Mathematics Colloquium: B-Splines and 3D Web Graphics: Mathematics and Technology Behind the Visualizations of the NIST Digital Library of Mathematical Functions

Speaker: Bonita V. Saunders, Applied and Computational Mathematics Division National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Title: B-Splines and 3D Web Graphics: Mathematics and Technology Behind the Visualizations of the NIST Digital Library of Mathematical Functions

Abstract: In 2010 NIST launched the Digital Library of Mathematical Functions (DLMF)1, a free online resource containing crucial information about high level functions useful in mathematical and physical application areas. The NIST DLMF replaces Abramowitz and Stegun's Handbook of Mathematical Functions, which is believed to be one of the most cited mathematical references on record. I will briefly look at the history of these compendiums to motivate my discussion of research and development work in numerical grid/mesh generation and 3D Web graphics technology used to create more than 600 function graphs and visualizations for the DLMF. I will discuss changes made since the original DLMF launch and describe some current research work. I will conclude with a brief look at a DLMF spin-off project, DLMF Tables, and describe a few opportunities for postdocs and internships at NIST.

Time: Friday, October 25, 2019, 3:30-4:20 p.m.

Place: Exploratory Hall, room 4106

Refreshments will be served at 3:00 p.m.