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Analysis and PDE Seminar

Title:  Universal wave patterns

Abstract:  A feature of solutions of a (generally nonlinear) field

theory can be called "universal" if it is independent of side conditions like initial data. I will explain this phenomenon in some detail and then illustrate it in the context of the sine-Gordon equation, a fundamental relativistic nonlinear wave equation. In particular I will describe some recent results (joint work with R. Buckingham) concerning a universal wave pattern that appears for all initial data that crosses the separatrix in the phase portrait of the simple pendulum.  The pattern is fantastically complex and beautiful to look at but not hard to describe in terms of elementary solutions of the sine-Gordon equation and the collection of rational solutions of the famous inhomogeneous Painlev\'e-II equation.

Date:
-
Location:
745 Patterson Office Tower

Imperial Intentions and Frontier Realities: Provincial Politics in the Aztec Empire

A graduate of the University of Kentucky (Ph.D. 2008), Dr. Venter is an expert on political and social interaction on the frontiers of the Aztec Empire. With National Science Foundation support, Dr. Venter rediscovered the head town of Totogal in the Aztec province of Tochtepec. Her research sheds light on how indigenous inhabitants on the fringes of empire negotiated their position vis-à-vis their Aztec overlords and their regional neighbors.

 

La Dr. Venter, graduanda de la Universidad de Kentucky (Ph.D. 2008), es experta en cuanto a las interacciones politicas y sociales en las fronteras del Imperio Azteca. Con el apoyo del National Science Foundation, ella logro redescubrir la ciudad de Totogal en la la provincia Azteca de Tochtepec. Sus estudios e investigaciones han esclarecido como los Aztecas realizaban negociaciones  con sus vecinos y superiores en cuanto a la posicion que sostenian en la sociedad.

 

 

Date:
-
Location:
Whitehall Classroom Building, Room 114
Event Series:
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