Date of Award

1997

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Mathematics

First Reader

Dr. Robert Hamilton

Second Reader

Dr. Stephen Hennagin

Third Reader

Dr. J. Daniel "Danny" Hays

Abstract

Particle physics is a relatively new field in science that has made amazing discoveries in the last few years. Particle physics seeks to know the most basic structure of mass and force which makes up our uni verse. This search has made tremendous leaps forward in the last part of this century with the use of particle accelerators and theoretical advances. The work of particle physics has begun to accumulate to the formation of what is known as the standard model.

This is a model of the universe which includes all basic forces and matter. Though this model is not yet complete, it is generally accepted. One of the most sought after missing links in this model is that of the Higgs boson. Theoretically it is well understood, but has yet to be physically observed. These theoretical ideas give rise to the Yang-Mills-Higgs boson. These equations exhibit an order-to-chaos transition which is very interesting.

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