Anti-self dual Lagrangians and variational formulations for non self-adjoint boundary value problems and dissipative evolutions

We develop a theory of anti-self dual Lagrangians that allows for variational formulations and resolutions of many boundary value and initial value problems which normally cannot be obtained as Euler-Lagrange equations of action functionals. Examples include non-potential operator equations--like nonlinear transport and others involving first order non-selfadjoint differential operators--as well as dissipative evolution equations--like the heat equation, porous media, other gradient flows but also the Navier-Stokes equations.

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m. in the Faculty Lounge, Math Annex (Room 1115).