Topics in Kinetic Theory (L24)

Amit Einav
Kinetic equation are a particular type of, usually non linear, Partial Differential Equations
(PDEs) that arise in Statistical Physics. Their goal is to describe the time evolution of systems
consisting of large amount of objects, such as Plasmas, Galaxies and Dilute Gases. This course
is an introductory course to the modern analysis of kinetic equations, aiming to present some
results on the fundamentally important Boltzmann equation from the subject of gas dynamics.
The course is suitable for both Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics students. I plan
to cover the following topics:
1. Introduction:
Microscopic, Macroscopic and Mesoscopic Viewpoints and Kinetic Theory.
From ODEs to PDEs.
2. Derivation of Kinetic Equations:
Newtonian and Statistical Viewpoints.
The Characteristic Method.
The Many Particle Limit and Mean Field Models.
3. Linear Transport Equations:
Lagrangian and Eulerian Viewpoints.
Dispersion Estimations.
Averaging Lemma and Phase Mixing.
4. The Linear Boltzmann Equation:
A Probabilistic Interpretation.
The Cauchy Theory.
The Maximum Principle.
Relaxation to Equilibrium.
Pre-requisites
Knowledge of basic Measure Theory, Functional Analysis and simple methods in Ordinary
Differential Equations (as in the 1A course Differential Equations) is required. Any advanced
knowledge in the above topics, as well as knowledge in PDEs, Sobolev spaces and Fourier
Analysis, can benefit the student, but is not mandatory. Students are welcome to discuss any
pre-requisite requirements with the Lecturers prior to the beginning of the course.
Literature
The course is mainly self contained and requires no textbook, lecture notes will be provided.
Also, there are numerous textbooks that will compliment the material of the course, or help
bring the student up to pace with the pre requisites of it.

Additional support
Four examples sheets will be provided as well as four associated examples classes.