The School of Mathematical Sciences of Queen Mary University of London invite applications for a PhD project commencing in September 2022.
Background
The development of a mathematical theory of black holes (BHs) has been central for bringing General Relativity (GR) into the mainstream of Theoretical Physics. This picture has been broadly confirmed by the numerical simulations of dynamical BHs and by observations —the latter include not only the detection of gravitational waves by interferometric gravitational wave detectors but also photographs of BHs by the Event Horizon Telescope. Research in the last decades has given rise to a well-developed mathematical understanding of stationary (i.e. time-independent) BHs. The situation is less far less satisfactory in the case of dynamical ones. Current mainstream analytic efforts are restricted to the nonlinear perturbations of stationary BHs.
Aims of the project
Due to the lack of a suitable mathematical framework, insights into the dynamical strong regime of BHs are only accessible via numerical simulations. The main goal of this project is to develop the theoretical understanding of dynamical BHs in the non-perturbative regime through a new theoretical toolkit involving approximate symmetries and geometric inequalities. The project builds on notions of approximate symmetries analysed by the supervisor and aims at extending them to explore properties of dynamical BHs from a geometric point of view and, crucially, connecting this theoretical framework with current observations. This project is of a multidisciplinary character, combining the physical aspects of BHs along with subtle mathematical tools. The project provides an alternative view to a subject which has, for long, been restricted to the perturbative regime of BHs. It makes a perfect fit in the large-scale initiative dedicated towards understanding these objects in the context of recent observations of gravitational waves. In particular, the research programme has relevant applications in GR perturbation theory, extreme mass ratio inspiral (EMRI) modelling and gravitational wave. Moreover, the results of this project will inform the construction of initial data for numerical relativity and gravitational wave astrophysics.
The application procedure is described on the School webpage: www.qmul.ac.uk/maths/postgraduate/postgraduate-research/application-process/. For further inquiries please contact [Email Address Removed]. This project has an approved China Scholarship Council fee waiver. https://www.qmul.ac.uk/scholarships/items/china-scholarship-council-scholarships.html Funding may be available through School of Mathematical Sciences Studentships, EPSRC DTP, and the S&E BAME Doctoral Research Studentship, in competition with all other PhD applications. Studentships will cover tuition fees, and a stipend at standard rates for 3-3.5 years. Applicants interested in the full funding will have to participate in a highly competitive selection process. The School of Mathematical Sciences is committed to the equality of opportunities and to advancing women’s careers. As holders of a Bronze Athena SWAN award we offer family friendly benefits and support part-time study.
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