Computational Math Colloquium • From Sorcery to Science: How Hollywood Physics Advances Computational EngineeringExport this event to calendar

Thursday, January 24, 2019 3:45 PM EST

Eitan Grinspun, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics
Columbia University

Blockbuster films depend on computational physics. The focus is on models that capture the qualitative, characteristic behavior of a mechanical system. Visual effects employ mathematical and computational models of hair, fur, skin, cloth, fire, granular media, and liquids. This is scientific computing with a twist. But techniques developed originally for film can also advance consumer products, biomedical research, and basic physical understanding.

I will describe computational models based on discrete differential geometry (DDG). The focus is on the geometric structure of a mechanical system. We build a discrete (hence readily computable) geometry from the ground up, mimicking the axioms, structures, and symmetries of the smooth setting. Problems addressed via DDG include dynamic evolution of thin visco- elastic structures, granular media, and the tying of tight knots.

Location 
MC - Mathematics & Computer Building
5479
200 University Avenue West

Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1
Canada

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