Advanced Computational and Analytic Studies in Lattice Statistical Mechanics and Applications. Lattice Statistical Mechanics is one of the current success stories of Australian Science with a significant international presence. The applicants represent a centre of excellence, particularly in the area of combining computational and analytic studies for maximum scientific benefit. The programme of research maximises Australia's investment in this human resource by focussing on an integrated set of ....Advanced Computational and Analytic Studies in Lattice Statistical Mechanics and Applications. Lattice Statistical Mechanics is one of the current success stories of Australian Science with a significant international presence. The applicants represent a centre of excellence, particularly in the area of combining computational and analytic studies for maximum scientific benefit. The programme of research maximises Australia's investment in this human resource by focussing on an integrated set of projects comprising a diverse and innovative group of applications in areas such as polymer science, DNA denaturation, combinatorics and the study of traffic flows. The underlying theme is always the utility of lattice statistical mechanics in 21st century science.Read moreRead less
Key combinatorial problems in lattice statistical mechanics. The enumeration of lattice animals is a famous open problem in combinatorics. These discrete structures also underpin our understanding of many physical phenomena, including polymer collapse and percolation in random media, through the integral part they play in many models in statistical mechanics and theoretical chemistry.
The project aims to answer some key open problems in this area using exact and numerical techniques. We expe ....Key combinatorial problems in lattice statistical mechanics. The enumeration of lattice animals is a famous open problem in combinatorics. These discrete structures also underpin our understanding of many physical phenomena, including polymer collapse and percolation in random media, through the integral part they play in many models in statistical mechanics and theoretical chemistry.
The project aims to answer some key open problems in this area using exact and numerical techniques. We expect that this will lead to proofs of the insolvability of certain problems, new exact solutions of others, and a greater understanding of the effect of topology and geometry on the behaviour of these models.Read moreRead less
Solvable models on regular and random lattices in statistical mechanics and field theory. There are only a few solvable models in statistical mechanics and field theory, but those that are known give deep insights into the cooperative behaviour that characterizes a critical point, as well as
leading to fascinating mathematics. The two chief investigators have been at the forefront of this field for many years. Currently there are many notable exciting challenges they wish to address:
the re ....Solvable models on regular and random lattices in statistical mechanics and field theory. There are only a few solvable models in statistical mechanics and field theory, but those that are known give deep insights into the cooperative behaviour that characterizes a critical point, as well as
leading to fascinating mathematics. The two chief investigators have been at the forefront of this field for many years. Currently there are many notable exciting challenges they wish to address:
the relationship between Tutte's work on dichromatic polynomials and matrix models, the outstanding problem of calculating the order parameters of the chiral Potts model, and the eigenvalue spectra of the transfer matrices that occur in integrable models.
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Mathematics of the quantum-classical mechanics interface. Nanotechnology focusses increasing attention on the interface between quantum and classical mechanics. Semiclassical approximations have long been studied, as a means to describe classical systems with 'small' actions as this interface is approached from the classical side. I have recently shown that classical mechanics can be formulated in complex Hilbert space, as a pseudo-quantum theory. This establishes a framework for the developme ....Mathematics of the quantum-classical mechanics interface. Nanotechnology focusses increasing attention on the interface between quantum and classical mechanics. Semiclassical approximations have long been studied, as a means to describe classical systems with 'small' actions as this interface is approached from the classical side. I have recently shown that classical mechanics can be formulated in complex Hilbert space, as a pseudo-quantum theory. This establishes a framework for the development of 'semiquantum' approximations, to enable the description of quantum systems with 'large' actions as the quantum-classical interface is approached from the quantum side. The project aims to explore some ramifications of this theoretical breakthrough.Read moreRead less
Algebraic invariants in mathematics and physics. This project is at the leading edge of fundamental mathematics and will result in important scientific advances that will keep Australia at the forefront internationally in this field of research. The topics under investigation are having high impact worldwide so there is an emphasis on international networking and on research training, particularly of research students. Australians would normally need to go to leading international centres such a ....Algebraic invariants in mathematics and physics. This project is at the leading edge of fundamental mathematics and will result in important scientific advances that will keep Australia at the forefront internationally in this field of research. The topics under investigation are having high impact worldwide so there is an emphasis on international networking and on research training, particularly of research students. Australians would normally need to go to leading international centres such as Paris to partake in projects of this nature. That high profile research of this kind can be done in Australia will enhance our capacity to retain scientific talent.Read moreRead less
Theory and Applications of Hypergeometric Series. Techniques based on hypergeometric series lie at the heart of an exciting and rapidly developing class of mathematical methods, with applications to many areas of science and engineering, such as computer science, statistics, physics, chemistry and biology.
In the past decades Australia has been at the forefront of important developments in the field, and this proposal serves to further strengthen the country's leading reputation.
Many of th ....Theory and Applications of Hypergeometric Series. Techniques based on hypergeometric series lie at the heart of an exciting and rapidly developing class of mathematical methods, with applications to many areas of science and engineering, such as computer science, statistics, physics, chemistry and biology.
In the past decades Australia has been at the forefront of important developments in the field, and this proposal serves to further strengthen the country's leading reputation.
Many of the modern methods in the theory require expertise in mathematics as well as a high level of programming skills. This combination provides a unique training ground for higher degree students aiming at careers in financial mathematics, weather/climate forecasting and internet security.
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The stability of unsteady fluid flows in channels and pipes. The main benefit from this project will be a better theoretical understanding of the stability properties of unsteady fluid flows. The theoretical results obtained would help guide future experimental
investigations into the paths to turbulence in unsteady flows and would be a basis for future research in the increasingly important area of flow stability control. The project will also provide advanced training and skills transfer in a ....The stability of unsteady fluid flows in channels and pipes. The main benefit from this project will be a better theoretical understanding of the stability properties of unsteady fluid flows. The theoretical results obtained would help guide future experimental
investigations into the paths to turbulence in unsteady flows and would be a basis for future research in the increasingly important area of flow stability control. The project will also provide advanced training and skills transfer in an important area of fluid mechanics research.
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A synthesis of random matrix theory for applications in mathematics, physics and engineering. Random matrix theory, matrix theory where the elements are random, or the matrix chosen from an ensemble, is driven by its ever expanding range of applications, and the richness of the mathematics being uncovered. These applications include topics of acknowledged modern day importance, for example quantum information theory, wireless communication, data analysis, signal processing and the study of algor ....A synthesis of random matrix theory for applications in mathematics, physics and engineering. Random matrix theory, matrix theory where the elements are random, or the matrix chosen from an ensemble, is driven by its ever expanding range of applications, and the richness of the mathematics being uncovered. These applications include topics of acknowledged modern day importance, for example quantum information theory, wireless communication, data analysis, signal processing and the study of algorithms. Buoyed by promising preliminary investigations, this project aims to draw together seemingly disparate techniques to tackle problems from such topics. In addition to providing solutions to these problems, these methods are expected to provide inspiration for fellow researchers.Read moreRead less
Viscous Effects in Free-Surface Flows. Australia has a proud record of achievement in the field of free-surface fluid mechanics. This project will build and extend these research achievements. It will provide new information about how fluid layers overturn and mix, which is an important process in oceanography. It will examine the sloshing behaviour of fluid in moving storage tanks, which is important in fuel transport and building design. The project will develop new mathematical methods fo ....Viscous Effects in Free-Surface Flows. Australia has a proud record of achievement in the field of free-surface fluid mechanics. This project will build and extend these research achievements. It will provide new information about how fluid layers overturn and mix, which is an important process in oceanography. It will examine the sloshing behaviour of fluid in moving storage tanks, which is important in fuel transport and building design. The project will develop new mathematical methods for solving these problems accurately, and will contribute to the next generation of research mathematicians in Australia. Read moreRead less
Towards logarithmic representation theory of W-algebras. Aims: To construct and analyse indecomposable representations of significance in conformal field theory.
Significance: Conformal field theory plays a key role in many developments in mathematics and physics. Logarithmic conformal field theories govern important systems such as two-dimensional critical percolation. This proposal aims to develop the representation theory necessary for understanding salient features of critical systems des ....Towards logarithmic representation theory of W-algebras. Aims: To construct and analyse indecomposable representations of significance in conformal field theory.
Significance: Conformal field theory plays a key role in many developments in mathematics and physics. Logarithmic conformal field theories govern important systems such as two-dimensional critical percolation. This proposal aims to develop the representation theory necessary for understanding salient features of critical systems described by logarithmic conformal field theory.
Expected Outcomes: Novel representations of fundamental importance in logarithmic conformal field theory.
Benefit: Resolution of open problems in logarithmic conformal field theory, thus continuing the strong tradition in the field in Australia.
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