New physics rule to find mechanical strain

Addressing a physics problem that dates back to Galileo, three researchers this week propose a new approach to the theory of how thin sheets can be forced to conform to 'geometrically incompatible' shapes -- think gift-wrapping a basketball -- that relies on weaving together two fundamental ideas of geometry and mechanics that were long thought to be irreconcilable.

from Top Technology News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190108125447.htm