The world in equations When it comes to mathematical research, France is more than ever a nation to be reckoned with. Findings that are both novel and unexpected, as well as the prestigious Clay Research Award recognizing two French mathematicians, are testament to the country’s excellence in this field. Speed of an algorithm determined To determine the properties of complex systems (particle assemblies, metal alloys, giant molecules, etc), specialists in the field perform numerical simulations. However, they often lack information as to how Coupled of the Julia sets long their algorithms take to find the right result. Mathematicians at of two polynomials. CNRS and Stanford University have now succeeded in finding out, in the case of an algorithm simulating a model system similar to an assembly of billiard balls. This could pave the way towards a better understanding of the numerical methods that are now essential in every branch of physics and chemistry. Waves stay in shape Inventiones mathematicae August 2011 What happens when two waves moving along the surface of a liquid collide? Simplified models predict that, following an initial mixing phase, the waves continue on their way unchanged. Theoretical work by mathematicians shows that in fact the collision very slightly alters the height of the waves and dissipates part of their energy, which is in line with experiments carried out in a tank in Canada. Annals of Mathematics September 2011 24 A year at CNRS 2011
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