BPML: Mechanical engineers, matrices & the mitral valve of the heart - Dr Daniel Espino

Join the final Popular Maths Lecture delivered by Dr Daniel Espino from the School of Engineering.

"Let me tell you why you're here. You're here because you know something. What you know you can't explain"... so… what actually is a matrix?

Mechanical Engineers use them to study how objects deform under load; the type of deformation which might occur when an elastic band is stretched, as well as deformation due to something called 'shear' (or change in shape, such as from a rectangle into a parallelogram shape). There are engineering applications for failure criteria too: the loads under which something you may have designed is predicted to break.

So, what happens if we applied these matrices to a heart valve in the body? Could we calculate how a natural heart valve deforms? Could we calculate if it might undergo failure? Could it be used to evaluate different techniques for surgical repair of a heart valve?

"...You have to let it all go, fear, doubt, and disbelief. Free your mind." The Matrix.

The Birmingham Popular Maths Lecture series runs in the Watson Building (School of Mathematics) on the last Wednesday of each month, arriving from 18:30 onwards for a 19:00 start. We will also be showing the lecture live on Zoom for those that are unable to attend the lecture.

To watch the lecture on Zoom you will need to register using the link above. If you plan on attending the lecture in person there is no need to register. Please note that attendees in the lecture theatre will be given priority for the Q&A, but some questions will be taken from Zoom.

The Birmingham Popular Mathematics Lectures are open to all members of the public and the University who are interested in the study of Mathematics. They are particularly suitable for those studying Mathematics at A Level and we also welcome advanced GCSE students. Young people are welcome on their own, with parents or with a school group.