Nonequilibrium dynamics of interfaces and lines

The lectures examine several problems related to non-equilibrium fluctuations of interfaces and flux lines. We start by introducing the phenomenology of depinning, with particular emphasis on interfaces and contact lines. The role of the anisotropy of the medium in producing different universality classes is elucidated. We then focus on the dynamics of lines, where transverse fluctuations are also important. We shall demonstrate how various non-linearities appear in the dynamics of driven flux lines. The universality classes of depinning, and also dynamic roughening, are illustrated in the contexts of moving flux lines, advancing crack fronts, and drifting polymers. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.