PhD Thesis Presentation

Candidate: Jonah Miller

Abstract 

Einstein's theory of general relativity comprises a system of ten highly nonlinear, coupled differential equations. This makes problems in general relativity notoriously difficult to solve via analytic methods. Therefore, numerical simulations and other computational techniques are often required to make progress. In this work, we discuss three such problems: transition amplitudes and the arrow of time in causal dynamical triangulations (CDT), discontinuous Galerkin finite element (DGFE) methods for relativistic astrophysics, and the stability of Kerr black holes with Proca hair.

Examination Committee:

• Dr. Robert Wickham, Chair
• Dr. Erik Schnetter, Advisor
• Dr. Eric Poisson
• Dr. Niayesh Afshordi
• Dr. Zach Etienne, External Examiner (West Virginia University)