Friday October 25, 2002, 4pm
Tyler 106
Speaker: Thomas J. Peters
Department of Computer Science
& Engineering and Department of Mathematics
University of Connecticut, Storrs
Title: Computational Topology & Taylor's Theorem
Abstract: Computational topology is an emerging discipline which blends pure and applied mathematics. Two recent results will be presented. (1) The classical notion of a simplicial complex is relevant to surface intersection algorithms. Topological applications to aeronautical engineering will be presented. (2) The pure mathematics of knot theory has surprisingly practical implications for algorithms used during the creation of medical prosthetics. Motivating background for each application will be presented, followed by the sketch of a critical proof for each. Both proofs rely upon Taylor's Theorem, as typically presented in multivariate calculus. This talk will be self-contained and is intended to be accessible to the interested graduate student. Collaborations with multiple co-investigators under NSF funding will be acknowledged during the talk.