A piecewise linear FEM for an optimal control problem of fractional operators: error analysis on curved domains

We propose and analyze a new discretization technique for a linear-quadratic optimal control problem involving the fractional powers of a symmetric and uniformly elliptic second oder operator; control constraints are considered. Since these fractional operators can be realized as the Dirichlet-to-Neumann map for a nonuniformly elliptic equation, we recast our problem as a nonuniformly elliptic optimal control problem. The rapid decay of the solution to this problem suggests a truncation that is suitable for numerical approximation. We propose a fully discrete scheme that is based on piecewise linear functions on quasi-uniform meshes to approximate the optimal control and first-degree tensor product functions on anisotropic meshes for the optimal state variable. We provide an a priori error analysis that relies on derived Holder and Sobolev regularity estimates for the optimal variables and error estimates for an scheme that approximates fractional diffusion on curved domains; the latter being an extension of previous available results. The analysis is valid in any dimension. We conclude by presenting some numerical experiments that validate the derived error estimates

Dealiasing techniques for high-order spectral element methods on regular and irregular grids

High-order methods are becoming increasingly attractive in both academia and industry, especially in the context of computational fluid dynamics. However, before they can be more widely adopted, issues such as lack of robustness in terms of numerical stability need to be addressed, particularly when treating industrial-type problems where challenging geometries and a wide range of physical scales, typically due to high Reynolds numbers, need to be taken into account. One source of instability is aliasing effects which arise from the nonlinearity of the underlying problem. In this work we detail two dealiasing strategies based on the concept of consistent integration. The first uses a localised approach, which is useful when the nonlinearities only arise in parts of the problem. The second is based on the more traditional approach of using a higher quadrature. The main goal of both dealiasing techniques is to improve the robustness of high order spectral element methods, thereby reducing aliasing-driven instabilities. We demonstrate how these two strategies can be effectively applied to both continuous and discontinuous discretisations, where, in the latter, both volumetric and interface approximations must be considered. We show the key features of each dealiasing technique applied to the scalar conservation law with numerical examples and we highlight the main differences in terms of implementation between continuous and discontinuous spatial discretisations

Nonperturbative Formulas for Central Functions of Supersymmetric Gauge Theories

For quantum field theories that flow between ultraviolet and infrared fixed points, central functions, defined from two-point correlators of the stress tensor and conserved currents, interpolate between central charges of the UV and IR critical theories. We develop techniques that allow one to calculate the flows of the central charges and that of the Euler trace anomaly coefficient in a general N=1 supersymmetric gauge theory. Exact, explicit formulas for $SU(N_c)$ gauge theories in the conformal window are given and analysed. The Euler anomaly coefficient always satisfies the inequality $$. This is new evidence in strongly coupled theories that this quantity satisfies a four-dimensional analogue of the $c$-theorem, supporting the idea of irreversibility of the RG flow. Various other implications are discussed.Comment: latex, 27 page

The Stein-Tomas inequality in trace ideals

The goal of this review is to explain some recent results regarding generalizations of the Stein-Tomas (and Strichartz) inequalities to the context of trace ideals (Schatten spaces).Comment: Proceedings of the Laurent Schwartz semina