Graduate Students Algebra Seminar
Department of Mathematics
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506
Fridays, 3:30pm-4:20pm
 Cardwell Hall 129
 
 
February 20, 1998
How Long Does it Take to Get Two Consecutive Heads?
by  David Surowski
 
 Abstract: We shall play the following game. Take a fair coin and toss it in succession until two heads in succession occur. What is the expected length of this game? Perhaps interestingly, this was Paul Halmos' topic when he delivered the first Friends of Mathematics colloquium talk, way back in  1983 (I was there!). The approach here will be somewhat different from that of Professor  Halmos inasmuch as there is a bit more room for generalization. We need to watch out for dangerous bends, however!

February 27, 1998
In Search for Quantum Gravity I
by Bharath Narayanan

Abstract: This is talk will give an introduction to mathematics of Planck scale physics



March 6, 1998
In Search for Quantum Gravity II
by Bharath Narayanan

Abstract: This is talk will give an introduction to mathematics of Planck scale physics



March 13, 1998
Tying Surfaces in Knots
by  Dr. David Auckly

Abstract : There are 2 dimensional shapes in R4 which cannot be pushed into 3D
space.  I will draw some pictures of some of these shapes, and demonstrate
that some combinations are unknotted, while other combinations are
knotted.



March 20, 1998
Spring Break!
by



April 3, 1998
Open House!!!
by



April 10, 1998

by Ken Boyd
Algebraic Restrictions on 2-forms on R4  that can be factored  into wedge products of 1-forms I

Abstract:  This is a preliminary  investigation into   conditions that assure a differential 2-forms as a wedge
products of 1-forms.  We will consider the locations of zeros of the coefficient functions of the 2-forms
under the standard basis that can predict the wedge product factorization.



April 17, 1998

by  Ken Boyd
Algebraic Restrictions on 2-forms on R4  that can be factored  into wedge products of 1-forms II

Abstract:  This is a preliminary  investigation into   conditions that assure a differential 2-forms as a wedge
products of 1-forms.  We will consider the locations of zeros of the coefficient functions of the 2-forms
under the standard basis that can predict the wedge product factorization.



April 24, 1998

by  Susan Clinkenbeard
Maxwell's Equations I

Abstract:  The theory of the electromagnetic field (in a vacuum) is defined by the Lorentz Force Law
and Maxwell's four equations with their boundary conditions.  We will begin with their most familiar
form, the notation of vector analysis. Then in the four-dimensional tensor notation of relativity, the electric and magnetic fields are described by differential forms and exterior calculus.

   Finally, electromagnetism is "redefined" through the use of a principal fiber bundle associated
with the underlying manifold of space-time (Minkowski space), and through the corresponding structure group, the connection, and the curvature two form of the connection of the fiber bundle.
 


May 1, 1998

by   Susan Clinkenbeard
 Maxwell's Equations II

Abstract:  The theory of the electromagnetic field (in a vacuum) is defined by the Lorentz Force Law
and Maxwell's four equations with their boundary conditions.  We will begin with their most familiar
form, the notation of vector analysis. Then in the four-dimensional tensor notation of relativity, the electric and magnetic fields are described by differential forms and exterior calculus.

   Finally, electromagnetism is "redefined" through the use of a principal fiber bundle associated with
the underlying manifold of space-time (Minkowski space), and through the corresponding structure
group, the connection, and the curvature two form of the connection of the fiber bundle.
 



May 8, 1998

by  Final Exam Preparation