Hadron -hadron scattering in lattice quantum chromodynamics

Hadron-hadron and multi-hadron scattering calculations in fully dynamical, mixed-action Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics using the MILC gauge ensembles in a non-perturbative simulation are discussed. In particular, calculations of the pi+sum+, pi+xi 0, K+p, K+n, and K¯ 0xi0 scattering lengths are presented, and are the main subject of this dissertation. Using the two-flavor chiral expansion for extrapolation, the pion-hyperon scattering lengths are found to be ap+S+ = --0.197 +/- 0.017 fm, and ap+X0 = --0.098 +/- 0.017 fm, where the comprehensive error includes statistical and systematic uncertainties. Meson-meson and multi-meson lattice calculations by the NPLQCD collaboration are reviewed, and presented for completeness