A mathematics expert at the University of Venda called on institutions of higher learning not to abandon the energy approach method when dealing with problems in mathematics. This comes after the method, which was abandoned decades ago, helped the lecturer to solve problems that mathematicians have been battling with for over a hundred years.
Joe Hlomuka, a lecturer at Univen’s Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, claims he has successfully solved the sixth of the "Millennium Prize Problems” by using the energy method approach.
He recently delivered a paper on fluid mechanics and aerodynamics in Moscow. Mr Hlomuka’s presentation focussed on the numerical simulation of a fluid flowing through a permeable boundary or membrane. Determining the approximate speed and pressure of the fluid is done in a very thin layer of the boundary and the time involved is of the order of milliseconds or even microseconds. His paper was judged as one of the best at the conference.
“The numerical algorithm we developed works even in those very short time frames. We have already published four refereed papers on fluid flow and presented the fifth at the conference. The sixth paper is currently under review by the Far East Journal of Applied Mathematics. Should the review be successful, the paper will comprise the solution to the sixth problem of the millennium,” says Hlomuka, according to a Univen newsletter.
According to the popular website, Wikipedia, The Millennium Prize Problems comprise seven problems in mathematics identified by the Clay Mathematics Institute in 2000. As of March 2010, six of the problems remain unsolved. A correct solution to any of the problems results in a US$1,000,000 prize being awarded by the institute.
Hlomuka says the problems had become difficult for mathematicians to solve because they had used other, often less effective, methods in trying to solve the riddles. He says the energy method was neglected by mathematicians and that was why the problem had remained a global challenge for many years. His analysis has been discussed by experts and published in the Far East Journal for Applied Mathematics.
Prof Jan Crafford, Dean of the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at the university, said they were impressed that one of their champions in mathematics had shown that everything depended on commitment, even if one came from a rural university.
Hlomuka´s solution will remain published until 2012 and will be tested for its uniqueness until the panel of experts reaches consensus. Should this happen, the prize will be awarded to Hlomuka. Part of the prize money will be donated to Univen.