Boltzmann models for polyatomic gases and mixtures: analysis, macroscopic limits and entropy methods

BAME is a project in applied mathematics tackling problems in kinetic theory of gases.

We will focus on the system of Boltzmann-like equations that describes gas mixtures composed of monatomic and polyatomic gases. Experience has shown that kinetic models accurately describe strong nonequilibrium processes in gas flows. However, most of the mathematical theory is limited to the oversimplified case of a single monatomic gas.

Our aim is to contribute in filling this gap between study of more intrigant gases suitable for applications and the current state of the art in mathematical theory of kinetic equations.

Objectives are to study regularizing effects of the Boltzmann operator, integrability, smoothness and strict positivity of solutions, with the ultimate goal of encoding large time behavior using entropy methods.

The project will bring together the researcher with distinguished expertise in modelling and analysis of polyatomic gases and mixtures at the mesoscopic level and the host with ground-breaking work on entropy methods for macroscopic systems.

The two levels of descriptions will be bridged formally through hydrodynamic limits at the secondment, leading to the redesign of entropy production program to the system of interest.

The fellowship will enable the researcher to gain new analytical skills and greatly improve transferable skills through the reach training offer at the host University of Graz.

Moreover, it will significantly extend her research network and facilitate participation in leading events in the field, leading to the capability to launch her own research group in the future and to enhance the career perspectives in academia.