This workshop project helps support the 2012 Finite Element Rodeo conference that takes place in March 2012 at Rice University. The workshop has attracted around one hundred participants mostly from the states of Texas and Louisiana. Registration fees for junior participants are waived. Topics covered in the workshop consist of recent advances in the theory and implementation of the general class of finite element methods, including mixed finite element methods, boundary element methods, discontinuous Galerkin methods and finite volume methods.
As scientists attempt to solve more and more complex problems, there is an increasing need for accurate and robust numerical methods. Uncertainty, multiple physics, multiple time and spatial scales are examples of challenges associated with complex problems. Participants of the Finite Element Rodeo address those issues by formulation, rigorous analysis and efficient implementation of state-of-the-art numerical methods. The informal nature of the workshop makes it well-suited for introducing new research ideas. Applications discussed in the workshop cover many engineering fields including energy, environment and biomedicine. Networking and collaboration developing is encouraged among participants. A high number of under-represented groups is to be seen in the workshop participants.
The Finite Element Rodeo conference took place at Rice University in March 2012. There were 100 participants from several universities from Texas, Louisiana and other states. The Finite Element Rodeo conference is the ideal conference for junior scientists, as the program is designed to maximize networking and exchange of ideas among participants. The scientific topics include the implementation and theory of numerical methods and their application to various engineering problems. Some of the numerical methods included multipole methods, finite element, discontinuous Galerkin, mixed finite element, discontinuous Petrov-Galerkin. Convergence of the methods, as well as efficient linear solvers, were discussed. The engineering problems included cell interaction in microchannel, radiative transfer, poroelasticity, Navier-Stokes, two-fluid flows, obstacle problem, wave equation, magnetohydrodynamics, Helmholtz equation, and porous media flows. A large number of talks were given by junior scientists: 43% of speakers were graduate students and 24% of speakers were postdoctoral fellows. There were a total of 37 talks. The support from the National Science Foundation enabled to waive the registration fees for the graduate students attending the conference. Due to the large involvement of junior scientists, the Finite Element Rodeo is a showcase for new scientific ideas or research directions in Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing.
