The School of Mathematical Sciences of Queen Mary University of London invite applications for a PhD project commencing in September 2022.
In this project the student will develop and use numerical relativity (NR) simulations to investigate strongly inhomogeneous cosmological spacetimes such as those that could have existed in the Universe at early times. In particular, they will study mechanisms that can smooth inhomogeneities in the approach to cosmological singularities, and how this can be enhanced by fundamental fields or modifications of gravity at higher energy scales.
Strong gravity provides one of the few possible windows on the very early universe. Whilst one might reasonably argue that quantum gravity effects will change the picture near the cosmological singularity, it is nevertheless highly instructive to assume an effective classical theory of gravity holds, and explore the mechanisms that may set our Universe’s initial conditions or bounce us into another cosmological epoch before the quantum scale is reached. In such studies, NR simulations provide a kind of “experimental test” of different theories, ruling out scenarios that are incompatible with our observed Universe. For example, work to test the robustness of inflation and ekpyrotic models to perturbations was pioneered in the 90s, but has recently been re-energised by state of the art, high performance computing codes like GRChombo, for which several QMUL staff are lead developers (www.grchombo.org).
Recent works have controversially argued that the “slow contraction” mechanisms of bouncing models are far more robust spacetime smoothers than inflation, and these claims merit further investigation, particularly with regard to model dependence. Pushing even closer to the cosmological singularity, numerical simulations of anisotropic spacetimes were instrumental in supporting the BKL conjecture that singularities are local, space-like and oscillatory, and in identifying new features. Recent conjectures by Barrow have suggested novel features in these “Mixmaster” cosmologies - synchronisation of the oscillations and multifractal turbulence - that strongly lend themselves to numerical study.
Whilst C++ coding and use of high performance computing will be a key part of the project, potential students will not be required to have prior experience in these fields. Enthusiasm, tenacity, and a willingness to learn such methods will be considered the most important attributes.
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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