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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Exact dynamics of the asymmetric exclusion process with boundaries. This project offers an opportunity for a postgraduate student to participate in world-class research. It further strengthens collaborative ties with the renowned department of theoretical physics at Oxford University. The outcomes of this project are expected to provide valuable fundamental information for any applied science in which transport plays a crucial role.
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
Hecke algebras and hidden symmetries in quantum spin chains. This project further strenghtens collaborative ties with Prof. Rittenberg who is a leading figure in statistical mechanics. Rittenberg is Scientific Director of one of the best journals, and has been instrumental in advocating and advancing Australia's influence in the field. All this on top of his original scientific input which we have become used to in the past years.
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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Conformal invariance and stationary states. Universal properties in nonequilibrium processes, such as scaling of space and time, suggest the existence of a fundamental, model independent theory describing such phenomena. An analogous theory for equilibrium phenomena exists, namely conformal field theory, and is extremely important for our understanding. Using recent insights this project aims at formulating such a theory for universal nonequilibrium behaviour.