The group contributes to the following mathematical research topics of WIAS:


Analysis of Partial Differential Equations and Evolutionary Equations

Partial differential equations form an adequate and powerful instrument to provide a mathematical model for nature. At the Weierstrass Institute this research has three essential focuses: (a) Rigorous mathematical analysis of general evolution equations in terms of existence, uniqueness and regularity of different types of solutions, (b) Development of variational approaches using the toolbox of the calculus of variations, (c) Regularity results for solutions of elliptic and parabolic partial differential equations. [>> more]

Free boundary problems for partial differential equations

Free boundary problems for partial differential equation describe problems such that a partial differential equation is considered on a domain depending on the solution to the equation. [>> more]

Functional analysis and operator theory

At WIAS, functional analysis and operator theory are related, in particular, to problems of partial differential equations and evolutions equations, to analysis of multiscale, hybrid and rate-independent models. [>> more]

Numerical methods for problems from fluid dynamics

A main research field is the development, analysis, improvement and application of numerical methods for equations coming from CFD. The spatial discretization of the equations is based on finite element and finite volume methods. A focus of research is on so-called physically consistent methods, i.e., methods where important physical properties of the continuous problem are transferred to the discrete problem. [>> more]

Optimal control of partial differential equations and nonlinear optimization

Many processes in nature and technics can only be prescribed by partial differential equations,e.g. heating- or cooling processes, the propagation of acoustic or electromagnetic waves, fluid mechanics. Additionally to challenges in modeling, in various applications the manipulation or controlling of the modeled system is also of interest in order to obtain a certain purpose... [>> more]

Stochastic Optimization

Stochastic Optimization in the widest sense is concerned with optimization problems influenced by random parameters in the objective or constraints. [>> more]

Systems of partial differential equations: modeling, numerical analysis and simulation

The mathematical modelling of many scientific and technological problems leads to (initial) boundary value problems with systems of partial differential equations (PDEs). [>> more]

Variational methods

Many physical phenomena can be described by suitable functionals, whose critical points play the role of equilibrium solutions. Of particular interest are local and global minimizers: a soap bubble minimizes the surface area subject to a given volume and an elastic body minimizes the stored elastic energy subject to given boundary conditions. [>> more]