Patterns and Waves in Theory, Experiment, and Application

Abstract

In this snapshot of modern mathematics we describe some of the most prevalent waves and patterns that can arise in mathematical models and which are used to describe a number of biological, chemical, physical, and social processes. We begin by focussing on two types of patterns that do not change in time: space-filling patterns and localized patterns. We then discuss two types of waves that evolve predictably as time goes on: spreading waves and rotating waves. All our examples are motivated with real-world applications and we highlight some of the main lines of research that mathematicians pursue to better understand them.