A parameter robust numerical method for a two dimensional reaction-diffusion problem.

In this paper a singularly perturbed reaction-diffusion partial differential equation in two space dimensions is examined. By means of an appropriate decomposition, we describe the asymptotic behaviour of the solution of problems of this kind. A central finite difference scheme is constructed for this problem which involves an appropriate Shishkin mesh. We prove that the numerical approximations are almost second order uniformly convergent (in the maximum norm) with respect to the singular perturbation parameter. Some numerical experiments are given that illustrate in practice the theoretical order of convergence established for the numerical method

Concentration on minimal submanifolds for a singularly perturbed Neumann problem

We consider the equation - \e^2 \D u + u= u^p in $\Omega \subseteq \R^N$, where $\Omega$ is open, smooth and bounded, and we prove concentration of solutions along $k$-dimensional minimal submanifolds of \partial \O, for $N \geq 3$ and for $k \in \{1, ..., N-2\}$. We impose Neumann boundary conditions, assuming $1<p <\frac{N-k+2}{N-k-2}$ and \e \to 0^+. This result settles in full generality a phenomenon previously considered only in the particular case $N = 3$ and $k = 1$.Comment: 62 pages. To appear in Adv. in Mat

Asymptotic Exit Location Distributions in the Stochastic Exit Problem

Consider a two-dimensional continuous-time dynamical system, with an attracting fixed point $S$. If the deterministic dynamics are perturbed by white noise (random perturbations) of strength $\epsilon$, the system state will eventually leave the domain of attraction $\Omega$ of $S$. We analyse the case when, as $\epsilon\to0$, the exit location on the boundary $\partial\Omega$ is increasingly concentrated near a saddle point $H$ of the deterministic dynamics. We show that the asymptotic form of the exit location distribution on $\partial\Omega$ is generically non-Gaussian and asymmetric, and classify the possible limiting distributions. A key role is played by a parameter $\mu$, equal to the ratio $|\lambda_s(H)|/\lambda_u(H)$ of the stable and unstable eigenvalues of the linearized deterministic flow at $H$. If $\mu<1$ then the exit location distribution is generically asymptotic as $\epsilon\to0$ to a Weibull distribution with shape parameter $2/\mu$, on the $O(\epsilon^{\mu/2})$ length scale near $H$. If $\mu>1$ it is generically asymptotic to a distribution on the $O(\epsilon^{1/2})$ length scale, whose moments we compute. The asymmetry of the asymptotic exit location distribution is attributable to the generic presence of a `classically forbidden' region: a wedge-shaped subset of $\Omega$ with $H$ as vertex, which is reached from $S$, in the $\epsilon\to0$ limit, only via `bent' (non-smooth) fluctuational paths that first pass through the vicinity of $H$. We deduce from the presence of this forbidden region that the classical Eyring formula for the small-$\epsilon$ exponential asymptotics of the mean first exit time is generically inapplicable.Comment: This is a 72-page Postscript file, about 600K in length. Hardcopy requests to [email protected] or [email protected]

On the design and implementation of a hybrid numerical method for singularly perturbed two-point boundary value problems

>Magister Scientiae - MScWith the development of technology seen in the last few decades, numerous solvers have been developed to provide adequate solutions to the problems that model different aspects of science and engineering. Quite often, these solvers are tailor-made for specific classes of problems. Therefore, more of such must be developed to accompany the growing need for mathematical models that help in the understanding of the contemporary world. This thesis treats two point boundary value singularly perturbed problems. The solution to this type of problem undergoes steep changes in narrow regions (called boundary or internal layer regions) thus rendering the classical numerical procedures inappropriate. To this end, robust numerical methods such as finite difference methods, in particular fitted mesh and fitted operator methods have extensively been used. While the former consists of transforming the continuous problem into a discrete one on a non-uniform mesh, the latter involves a special discretisation of the problem on a uniform mesh and are known to be more accurate. Both classes of methods are suitably designed to accommodate the rapid change(s) in the solution. Quite often, finite difference methods on piece-wise uniform meshes (of Shishkin-type) are adopted. However, methods based on such non-uniform meshes, though layer-resolving, are not easily extendable to higher dimensions. This work aims at investigating the possibility of capitalising on the advantages of both fitted mesh and fitted operator methods. Theoretical results are confirmed by extensive numerical simulations