Buckling dynamics of compressed thin sheets (membranes)

We investigate the dynamics of the classical Euler buckling of compressed s olid 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 gr owing surfaces ("growing interfaces") whose roughness grow's as ct power of time. Membrane buckling dynamics is characterized by a distinct scaling be havior not found in other coarsening phenomena. [S0031-9007(99)08844-4].