Title: The Enigma of black hole horizons

Abstract: By now, gravitational wave observations have established that black holes are ubiquitous in our universe. But what exactly is a black hole? What exactly is it that forms as a result of a gravitational collapse and evaporates due to quantum radiation? The common answer is of course ‘horizons’. But the notion of horizons is rather enigmatic. For example, an event horizon may be forming and growing in your room in anticipation of a gravitational collapse that may take place a billion years from now! However there are alternative notions that can be used in an effective manner both in the analysis of black hole mergers in classical general relativity as well as the quantum process of black hole evaporation. This account of vexing and fascinating properties of black hole horizons will be presented at a level that should be accessible to non-experts.

Please join us for the BTPC Seminar on Friday, 4/7 at 2 PM at the Barus Building, 340 Brook Street in the 2nd-floor Seminar Room for lecture four in a five-part lecture series.

Title: Computing Fluid Flows Lecture 3: An Overview of Fluid Mechanics, Spectral Methods, and the Dedalus Framework

Abstract: “Computing Fluid Flows” is a series of lectures aimed at treating fluid
mechanics from a physicist’s perspective, with the goal of learning how to compute solutions to complex problems ranging from climate to clean energy to biological fluids. Central to our understanding of fluids are numerical solutions to linear and non-linear model equations. Starting from a solid foundation in the numerical analysis of partial differential equations (PDEs), I will discuss how to build models in order to increase understanding of complicated fluid systems using the Dedalus project, an open-source framework for PDEs.

In this series of lectures, I will introduce fluid mechanics with an emphasis on the mathematical and physical details that make it such a challenging field in which
to compute solutions. Starting from the Navier-Stokes equations, I will discuss aspects of PDEs and give a brief overview of some of the major classes of numerical techniques to solve them. From there, I will focus on one particular family of numerical methods, the spectral methods. I will discuss why they are an enduring choice, particularly among physicists interested in theoretical studies, and illustrate the directions in which spectral techniques continue to be developed. Finally, I will introduce the Dedalus framework, a tool for solving PDEs using spectral methods, which I will use throughout the lecture series.

Title and Abstract: TBD

Title and abstract: TBD

Title and Abstract: TBD

EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE & ART SINCE 2015

Through a collaboration with TAPS, the Brown Physics Department’s DDIAP Committee presents their second Artist-in-Residence series with SYREN Modern Dance performing Red and Blue, Bitter and Sweet, an exploration of quantum mechanics theories including entanglement, wave/particle duality, uncertainty principle and superposition.

SYREN Modern Dance, is a New York City-based modern dance company whose artists have been named United States Cultural Ambassadors by the Department of State. Now celebrating its 20th year of sharing dance, SYREN exists to embrace dance as a conduit of connection, communication, curiosity, and collaboration.

The company aims to shed light on complex scientific principles through the lens of dance and human connection. The way particles function at the microscopic level is vastly different than how we see and experience the world on a daily basis. The disparity between both realities is a key point of departure for the work. Life itself is experienced through particles interacting within us and within each other - it is a dance, indeed.

syrendance.org