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A long-standing fundamental open problem in mathematical fluid dynamics and nonlinear partial differential equations is to determine whether solutions of the 3D incompressible Euler equations can develop a finite-time singularity from smooth, finite-energy initial data. Leonhard Euler introduced these equations in 1757 [L. Euler,Mémoires de l’Académie des Sci. de Berlin11, 274–315 (1757).], and they are closely linked to the Navier–Stokes equations and turbulence. While the general singularity formation problem remains unresolved, we review a recent computer-assisted proof of finite-time, nearly self-similar blowup for the 2D Boussinesq and 3D axisymmetric Euler equations in a smooth bounded domain with smooth initial data. The proof introduces a framework for (nearly) self-similar blowup, demonstrating the nonlinear stability of an approximate self-similar profile constructed numerically via the dynamical rescaling formulation.
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This content will become publicly available on December 18, 2025
Spreading and leveling of finite thin films with elastic interfaces: An eigenfunction expansion approach
The flow of a thin viscous liquid layer under an elastic film arises in natural processes, such as magmatic intrusions between rock strata, and industrial applications, such as coating surfaces with cured polymeric films. We study the linear dynamics of small perturbations to the equilibrium state of the film in a closed trough (finite film). Specifically, we are interested in the spreading (early-time) and leveling (late-time) dynamics as the film adjusts to equilibrium, starting from different initial perturbations. We consider both smooth and non-smooth spatially symmetric and localized initial conditions (perturbations). We find the exact series solutions for the film height, using the sixth-order complete orthonormal eigenfunctions associated with the posed initial-boundary-value problem derived in our previous work [Papanicolaou N C and Christov I C 2023J. Phys.: Conf. Ser.2675012016]. We show that the evolution of the perturbations begins with the spreading of the localized perturbations, followed by their mutual interaction as they spread, and finally, interactions with the confining lateral boundaries of the domain as the perturbations level. In particular, we highlight how the leading eigenvalues of the problem determine the scalings of certain figures of merit with time.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2029540
- PAR ID:
- 10560993
- Publisher / Repository:
- IOP Publishing
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Physics: Conference Series
- Volume:
- 2910
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 1742-6588
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 012032
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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