Also, join us via Zoom at https://psu.zoom.us/j/94169688126?pwd=R2tzK2xNQ1VCWFFOblp4Rmo1VVpRUT09&from=addon
10:30 AM
11:45 AM
Abstract: In this talk, I will introduce numerical relativity as a powerful new complementary tool for addressing fundamental issues in cosmology. To illustrate its power, I will discuss applications of numerical relativity to studying the robustness of slow contraction and inflation in homogenizing, isotropizing and flattening the universe beginning from generic unsmooth initial conditions. In particular, I will describe how recent numerical relativity studies of slow contraction have revealed a novel, non-linear smoothing mechanism based on ultralocality that challenges the conventional view on what is required to explain the large-scale homogeneity and isotropy of the observable universe.