Special Session 152: Recent advances in kinetic theory

Moment preserving Young`s inequality for the Botzmann gain operator with hard-spheres

Ioakeim Ampatzoglou
CUNY Baruch College & Graduate Center
USA
Co-Author(s):    Tristan L\`eger
Abstract:
We will discuss a new moment-preserving, polynomially weighted Young`s inequality for the gain operator of the Boltzmann equation with hard potentials, including the critical case of hard-spheres. Our approach relies crucially on a novel cancellation mechanism dealing with the pathological case of energy-absorbing collisions (that is, collisions that accumulate energy to only one of the outgoing particles). These collisions distinguish hard potentials from Maxwell molecules. Our method quantifies the heuristic that, while energy-absorbing collisions occur with non-trivial probability, they are statistically rare, and therefore do not affect the overall averaging behavior of the gain operator. At the technical level, our proof relies solely on tools from kinetic theory, such as geometric identities and angular averaging.

Global Sobolev theory for Kolmogorov-Fokker-Planck operators with coefficients measurable in time and $VMO$ in space

Stefano Biagi
Politecnico di Milano
Italy
Co-Author(s):    Marco Bramanti
Abstract:
We consider Kolmogorov--Fokker--Planck operators of the form $$ \mathcal{L}u=\sum_{i,j=1}^{q}a_{ij}(x,t)u_{x_{i}x_{j}}+\sum_{k,j=1}^{N} b_{jk}x_{k}u_{x_{j}}-\partial_{t}u, $$ with $(x,t)\in\mathbb{R}^{N+1}$, $N\ge q\ge 1$. We assume that $a_{ij}\in L^{\infty}(\mathbb{R}^{N+1})$, the matrix $\{a_{ij}\}$ is symmetric and uniformly positive on $\mathbb{R}^{q}$, and the drift term $$ Y=\sum_{k,j=1}^{N}b_{jk}x_{k}\partial_{x_{j}}-\partial_{t} $$ has a structure ensuring that the corresponding model operator with constant coefficients $a_{ij}$ is hypoelliptic, invariant with respect to a suitable Lie group operation, and $2$-homogeneous with respect to a suitable family of dilations. We further assume that the coefficients $a_{ij}$ belong to $VMO$ with respect to the space variable and are merely bounded measurable in $t$. For every $p\in(1,\infty)$, we prove global Sobolev estimates of the form \begin{align*} \|u\|_{W_{X}^{2,p}(S_{T})}\equiv & \sum_{i,j=1}^{q}\|u_{x_{i}x_{j}}\|_{L^{p}(S_{T})} +\|Yu\|_{L^{p}(S_{T})} +\sum_{i=1}^{q}\|u_{x_{i}}\|_{L^{p}(S_{T})} \ & +\|u\|_{L^{p}(S_{T})} \le c\left( \|\mathcal{L}u\|_{L^{p}(S_{T})}+ \|u\|_{L^{p}(S_{T})}\right), \end{align*} where $S_{T}=\mathbb{R}^{N}\times(-\infty,T)$ for any $T\in(-\infty,+\infty]$.

New Regularity Results for the Kolmogorov Obstacle Problem

David Bowman
University of Chicago
USA
Co-Author(s):    
Abstract:
We study the obstacle problem associated with the Kolmogorov operator $\mcL \coloneqq \Delta_v - \partial_t - v\cdot\nabla_x$, which arises from the theory of optimal control in Asian-American options pricing models. This problem presents a significant departure from the elliptic and parabolic obstacle problems due to the highly degenerate hypoelliptic nature and the non-commutative Galilean group structure underlying the operator $\mcL$. Our first main contribution is to improve the known regularity of solutions, from $C^{0,1}_t \cap C^{0,2/3}_x \cap C^{1,1}_v$ to $C^{0,1}_{t,x} \cap C^{1,1}_v$. The previous result in the literature corresponds to $C^{1,1}$ regularity with respect to the Kolmogorov distance, which is the expected regularity for obstacle problems. Our method uses Bernstein`s technique and draws on ideas from Evans-Krylov theory. We then use this improvement in regularity of the solution to prove the first free boundary regularity result. We show that under a standard thickness condition, the free boundary is a $C^{0,1/2}_{t,x} \cap C^{0,1}_v$ regular surface. Our arguments rely on a new monotonicity formula and a commutator estimate that are only made possible by the solution`s enhanced regularity in $x$.

Uniqueness of Weak Solutions to the Non-cutoff Boltzmann equation

Dingqun Deng
Akita University
Japan
Co-Author(s):    
Abstract:
In this talk, we study the non-cutoff Boltzmann equation with moderately soft potentials. The uniqueness of large weak solutions is challenging due to the nonlinearity and limited regularity. To overcome these difficulties, we utilize dilated dyadic decompositions in phase space $(v,\xi,\eta)$ to capture hypoellipticity and reduce the fractional derivative structure $(-\Delta_v)^s$ of the Boltzmann collision operator to a zeroth-order form. Within this framework, we establish the uniqueness of weak and large solutions under the assumption of finite $L^2$--$L^r$ energy, namely that $\|\mu^{-\frac{1}{2}}(F-\mu)\|_{L^\infty_t L^{r}_{x,v}}+\|\mu^{-\frac{1}{2}}(F-\mu)\|_{L^\infty_t L^2_{x,v}}$ is bounded for some sufficiently large $r>0$. The challenges arising from large solutions are handled via a negative-order hypoelliptic estimate, which yields additional integrability in $(t,x)$.

Global wellposedness for the relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell-Landau system in bounded domains

Hongjie Dong
Brown University
USA
Co-Author(s):    Yan Guo (Brown University) and Timur Yastrzhembski (Academia Sinica, Taiwan)
Abstract:
I will discuss a recent work jointly with Yan Guo and Timur Yastrzhembski, in which we established a global well-posedness theory for the relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell-Landau system in a general 3D domain with a specularly reflective, perfectly conducting boundary.

A Gehring-Type Lemma for Kinetic and Ultraparabolic Equations

Jessica Guerand
University of Montpellier, IMAG
France
Co-Author(s):    Cyril Imbert and Clement Mouhot, Francesca Anceschi and Teresa Isernia
Abstract:
Gehring`s lemma states that a function satisfying a reverse Holder inequality on subdomains has improved integrability. Originally introduced by Gehring in connection with open problems in quasiconformal mapping, it has since been adapted to study higher integrability properties of gradients of solutions to elliptic and parabolic equations. In this talk I present results obtained in different collaborations: with Cyril Imbert and Clement Mouhot for the kinetic Fokker Planck equation and with Francesca Anceschi and Teresa Isernia for nonlinear ultraparabolic equations. The key step is the establishment of a Gehring type lemma on kinetic and ultraparabolic cylindrical subdomains.

(Fractional) Hydrodynamic Limit of Linear Kinetic Equations with Multiple Conserved Quantities

Laura Kanzler
CNRS, LJLL Sorbonne Universite
France
Co-Author(s):    Emeric Bouin, Clement Mouhot
Abstract:
The derivation of macroscopic models from kinetic equations remains a cornerstone of statistical mechanics. For systems where the equilibrium density decays rapidly (e.g., Maxwellians), a diffusive scaling typically yields classical parabolic equations for the conserved quantities in the limit. However, it has been shown - primarily for single-conservation laws - that algebraic `fat-tailed` equilibria lead to anomalous transport characterized by fractional diffusion. This talk extends these results to linear kinetic equations that conserve mass, momentum, and energy. We characterize the scaling limits based on the equilibrium decay rate: for sufficiently fast-decaying densities, we recover a system of classical diffusion equations. Conversely, for slower algebraic decay, we derive fractional diffusion equations for mass and energy, while the momentum equation becomes trivial. The proof is based on spectral analysis and energy estimates. They are constructive and provide explicit convergence rates.

A rigidity theorem for Kolmogorov-type operators

Alessia Kogoj
University of Urbino
Italy
Co-Author(s):    E. Lanconelli, G. Tralli
Abstract:
Let $D$ be a bounded open subset of $\mathbb{R}^N$, and let $z_0 \in D$. Assume that the Newtonian potential of $D$ is proportional, outside $D$, to the potential generated by a point mass concentrated at $z_0$. Then $D$ is a Euclidean ball centred at $z_0$. This theorem, proved by Aharonov, Schiffer, and Zalcman in 1981, was extended to the caloric setting by Suzuki and Watson in 2001. In this note, we extend the Suzuki--Watson theorem to a class of hypoelliptic Kolmogorov-type operators.

Global stability of vacuum for the relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell-Boltzmann system

Xingyu Li
Universita degli Studi di Trieste
Italy
Co-Author(s):    
Abstract:
We consider the three-dimensional relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell-Boltzmann system, where the speed of light $c$ is an arbitrary constant no less than 1, and we establish global existence and nonlinear stability of the vacuum for small initial data, with bounds that are uniform in $c$. The analysis is based on the vector field method combined with the Glassey-Strauss decomposition of the electromagnetic field, and does not require any compact support assumption on the initial data. A key ingredient of the proof is the derivation of a chain rule for the relativistic Boltzmann collision operator that is compatible with the commutation properties of the vector fields. These tools allow us to control the coupled kinetic and electromagnetic equations and to obtain global stability near vacuum. This is a joint work with Chuqi Cao.

Optimal Schauder estimates for kinetic Kolmogorov equations with time measurable coefficients}

Giacomo Lucertini
Augsburg Universit\\
Germany
Co-Author(s):    Stefano Pagliarani, Andrea Pascucci
Abstract:
This talk presents recent results concerning global Schauder estimates for a class of kinetic-type Kolmogorov equations. We consider operators with coefficients that are H\older continuous in the space variables and merely measurable in time. After a brief overview of the existing literature and a comparison of different results, we focus on Schauder estimates expressed in terms of intrinsic H\older norms, which naturally account for the non-isotropic geometry of the underlying Lie group. We will discuss the analytical technique and outline the key steps of the proof, based on a perturbation argument and fine estimates of the fundamental solution.

Convergence of Barrier Model to Specular Reflection for the Boltzmann Equation

Andrei Tarfulea
Louisiana State University
USA
Co-Author(s):    Sayandeep Sarkar
Abstract:
When the Boltzmann equation is studied on a bounded domain $\Omega$, certain physically motivated boundary conditions have to be used. In our context, we look at the specular reflection boundary condition, which imposes a symmetry on the solution $f(t,x,v)$ in the velocity variable based on the tangent plane at $x \in \partial \Omega$. Microscopically, this condition models the situation where particles bounce against the boundary with perfect restitution and no friction, conserving energy (but not momentum). Building the well-posedness theory for this model with such a boundary condition baked-in can be quite cumbersome (as compared to the well-posedness theory on the full space), since one must start at low-regularity. In this work we investigate an alternate approach. We study a full-space model with a Vlasov-like force field produced by a potential barrier outside of $\Omega$. We show that, under some uniform bounds on the solution, as the potential barrier becomes infinitely strong, the solution $f$ indeed converges to a weak solution (as constructed in Ouyang-Silvestre 2023) of the Boltzmann equation with the boundary condition. The argument mainly relies on determining the precise shape of characteristic curves produced by this potential barrier outside of $\Omega$, and showing that they re-enter $\Omega$ quickly, and with velocity converging to that of specular reflection, in accordance with the microscopic intuition.

Optimal regularity for kinetic equations in domains

Marvin Weidner
University of Bonn
Germany
Co-Author(s):    Xavier Ros-Oton, Kyeongbae Kim
Abstract:
The Boltzmann equation is one of the central equations in statistical mechanics and models the evolution of a gas through particle interactions. In recent years, groundbreaking work by Imbert and Silvestre has led to a conditional regularity theory for periodic solutions of the Boltzmann equation. A major open challenge is whether such a theory can be extended to bounded domains with physically relevant boundary conditions. As a first step toward understanding the boundary case, in this talk I will discuss the smoothness of solutions to linear kinetic Fokker-Planck equations in domains with specular reflection condition. While the interior regularity of such equations is well understood, their behavior near the boundary has remained open, even in the simplest case of Kolmogorov`s equation. I will also mention recent results on other boundary conditions such as diffuse reflection and in-flow. This talk is based on joint works with Xavier Ros-Oton and Kyeongbae Kim.

Fisher information and the well-posedness of the multi-species Landau equation

Havva Yoldas
Delft University of Technology
Netherlands
Co-Author(s):    Jonathan Junn\`{e} and Raphael Winter
Abstract:
I will summarise the breakthrough result by Guillen and Silvestre (Acta Math, 2025) where they show the global well-posedness of the spatially homogeneous Landau-Coulomb equation. The Landau-Coulomb equation is a kinetic equation describing the statistical evolution of a plasma dominated by long-range Coulomb interactions. The result is based on proving that the Fisher information is monotonically decreasing along the solutions of this equation. They do so by considering a lifted equation where the dimension of the velocity space is doubled. In this lifted regime, the nonlinear degenerate Landau operator turns into a linear operator. They then prove the inequalities relating the Fisher information along the Landau operator and the Fisher information along the lifted operator which is studied by a special change of variables. Their result crucially relies on the symmetry assumption for the joint distribution of two colliding particles. Finally, I will present our recent results obtained in a collaboration with J. Junn\`{e} (TU Delft) and R. Winter (Cardiff) on the multi-species Landau equation where we construct more general Lyapunov functionals removing this symmetry requirement.