Buckling Dynamics of Compressed Thin Sheets (Membranes)

We investigate the dynamics of the classical Euler buckling of compressed solid membranes. We relate the membrane buckling dynamics to phase ordering phenomena. Membranes develop a wavelike pattern whose wavelength grows, via coarsening, as a power of time. Evolving membranes are similar to rough growing surfaces (``growing interfaces'') whose roughness grows as a power of time. Membrane buckling dynamics is characterized by a distinct scaling behavior not found in other coarsening phenomena.