Research focusing on nonlinear partial differential equations and hyperbolic conservation laws defines the career of Tai-Ping Liu. Born on 18 November 1945, his contributions to the mathematical study of shock waves and the Boltzmann equation have influenced fields spanning fluid dynamics and gas dynamics, marking a sustained engagement with complex systems of conservation laws over several decades.
Academic Foundation
Tai-Ping Liu completed his undergraduate studies at National Taiwan University in 1968. He moved to the United States for advanced training, obtaining a master's degree from Oregon State University in 1970. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1973, where he wrote a dissertation titled "Riemann problem for general 2 × 2 systems of conservation laws" under the supervision of Joel Smoller.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Institutional Appointments
Following his doctoral studies, Liu held a professorship at the University of Maryland. He transitioned to New York University in 1988 before joining the faculty at Stanford University in 1990. Since 2000, he has served as a Distinguished Research Fellow at the Academia Sinica. He is now retired from his position at Stanford University.
Mathematical Contributions
Liu has authored or coauthored over 140 research publications addressing hyperbolic and viscous conservation laws, shock waves, and gas dynamics. Notable works include "Admissible solutions of hyperbolic conservation laws" (1981), "Nonlinear stability of shock waves for viscous conservation laws" (1985), and "Large-time Behavior of Solutions of General Quasilinear Hyperbolic-Parabolic Systems of Conservation Laws" (1997), coauthored with Y. Zeng.
Professional Recognition
Throughout his career, Liu has received significant professional validation. He became a member of the Academia Sinica in 1992 and delivered the DiPerna lecture in 1998. In 2002, he served as an invited speaker at the International Congress of Mathematicians in Beijing, where he presented on shock waves. He holds memberships in the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, the American Mathematical Society, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 November 1945
- Citizenship: United States
- Ph.D. Institution: University of Michigan
- Academic Employers: Stanford University, New York University, University of Maryland
- Professional Fellowships: AMS (2012/2013), SIAM (2014), Guggenheim
- Primary Research Fields: Nonlinear partial differential equations, shock waves
- Total Publications: Over 140
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of Tai-Ping Liu's research?
His work primarily centers on nonlinear partial differential equations, hyperbolic conservation laws, shock waves, and the Boltzmann equation.
Where did Liu conduct his university teaching?
He held academic positions at the University of Maryland, New York University, and Stanford University.
Achievements
- Held posts at Stanford University and New York University
- Fields: mathematics
