Weak Continuity and Compactness for Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations

We present several examples of fundamental problems involving weak continuity and compactness for nonlinear partial differential equations, in which compensated compactness and related ideas have played a significant role. We first focus on the compactness and convergence of vanishing viscosity solutions for nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws, including the inviscid limit from the Navier-Stokes equations to the Euler equations for homentropy flow, the vanishing viscosity method to construct the global spherically symmetric solutions to the multidimensional compressible Euler equations, and the sonic-subsonic limit of solutions of the full Euler equations for multidimensional steady compressible fluids. We then analyze the weak continuity and rigidity of the Gauss-Codazzi-Ricci system and corresponding isometric embeddings in differential geometry. Further references are also provided for some recent developments on the weak continuity and compactness for nonlinear partial differential equations.Comment: 29 page

Absolute continuity and Fokker-Planck equation for the law of Wong-Zakai approximations of It\^o's stochastic differential equations

We investigate the regularity of the law of Wong-Zakai-type approximations for It\^o stochastic differential equations. These approximations solve random differential equations where the diffusion coefficient is Wick-multiplied by the smoothed white noise. Using a criteria based on the Malliavin calculus we establish absolute continuity and a Fokker-Planck-type equation solved in the distributional sense by the density. The parabolic smoothing effect typical of the solutions of It\^o equations is lacking in this approximated framework; therefore, in order to prove absolute continuity, the initial condition of the random differential equation needs to possess a density itself.Comment: 19 page

Geometry of crossing null shells

New geometric objects on null thin layers are introduced and their importance for crossing null-like shells are discussed. The Barrab\`es--Israel equations are represented in a new geometric form and they split into decoupled system of equations for two different geometric objects: tensor density ${\bf G}^a{_b}$ and vector field $I$. Continuity properties of these objects through a crossing sphere are proved. In the case of spherical symmetry Dray--t'Hooft--Redmount formula results from continuity property of the corresponding object.Comment: 24 pages, 1 figur