Minimal Surfaces
Minimal surfaces are surfaces that locally minimize area while having a fixed boundary. They are defined mathematically as surfaces with zero mean curvature, meaning that the average of the principal curvatures at any point on the surface is zero. Examples of minimal surfaces include the soap film formed between wireframes and the catenoid, which can be generated by rotating a catenary curve.
These surfaces have unique properties and are studied in various fields, including geometry, physics, and architecture. Minimal surfaces can be found in nature, such as in the shapes of certain bubbles and biological membranes, showcasing their importance in both theoretical and practical applications.