelvin Problem [Hardcover]

Denis Weaire (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 9, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0748406328 | ISBN-13: 978-0748406326 | Edition: 1

In 1887, Kelvin posed one of the most discussed scientific questions of the last 100 years - the problem of the division of three-dimensional space into cells of equal volume with minimal area. It has interested mathematicians, physical scientists and biologists ever since and the problem has scientific relevance to foams, emulsions and many other kinds of cells. In the 1990s, a more complex structure was discovered by Robert Phelan and Denis Weaire and it remains the best yet found. This text assesses the various merits of Kelvin's structure and of that discovered by Weaire and Phelan. It also looks at the problem of proof that Weaire's structure having minimal area remains open.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: CRC Press; 1 edition (September 9, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0748406328
• ISBN-13: 978-0748406326
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,039,254 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A century of work on this problem, April 15, 2004

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W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Kelvin Problem (Hardcover)

William Kelvin is mostly remembered today for the attachment of his name to the absolute temperature scale, in recognition of his original work on low temperature research in the late 19th century.

But during his long career, he investigated many other outstanding problems of the time. One such problem is the subject of this book. The editors chose Kelvin's pioneering paper to kick off the book. They then summarised over a century's effort by selecting papers by other prominent scientists tackling the issue.

The book is good for a historical perspective. Though undoubtedly some will be attracted mainly by Kelvin's work.