Mathematical models for the technology and the science of life[Modelli matematici per la tecnologia e le scienze della vita]

In this presentation I will review some mathematical models that are used to describe complex phenomena in real life. Applications will concern aeronautics, hydrodynamics, medicine, environmental flow problems, and problems arising from sport competition. For environmental studies, mathematical models are used to predict, analyze and, possibly, control events of relevant social impact. In sport, mathematical models are often used to try to enhance performances of athlets as well as to improve the design of vehicles that are used in the various disciplines. In medicine, we will explain how mathematics can be used in the study of the cardiovascular system in order to better understand physiological blood flow processes and design alternative therapeutical surgery. More in general, we will highlight the role of scientific computing in everyday analysis of problems of real life interest.