Relativity and Scientific Computing: Computer Algebra, Numerics, Visualization

For this set of lectures we assumed that the reader has a reasonable back­ ground in physics and some knowledge of general relativity, the modern theory of gravity in macrophysics, and cosmology. Computer methods are present­ ed by leading experts in the three main domains: in numerics, in computer algebra, and in visualization. The idea was that each of these subdisciplines is introduced by an extended set of main lectures and that each is conceived as being of comparable 'importance. Therefpre we believe that the book represents a good introduction into scientific I computing for any student who wants to specialize in relativity, gravitation, and/or astrophysics. We took great care to select lecturers who teach in a comprehensible way and who are, at the same time, at the research front of their respective field. In numerics we had the privilege of having a lecturer from the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA, Champaign, IL, USA) and some from other leading institutions of the world; visualization was taught by a visualization expert from Boeing; and in com­ puter algebra we took recourse to practitioners of different computer algebra systems as applied to classical general relativity up to quantum gravity and differential geometry.

This book contains lectures given by leading scientists from internationally reputed centers of research and teaching who provide insight into the state of the art of scientific computing in relativity. It is split into four parts covering numerics, computer algebra, visualization, and exotic smoothness on spacetime. As well as introducing the techniques the authors stress the importance of combining complementary methods to attack complex problems in general relativity and gravitation. Care has been taken to select lecturers who teach in a comprehensible way, so this work provides an excellent introduction to scientific computing for students who wish to specialize in relativity, gravitation, and/or astrophysics.