Christiaan Huygens solves the problem of the hanging chain – again!

Time: 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Saint Augustine Center Room 300, Villanova University, Villanova, PA

We begin with conversation and a light supper (donation: $10.00). When the discussion lags, about 6:30 to 6:45, Dr. John Bukowski of Juniata College will speak on:

Christiaan Huygens solves the problem of the hanging chain – again!

In 1646 the 17-year-old Christiaan Huygens proved that the hanging chain did not take the shape of a parabola, as was commonly thought at the time. Forty-four years later, no one had yet described the actual shape of the chain, so Jakob Bernoulli posed the problem publicly in 1690. Huygens then studied several aspects of this curve, which he called the catenary, and published them in a short article one year later. We will quickly review the earlier work of Huygens and concentrate on the work from his notebooks in 1691. This talk is a continuation of the story begun at PASHoM in April 2009, although attendance at that talk is not a prerequisite for this one.

Directions: Villanova University is located on route 30, Lancaster Avenue, just east of I-476.

Due to ongoing construction on the Saint Augustine parking lots, the usual parking slots for those driving to Villanova will not be available this Fall, and perhaps part of the Spring. Those members who drive to Villanova must park in the Main Lot. I have attached a map of the campus to show where this is (it's the large blue and white striped area marked "Parking"). I have also included a parking pass good for the upcoming meeting. This should be printed out and put on the windshield of your car. There will be a new pass for each meeting.

The Main Lot has two entrances, one on Ithan Avenue and one on Lancaster Avenue. Please allow additional time to walk from the general lot to the Connelly Center.

At the Saint Augustine Center, enter and proceed to the rear and take the elevator to the third floor. Exit to the right, then turn left; Room 300 is directly on the opposite side of the building. From the St. Augustine Lot enter the Center via the doorway at the end of the lot. Turn right and follow the hallway to the elevators; take the elevator to the third floor. Follow the directions to Room 300 as above.

Public transportation: Take SEPTA's Paoli - Thorndale train to the Villanova station. If outbound from center city go down through the tunnel to the inbound side. From the inbound platform a few steps lead to the Mendel parking lot. Proceed as above to Saint Augustine 300.

You can get in touch with me (Alan Gluchoff) at 610-905-1376 if you need help.