Vortex Dynamics: the Crossroads of Mathematics, Physics and Applications (23w5111)

The Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics will host the "Vortex Dynamics: the Crossroads of Mathematics, Physics and Applications" workshop in Hangzhou, China from December 3 to December 8, 2023.

Vortex dynamics is at the heart of many unresolved problems in fluid mechanics and is also central to numerous applications in science and engineering. The goal of the proposed meeting is to survey the recent progress in this field focusing on applied mathematics aspects of both classical and emerging problems. We are planning to bring together about 40 researchers at different career stages working on various aspects of vortex dynamics, spanning applied mathematical analysis, scientific computing, physical modeling as well as scientific and engineering applications. A highlight of the workshop will be events designed to foster cross-fertilization between applied mathematics and different application areas.

Vorticity was introduced by Helmholtz in 1858, and was a major step forward in overcoming the limitations of classical irrotational fluid mechanics. It has been of critical importance in fluid mechanics ever since. Kelvin's work on vortex atoms sought to establish a fundamental theory of matter based on vorticity. Prandtl's boundary-layer theory, which definitely resolved the 19th century paradoxes of fluid mechanics, depends crucially on the dynamics of vorticity. In the 21st century, vortex dynamics brings together a vibrant community centered around applied mathematics and involving scholars working in an ever growing range of application areas such as biomechanics, astrophysics, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, aeronautics, acoustics, condensed matter and computational physics. Experts in each of these domain-specific areas do not often attend the same specialized conferences, yet could greatly benefit from cross-fertilization of ideas. The proposed workshop will be designed to provide such an opportunity.

The Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (IASM) in Hangzhou, China, and the Banff International Research Station for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery (BIRS) in Banff, are collaborative Canada-US-Mexico ventures that provide an environment for creative interaction as well as the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and methods within the Mathematical Sciences, with related disciplines and with industry. The research station in Banff is supported by Canada's Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Alberta's Advanced Education and Technology, and Mexico's Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT).