Diff. Geom, Math. Phys., PDE Seminar: Yann Brenier

  • Date: 05/28/2013
  • Time: 15:30
Lecturer(s):
Yann Brenier, Ecole Polytechnique
Location: 

University of British Columbia

Topic: 

Diffusion of knots and magnetic relaxation

Description: 

Motivated by seeking stationary solutions to the Euler equations with prescribed vortex topology, H.K. Moffatt has described in the 80s a diffusion process, called "magnetic relaxation", for 3D divergence-free vector fields that (formally) preserves the knot structure of their integral lines (See also the book by V.I. Arnold and B. Khesin).


The magnetic relaxation equation is a highly degenerate parabolic PDE which admits as equilibrium points all stationary solutions of the Euler equations. Combining ideas from P.-L. Lions for the Euler equations and Ambrosio-Gigli-Savar\'e for the scalar heat equation, we provide a concept of "dissipative solutions" that enforces first the "weak-strong" uniqueness principle in any space dimensions and, second, the existence of global solutions at least in two space dimensions.

Other Information: 

Location: ESB Room 2012