Combinatorial Optimization and Disordered Materials:
Recent Progress and Algorithmic Challenges

Meeting to be held at the Core building, Rutgers Univ., New Jersey 15th-17th May, 1997.

Organizing Committee
P. M. Duxbury (Chair), D.S. Franzblau, P.L. Leath, J. Lebowitz

There is potential for ideas and algorithms familiar in graph theory and combinatorial optimization to have an important impact on the understanding of the ground state of disordered systems. The purpose of this workshop is to stimulate communication between the combinatorial math community and scientists and engineers in this area. As well as the seminars on recent research, there will be introductory talks covering the relevant materials problems and the approximate analytic results and rigorous bounds which are available. There will also be introductory talks on combinatorial optimization and graph theory concepts. Topics to be covered include:

- Computational complexity(Polynomial and NP problems)
- Monte Carlo and simulated annealing
- Connectivity and correlated percolation
- Rigidity of glassy networks/rigidity percolation (bipartite matching)
- The ground state energy of random field magnets and spin glasses
- Min-cut Max-flow methods; minimum weight flows
- Interfaces in disordered magnets
- Pinning of step arrays and arrays of flux lines
- Wetting of disordered substrates
- The computational complexity of disordered materials problems

The Tentative Program is updated weekly

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To register, submit electronically the dimacs registration form.
Make sure you register for the right workshop!

There is no registration fee, and a buffet continental breakfast each morning, a buffet lunch each day, coffee breaks and a reception on Thursday night will be provided for registered participants.

The Statistical Mechanics Conference run by Professor Joel Lebowitz will immediately follow this DIMACS workshop. For registration information for that conference send e-mail to ygoldber@fermat.rutgers.edu.


Accommodations

DIMACS has had successful and pleasant experiences with the Holiday Inn,
4701 Stelton Road, South Plainfield, NJ.
DIMACS Hotel Rates are as follows:

Holiday Inn
$64.00 for a standard room (2 double beds)
$68.00 for a room with a king size bed
Telephone or FAX to: 908-753-5500.
Please indicate that you are attending a DIMACS event
when you make your reservation. If they still claim they
are unable to give you the DIMACS rate, ask to speak to the
sales staff (e.g. Iris Katz ext. 611)
The hotel provides free courtesy van service to and from DIMACS. Courtesy Van service means they will try to schedule trips but they do not guarantee time or sufficient capacity for all requests. Participants should be prepared to call for taxicabs if necessary.

CECC offers itself as a "bed and breakfast" on campus. The CECC is on Rutgers' Douglas Campus in New Brunswick. It is on a lovely 22 acre area of woods and gardens and close to Rutger's display gardens.

Rutgers Continuing Education Conference Center
$75.00 for a single room
$44.00 per person for a double room
For stays over 7 days there are reduced rates.
Telephone: 908-932-9144
Offers Continental breakfast, campus bus service, free parking,
24 hour coffee/tea/hot cocoa, private baths.
In the regular academic year, campus bus service starts at 7:05 am and ends at 8:00 pm; running every 25 minutes. If you will be relying on the bus, discuss the service with the CECC before reserving space.

Some people who stayed there thought the (twin sized) beds were too small.

A more expensive and luxurious choice is in New Brunswick.

Hyatt Regency Hotel
Rates: $122.00(Rutgers rate)
Telephone: 908-873-1234 or 800-233-1234
FAX: 908-873-1382
Please contact University Travel at 908-445-4000 for Rutgers rate

The local arrangements are co-ordinated through the DIMACS Center at Rutgers University
Document last modified on April 20, 1997