Project description
Disorder effects in scaling limits of particle systems
The ERC-funded PASTIS project focuses on the role of microstructural disorder in the dynamics of many-particle systems. Following the tradition of Hilbert’s sixth problem, the study aims at the rigorous large-scale derivation of theories from fundamental microscopic descriptions. To understand the disorder effects in scaling limits of disordered particle systems, five model problems that illustrate different aspects of the topic, including the effects of disorder on particle suspensions in fluids, irreversibility in the transport of mechanical particles in a disordered background, self-diffusion, and the emergence of glassiness, will be studied.The project combines the analysis of partial differential equations and probability theory, capitalising on recent progress in homogenisation and mean-field theory.
Objective
The present proposal focuses on the role of microstructural disorder in the dynamics of many-particle systems. Due to the complexity of such systems, any practical description relies on simplified effective theories. In the tradition of Hilbert’s sixth problem, I aim at the rigorous large-scale derivation of effective theories from fundamental microscopic descriptions. In those derivations, the role of microstructural disorder has often been overlooked for simplicity. However, disorder is key to many systems and can lead to new behaviors. Understanding its effects in scaling limits of particle systems is, therefore, of fundamental interest.
I have selected five model problems illustrating important aspects of the topic. The simplest regime is that of homogenization, where the effect of the disordered background averages out on large scales. For systems like particle suspensions in fluids, microstructural disorder is itself induced by particle positions; as these evolve over time, adapting to external forces, it can lead to nonlinear effects. Another aspect is the emergence of irreversibility: the transport of mechanical particles in a disordered background typically becomes diffusive on large scales, which gives for instance a microscopic explanation for electrical resistance in metals. I also consider the more intricate problem of self-diffusion, where irreversibility rather results from interactions with the ensemble of other particles themselves. A last important aspect concerns the emergence of glassiness, which results from the competition between interactions and disordered background.
Mathematically, this proposal is at the crossroads between the analysis of partial differential equations and probability theory and it builds on tremendous recent progress in two of my fields of expertise: homogenization and mean-field theory. Their combination provides a timely and innovative framework for new breakthroughs on scaling limits of disordered particle systems.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
- PDE with random coefficients
- interacting particle systems
- disordered media
- microstructure
- scaling limits
- homogenization
- effective behavior
- mean-field limits
- collective behavior
- kinetic limits
- irreversibility
- random drift
- particle suspensions
- flow-induced microstructure
- active fluids
- quantum diffusion
- self-diffusion
- thermalization
- Lenard-Balescu equation
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2022-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1050 Bruxelles / Brussel
Belgium
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