Equation-Free Multiscale Computation: Algorithms and Applications

Authored by Ioannis G Kevrekidis, Giovanni Samaey

Date Published: 2009

DOI: 10.1146/annurev.physchem.59.032607.093610

Sponsors: United States Defense Advanced Research Planning Agency (DARPA) United States Department of Energy (DOE) United States National Science Foundation (NSF)

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

In traditional physicochemical modeling, one derives evolution equations at the (macroscopic, coarse) scale of interest; these are used to perform a variety of tasks (simulation, bifurcation analysis, Optimization) using an arsenal of analytical and numerical techniques. For many complex systems, however, although one observes evolution at a macroscopic scale of interest, accurate models ire only given at a more detailed (fine-scale, microscopic) level of description (e.g., lattice Boltzmann, kinetic Monte Carlo, molecular dynamics). Here, we review a framework for computer-aided multiscale analysis, which enables macroscopic computational tasks (over extended spatiotemporal scales) using only appropriately initialized microscopic simulation on short time and length scales. The methodology bypasses the derivation of macroscopic evolution equations when these equations conceptual), exist but are not available in closed form-hence the term equation-free. We selectively discuss basic algorithms and underlying principles and illustrate the approach through representative applications. We also discuss potential difficulties and outline areas for future research.
Tags
Differential-equations Homogenization problems Bifurcation-analysis Molecular-dynamics Brownian configuration fields Monte-carlo simulations Individual-based models Optimal prediction Dimensionality reduction Projective integration