Optimization in Physics


This project represents a joint effort of theoretical physicists and mathematicians to address the problem of finding the global minimum of functions arising in physical applications.

Although numerous techniques and algorithms exist to tackle the problems, not always are they put to best use. The application of a given algorithm to a specific problem should be done taking into account the structure of the function to be minimized, in particular the process by which this function is evaluated. In some cases a combination of different techniques is the most efficient way to solve the problem. Examples of the successful application of this approach are the Car-Parrinello and Langevin dynamics techniques of molecular dynamics.

Status: Concluded

Starting date: 19-02-1999

End date: 30-09-2002

Financing: 17957 Euros Euros

Financing entity: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

Project ID: D

Person*month: 57

Group person*month: 38