Manchester Applied Mathematics and Numerical Analysis Seminars Winter 2000/01

October 4, 2000, 2.30 pm

Lecture Theatre OF/B9 Oddfellows Hall (Material Science)

Symmetry methods - a beginners' guide

Dr. Peter Hydon, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Surrey

Symmetry is the key to solving differential equations. There are many well-known techniques for obtaining exact solutions, but most of them are merely special cases of a few powerful symmetry methods. Furthermore, these methods may be applied to differential equations of an unfamiliar type; they do not rely on special `tricks'. Instead, a given differential equation can be forced to reveal its symmetries, which are then used to construct exact solutions.

A good working knowledge of symmetry methods is extremely valuable to those who work with mathematical models. This talk introduces some of the main ideas behind symmetry methods for ordinary and partial differential equations. It is intended for non-specialists.

For further info contact either Matthias Heil (mheil@ma.man.ac.uk), Mark Muldoon (M.Muldoon@umist.ac.uk)or the seminar secretary (Tel. 0161 275 5800).