This workshop intends to bring together leading researchers who are developing algorithms to compute and visualize geometric structures in bifurcation theory and singularity theory.

One goal of the conference is to share algorithms and techniques for computing bifurcation sets and invariant manifolds. To that end, the workshop will allow time for informal interaction and for the demonstration of computer software. A second goal is to examine a list of open problems in the field of computational bifurcation theory, and to prioritize that list according to the current state of computational software and the needs of the academic and industrial dynamical systems community. The software produced and discussed at this workshop is expected to play an important role in the IMA's 1997-98 Program on Emerging Applications of Dynamical Systems.

Original papers related to the scope of the workshop are solicited. Potential speakers should submit an abstract (less than 500 words) before August 25, to
singular@geom.umn.edu

The focus topics for this workshop are:

1) Bifurcations with Symmetry

This day will focus on the computation of bifurcations that occur in dynamical systems with symmetries.

2) Global Bifurcations and Connecting Orbits

This day will focus on the computation of one- and two-dimensional invariant manifolds of fixed points, limit cycles, and invariant tori, and how these objects intersect, interact, and affect global dynamics.

3) Noninvertible Dynamics

This day will focus on noninvertible mappings in two or more dimensions. Computational issues involve computing critical curves and critical surfaces, and computing the global analogues of invariant manifolds.

4) Optimization, Control, and Industrial Concerns

This day will focus on bifurcations in optimization algorithms, the dynamics of optimization algorithms themselves, bifurcations in closed-loop control systems, and the exposition of dynamical problems arising from industrial applications.

5) Visualization of Manifolds in Four-Dimensions

This half-day will focus on state-of-the-art methods in visualizing surfaces in four-dimensions using computer graphics.

We hope that you will consider joining us for an exciting mix of theory, computations, and applications. Limited funds are available to partially defray costs of graduate students and recent Ph.D.s., and to partially cover per diem expenses of participants.

Sincerely,

Tentative Speakers:
A. Champneys (University of Bristol)
M. Dellnitz (Universitaet Bayreuth)
B. Deng (University of Nebraska, Lincoln)
R. Devaney (Boston University)
K. Gatermann (ZIB, Berlin)
A. Hanson (University of Indiana)
Y. Kuznetsov (CWI, Amsterdam)
A. Poore (Colorado State University)
M. Weinstein (University of Michigan)