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University
of Leicester - Faculty of Science |
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FROM
OUTER SPACE TO QUASICRYSTALS
In its
80th anniversary year, the University of Leicester looks
ahead to a future - building on its already formidable
research reputation.
The Faculty of Science’s strength was endorsed
by the HEFCE Research Assessment Exercise of 2001, an
acknowledgement that all six departments produce research
of national or international standing.
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AT
THE FOREFRONT OF RESEARCH
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 That’s
the view of Dr Jeremy Levesley in the University of Leicester’s
Mathematical Modelling Centre, which operates a super-powerful
Silicon Graphics computer system.
The Centre is a prime example of an inter-disciplinary
shared resource, bringing together mathematicians and
computer scientists with astronomers investigating planet
formation and stellar collisions, chemists studying DNA
and new pharmaceuticals, and engineers building new multifunctional
materials. |
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New
numerical methods, algorithms, and parallel computing
techniques developed by Leicester’s innovative applied
mathematicians are underpinning modern developments in
molecular simulation, celestial mechanics, fluid dynamics
- even computer graphics and gaming engines.
It is not just the technological wizardry of the MMC supercomputer
that places the depart-ment among the leaders in its field.
Dr. John Hunton’s research is in the area of quasicrystals,
whose five-fold symmetry is one of the great mathematical
mysteries of our time, exercising geometers, physicists
and crystallographers. The department also houses one
of the world’s outstanding research groups in Algebraic
Lie Theory. |
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“We
live in a world of realised mathematical models. Everyday
examples
include the television, the kettle and the computer.
Every technological
advance has required the extraordinary power of mathematics
to bring it to life.”
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TECHNOLOGY
IN CONTROL
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In a joint
project with the National Research Council of Canada
and Qinetiq (formerly DERA), the University of Leicester
Department of Engineering was the first to use H Infin-ity
control in helicopters. Dr Matthew Turner explained
its significance.
“When you model a system
there is always a discrepancy between the model and
real life. H Infinity control involves the design of
a control system that takes account of that uncertainty.”
The result has
been a series of fly-by-wire controllers for NRC Bell
205 helicopters. This technique means that the helicopter’s
actuators are controlled electronically, allowing a
more advanced control system.
After a process of mathematical modelling, controller
design and flight simulation, in May 2002 the success
of this was demonstrated in two weeks of tests in Canada,
when the fly-by-wire helicopter was awarded Level 1
handling qualities, the highest level for safety and
manoeuvrability, in certain tasks.
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to problem solving, coupled with an awareness of environmental,
social, legal, economic and regulatory aspects of problems.
At Leicester, students receive the breadth of technical
knowledge demanded by the profession, without sacrificing
depth and specialist understanding.
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For
comprehensive further information on this or any other course(s)
or college(s), please use our Information
Form Service - It's FREE
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