Abstract
CAMBRIDGE.—The subject proposed for the Adams Prize Essay for the period 1915-16 is “The Course of Evolution of the Configurations possible for a Rotating and Gravitating Fluid Mass, including, the Discussion of the Stabilities of the Various Forms.” The investigation of the forms that can be assumed by a mass of gravitating fluid endowed with motion of rotation was initiated by Newton with reference to the figure of the earth, developed by Maclaurin, Clairaut, and Laplace, and extended by Jacobi. It was consolidated in Lord Kelvin's hands, as an example of the doctrine of the dissipation of energyi into a single problem illustrating the course of evolution of stellar and planetary systems. The sequence of the forms that can be assumed by a rotating fluid mass, first announced partially by Lord Kelvin, has been extended and systematised by the work of Poincare, and expanded in new directions by Sir G. H. Darwin and other investigators. Further elucidation of this succession of forms, especially in the direction in which a tendency appears for the mass to divide into separate parts, is desirable, in view of its possible bearing on the modes of evolution of double and variable stars and the interpretation of other remarkable celestial objects. The case in which the mass is in whole or in part in the gaseous state may also present opportunities for investigations possessing astronomical interest. Some contribution to the further theoretical development of this subject is asked for. The prize is open to the competition of all persons who have at any time been admitted to a degree in the University. The value of the prize is about 2201. The essays must be sent to the Vice-Chancellor on or before the last day of December, 1916.
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University and Educational Intelligence . Nature 95, 53–54 (1915). https://doi.org/10.1038/095053a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/095053a0