Significance and Broader Impact

The novel approach of hierarchical matrices is of significant importance within its own field of numerical analysis and also with respect to practical large-scale computing challenges that scientists are currently facing. Examples for applications include models for magnetic fusion, accelerator design, electrochemical processes or the growth of ceramic nanostructures. H-matrices have first been introduced in 1998 and analysed for "well-conditioned" model problems. Since then, it has been a very active field of research. The encouraging results motivate the study of H-matrices applied to very complex models where an efficient solution strategy for large systems of equations will represent a significant progress.

The proposed project will enhance the infrastructure for research and education at Tennessee Technological University, bringing together faculty and students of the Departments of Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering. Graduate and undergraduate students will participate in modern research and software development, acquire teamwork and a broad range of research skills and be inspired to continue with graduate school and choose research careers. The project will establish an international collaboration between leading researchers at Tennessee Technological University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Columbia University, and the Max-Planck-Institute for Mathematics in the Sciences in Leipzig, Germany.