Definition:Minimal Surface
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Definition
A minimal surface is a surface on which the mean curvature is zero.
That is, such that the principal curvatures are equal but in opposite directions.
Examples
Soap Bubble
The classic example of a minimal surface is a soap bubble.
Also see
- Results about minimal surfaces can be found here.
Historical Note
Many examples of minimal surfaces have been discovered by exploiting the capabilities of computer graphics.
Sources
- 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): minimal surface
- 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): minimal surface