Matematicum : The mathematical inspiratorium at DTU

This project is concerned with the theme of unfolding mathematical concepts and results for students and other mathematically curious visitors to Matematicum via hands-on experiments and stories. Each story and activity is ideally centered around a well-defined mathematical crux, which is then to be uncovered, unfolded, and applied to properly understand a given, otherwise non-obvious – or maybe even mysterious – phenomenon. For example: How can two circular rotations combine to give the linear motion of a pump? What are the rotors actually doing in the Enigma encryption machine? Why and how does a (good) boomerang return? How do we make a swarm of intercommunicating robots collaborate to solve a given task? How do the ants find or construct their shortest pathways? Which roofs pick up the most solar energy throughout the year?
Concerning content and development of concept (as of December 2007): The Matematicum at the Department of Mathematics is a room which has now been arranged to receive up to 15 visitors at a time. A boomerang ‘story’ and a robot swarming ‘story’ have been implemented and tested. A 3D printer and 3D scanner have been installed. The printer is in full operation and supplies concrete models of geometric shape and function such as minimal surfaces and ingenious pumps. A fume cupboard is being installed for proper and safe post-processing of the 3D-printed objects. An original three-rotor German military Enigma machine has been purchased. We expect it to become the essential central ‘object’ for great ‘stories’ and activities in the Matematicum concerning the history and development of modern cryptology. Matematicum was officially opened at a reception at DTU Mathematics on March 6.th 2008.