Relative entropy in diffusive relaxation for a class of discrete velocities BGK models

We provide a framework to extend the relative entropy method to a class of diffusive relaxation systems with discrete velocities. The methodology is detailed in the toy case of the 1D Jin-Xin model under the diffusive scaling, and provides a direct proof of convergence to the limit parabolic equation in any interval of time, in the regime where the solutions are smooth. Recently, the same approach has been successfully used to show the strong convergence of a vector-BGK model to the 2D incompressible Navier-Stokes equations.

MODELING AND SIMULATION OF INDIVIDUALS BEHAVIOUR ON BIOLOGICAL NETWORKS

Here we present some studies on the behavior of individuals in a biological networks. The first study is about Physarum polycephalum slime mold and its ability to find the shortest path in a maze. Here we present a PDE chemotaxis model that reproduce its behavior in a network, schematized as a planar graph, (1). In particular, suitable transmission and boundary conditions at each node of the graph are considered to mimic the choice of such an organism to move from an arc to another arc of the network, motivated by the search for food.

Approximation of Finite Hilbert and Hadamard Transforms by Using Equally Spaced Nodes

In the present paper, we propose a numerical method for the simultaneous approximation of the finite Hilbert and Hadamard transforms of a given function f, supposing to know only the samples of f at equidistant points. As reference interval we consider [-1,1] and as approximation tool we use iterated Boolean sums of Bernstein polynomials, also known as generalized Bernstein polynomials. Pointwise estimates of the errors are proved, and some numerical tests are given to show the performance of the procedures and the theoretical results.

Uniform weighted approximation on the square by polynomial interpolation at Chebyshev nodes

The paper deals with de la Vallee Poussin type interpolation on the square at tensor product Chebyshev zeros of the first kind. The approximation is studied in the space of locally continuous functions with possible algebraic singularities on the boundary, equipped with weighted uniform norms. In particular, simple necessary and sufficient conditions are proved for the uniform boundedness of the related Lebesgue constants. Error estimates in some Sobolev-type spaces are also given.

Near-critical reflection of internal waves

Internal waves describe the (linear) response of an incompressible sta- bly stratified fluid to small perturbations. The inclination of their group velocity with respect to the vertical is completely determined by their frequency. Therefore the reflection on a sloping boundary cannot follow Descartes' laws, and it is expected to be singular if the slope has the same inclination as the group velocity.

HOW TO EXPLAIN EXPERIMENTAL DATA WITH MATHEMATICAL MODELS: FORECASTING THE EFFECTS OF CRYSTALLIZATION INHIBITORS

In this work we developed a mathematical model describing the crystallization process of salt dissolved in water flowing within a porous medium (in this case the common brick). Starting from this model a numerical tool was developed that allows to describe the effects of salt penetrating inside porous media and to forecast the effects of the application of crystallization inibitors.

Shear dynamics of confined bijels

Bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels ("bijels") represent a new class of soft materials made of a densely packed monolayer of solid particles sequestered at the interface of a bicontinuous fluid. Their mechanical properties are relevant to many applications, such as catalysis, energy conversion, soft robotics, and scaffolds for tissue engineering. While their stationary bulk properties have been covered in depth, much less is known about their behavior in the presence of an external shear.