Tuesday 8th October 2002. Walking with Dinosaurs and Tree Climbing with Levi’s (IET event). A talk by Double Visual Effects Emmy-award winner: Mike McGee. 7.00 p.m. (Tea at 6.30 p.m.) at Novotel Hotel, Bostock’s Lane, Sandiacre, Nottingham.
Framestore-CFC’s Visual Effects Supervisor, Mike McGee, takes a look at the creation of some of the most stunning images on our screens. Learn how dinosaurs can talk and mosquitoes dance, see how humans fly on pteranodons or run through solid brick walls. Take a glimpse into the world of visual effects and discover how digital slight of hand can trick the eye. All will be answered as Mike reveals the process of building these film and TV illusions.
Thursday 10th October 2002. Modelling the Spread of HIV/AIDS. A talk by Professor J. Griffiths (Cardiff University). 7.30 p.m. in the James Went Building, City Site, De Montfort University, Leicester.
Abstract: In this talk data will be presented from a wide variety of sources, indicating the true significance of the HIV/AIDS epidemic throughout the world. Using these data, mathematical models will be built to describe the spread of the epidemic, and various “what-if” scenarios will be investigated. In particular, recent developments in the treatment of the syndrome will be considered, and the effects that these treatments have had on the modelling process will be outlined.
Wednesday 13th November 2002. Stamping through Mathematics. A talk by Robin Wilson (Open University). 7.30 p.m. in Room A1, Pope Building, Nottingham University.
Abstract: In this talk I shall cover the entire history of mathematics, from earliest times to the modern computer age, illustrating it with postage stamps featuring mathematics and mathematicians.
Thursday 5th December 2002. IMA Presidential Address 2002. Mathematics and Signal Processing. A talk by Professor J.G. McWhirter FRS FREng C.Math FIMA. 7.15 p.m. in Room GE004, Clifton Site, Main Building, The Nottingham Trent University.
Abstract: I will start this address with a brief introduction, the purpose of which is to say a little bit about my own background and why I believe so passionately that mathematics works. I will then describe in very general terms, how mathematics has been exploited with great success in the area of adaptive beamforming. This is a very interesting topic to which I have devoted much of my own research over the last 20 years or so. It exploits very well established mathematical techniques and serves to highlight the fact that new mathematics is not always essential for innovative applications in science and engineering. I will then go on to introduce the concept of blind signal separation. This is a much newer technique which, despite some notable success, is based on more advanced and less well developed mathematical ideas. It has highlighted the need for some fundamental mathematical research with a very practical engineering motivation. Finally, I will say a little bit about the public perception of mathematics and outline some of my own thoughts on that subject.
Friday 17th January 2003. Chebyshev Polynomials – here there and everywhere. A talk by John Mason (Huddersfield University). 7.30 p.m. in the Heap Lecture Theatre, Kedleston Road Site, University of Derby.
Abstract: Chebyshev polynomials have a multiplicity of powerful properties and a range of applications leading almost everywhere in numerical analysis, including a key role in polynomial approximation, integration, and spectral methods for ODEs and PDEs. The polynomials also relate directly to special problems in fracture mechanics, antenna array design and integral transforms (of Hilbert type), as well as to the fields of Fourier and Laurent series, orthogonal polynomials, etc. There are also applications in such areas as graph theory and abstract algebra.
We aim to give a flavour of the power of the four kinds of Chebyshev polynomials, as well as their attractiveness and elegance, based on a 40 year involvement – including the 2002 publication with David Handscomb of a 350 page book by CRC Press on “Chebyshev Polynomials – Theory and Applications”.
Monday 24th February 2003. Data with Attitude: Data Approximation in Metrology. A talk by Alistair B. Forbes (Centre for Mathematics and Scientific Computing, National Physical Laboratory). 7.30 p.m. in Room J001, Edward Herbert Building, Loughborough University.
Abstract: Metrology is the science of measurement. The National Physical Laboratory is the UK’s national metrology institute responsible for defining, maintaining and disseminating standards of measurement. NPL’s research programme involves a comprehensive set of projects to develop more accurate ways of measuring physical quantities and includes ambitious projects aimed at redefining the metre and kilogram. Mathematics plays an important role in many aspects of this research, including modelling the behaviour of measuring instruments and analysing the data produced by them. Central to the analysis of data is the evaluation of the uncertainties associated with the fit of the model to the data. This in turn depends on developing statistical models for the inputs to the model and on designing approximation methods for these models. No measurement data in metrology comes unadorned; all data points are associated with a statistical model.
In this talk I will firstly describe some of the measurement experiments at NPL and then look at the combination of data approximation, optimisation, numerical analysis and statistics involved in determining satisfactory measurement results. I will also consider how some new statistical methods could have a significant impact on uncertainty evaluation in metrology.
Saturday 8th March 2003. Branch Dinner at Midland Hotel, Midland Road, Derby (opposite Derby Railway Station). Meet 7.30 p.m. in the Main Bar for a meal starting 8.00 p.m.
The Branch Dinner is an informal event to provide a congenial atmosphere to meet with fellow members of the IMA and their guests. Many members will attend with their partners. Vegetarian or other special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice. Wines and other drinks are available on a cash basis.
Thursday 27th March 2003. The Magic of Soap Bubbles. A talk and demonstration by Dr. Cyril Isenberg (University of Kent at Canterbury). 7.30 p.m. in Room B13, Mathematics & Physics Building, Nottingham University.
Abstract: Soap bubbles have always fascinated the young. They are attracted by the perfectly formed spherical shells of liquid produced every time one blows a bubble. The unexpected stability of these spheres has led scientists to study the properties of films and bubbles. Much research has been carried out, and is currently being undertaken, by chemists, physicists, mathematicians and biologists.
Some of theses properties can be illustrated by dipping wire frameworks into soap solution. This can be demonstrated on a grand scale with a huge tub of soap solution and large frameworks. The soap films and soap bubbles formed in the frameworks have shapes that are both spectacular and colourful. Their surfaces satisfy geometrical constraints that are a consequence of a general minimisation principle in thermodynamics. In the simplest examples the soap film contained by a framework forms, at equilibrium, a minimum area configuration.
This minimum area property can be applied to the solution of some mathematical problems of importance in the construction of networks of roads, pipelines and cables. The simplest example is the minimum roadway linking two towns; the straight line road. The more general problems are concerned with the minimum length roadway configurations joining a number of towns.
Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in the properties of soap films by biologists. They have shown that cell membranes have a molecular structure that is similar to soap films. As a result more detailed studies of simple soap films have been made in order to gain further insight into the more complex biological lipid membranes.
Friday 16th May 2003. Close Encounters of the Martian Kind, Three Eclipses and a Transit. A talk by Michael McCabe (Portsmouth University). 7.30 p.m. in Room A1, Pope Building, Nottingham University.
Abstract: The closest approach of Mars to Earth for thousands of years, a transit of Mercury, two lunar eclipses and a solar eclipse are among the astronomical events which UK observers can look forward to in 2003. This very night there is a lunar eclipse. There is a solar eclipse in a fortnight and in three months time Mars will be at its closest to Earth for an estimated 20,000 years. Mathematical calculations, which have increased in precision over the centuries, have made such predictions possible. To cap all this, the Mars Express spacecraft will be launched next month with the UK Beagle 2 lander on board. If all goes well it will land on Boxing Day and begin its search for evidence of life on the red planet. Once again, this would be impossible without mathematics.
Tuesday 24th June 2003. Joint Branch Social Event at the Heathcote Arms, Croft, Leicester. Meet by 6.30 p.m. in the Bar for a directed Walk and Quiz or 7.30 p.m. in the Skittle Alley.
Members and their guests from both the IMA East and West Midlands Branches are encouraged to attend a Summer Evening of social activities centred around the Heathcote Arms in Croft, Leicestershire. Croft is a village with substantial industrial heritage and conveniently situated near the Leicester end of the M69 motorway. Early participants are invited to spend an hour investigating the interesting features of Croft, guided by a Quiz. Later we will retire to the Skittle Alley where matters mathematics and more, can be discussed over a Challenge skittles game and a pub meal.
