Georgia Institute of Technology College of Sciences

Observations of high energy density environments, from supernovae implosions/explosions to inertial confinement fusion, are determined by many different physical effects acting concurrently. For example, one set of equations will describe material motion, while another set will describe the spatial flow of energy. The relevant spatial and temporal scales can vary substantially. Since direct measurement is difficult if not impossible, and the relevant physics happen concurrently, computer simulation becomes an important tool to understand how emergent behavior depends on the constituent laws governing the evolution of the system. Further, computer simulation can provide a means to use observation to constrain underlying physical models. This talk shall examine the challenges associated with developing computational multiphysics simulation. In particular this talk will outline some of the physics, the relevant mathematical models, the associated algorithmic challenges, some of which are driven by emerging compute architectures. The problem as a whole can be formidable and an effective solution couples many disciplines together.

This year's homecoming activities promise to be better than ever with all of the schools in the College of Sciences getting together to throw one big bash. Hear the CoS All-Star band, play casino and table games and take part in our photo contest. Come early to take a tour of science labs and hear faculty and students show-off their research. This is Halloween, so wear your costume to take part in the 2014 All Hallow's Eve Costume contest, if you wish. Come as your favorite costume, extra points for including some science in your get-up. There will be fabulous prizes, giveways and much, much more! Families, kids and guests are welcome. Those without an RSVP will still be able to purchase food, but for free food RSVP is required.

During the next Frontiers in Science lecture, Randy Engle, professor in Georgia Tech’s School of Psychology, will talk about how the cultural and biological aspects of human intelligence differ from each other, and even change over a lifetime. Engle will discuss how biologically based intelligence is involved in our ability to pay attention and resist distractions. He’ll also discuss how socio-economic status plays a role. He’ll uncover some of the brain mechanisms and genetics involved, and talk about recent attempts, by such companies as Lumosity, to help people improve their fluid intelligence.

We will present the solution to a statistical mechanics model on random lattices. More precisely, we consider the Potts model on the set of planar triangulations (embedded planar graph such that every face has degree 3). The partition function of this model is the generating function of vertex-colored triangulations counted according to the number of monochromatic edges and dichromatic edges. We characterize this partition function by a simple system of differential equations. Some special cases, such as properly 4-colored triangulations, lead to particularly simple equations waiting for a more direct combinatorial explanation. This is joint work with Mireille Bousquet-Melou.