President’s Speakers Series: Dimitri Mavriplis "High Performance Computational Science and Engineering: Using Mathematics and Computer Science to Solve Complex Engineering Problems" 4/20/2017

Using mathematics and computer science to solve complex engineering problems is the topic of University of Wyoming Professor Dimitri Mavriplis’ 2017 Spring President’s Speakers Series talk. Mavriplis will discuss “High Performance Computational Science and Engineering: Using Mathematics and Computer Science to Solve Complex Engineering Problems” Thursday, April 20, at 4:10 p.m. in the UW Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center auditorium. A reception follows, and both events are free and open to the public. Mavriplis, the Max Castagne Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, says one of the most dramatic advances of the modern generation has been the rapid evolution of computer hardware, which is now more than a million times more capable than just 30 years ago. “This has led to the emergence of the field of computational science and engineering, in which computer-based simulations are now acknowledged as the third leg of science and engineering, alongside the traditional fields of theory and experiment,” Mavriplis says. “Today, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) provides the ability to predict complex aerodynamics through computer simulations.” His talk will discuss the development and application of CFD to problems in aerospace engineering and also as large-scale wind energy applications. Mavriplis will highlight the interplay between mathematics, computer science and fluid mechanics, focusing on illustrative examples of complex simulations. He also will discuss future advances in the rapidly evolving field. Mavriplis, who has been at UW since 2003, received his B.S. (1980) and M.S. (1982) degrees, both in mechanical engineering from McGill University; and his Ph.D. (1987) in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University. The President’s Speakers Series encourages and honors individual faculty members who have successfully balanced the research, educational and service goals of the university. The series calls attention to individuals who have made important, well-rounded contributions to the university’s standing. A committee, composed of the series’ previous honorees, nominates candidates, and the selected faculty member is asked to prepare a public presentation on a topic of national interest. The criteria for selection include a long-term national recognition for research or creative activity and the ability to communicate with all members of the university community.