The focus of the Centres is to leverage the recent developments in data science to build mathematical models for large ordered complex systems and study critical transitions and extreme events in flow and energy systems in engineering and nature.
Complex Systems and Dynamics
The aim of the proposed center is to contribute to the development of new techniques and tools for mathematical modelling and analysis of complex dynamical systems and to investigate some of the challenging dynamical problems in climate science, neuroscience, biological systems, multiphysics systems and active flows, that are the focus of current research worldwide. In addition to enhancing the fundamental understanding of the universal features, which contribute to similar phenomena which occur across a diversity of systems, the effort could also translate into delivering technology which is useful in industrial and societal contexts. The Center will focus on the development of new techniques and tools for mathematical modelling and the analysis of large ordered complex systems. The primary scientific objectives are as follows:
- Leverage the recent developments in data science to build mathematical models for large ordered complex systems that are typically difficult to model from first principles. Some examples of such systems include models for climate systems, biological systems and complex flows.
- Development of network-based techniques, that are built on rigorous mathematical foundations, for the analysis of such complex systems.
- Investigate reduced-order modelling strategies that enable reduction in computational costs without compromising the accuracy of the predictions.
- Development of data-driven approaches for estimating model parameters for the above approaches from measurements and observations, so as to be applicable to physical problems.
Principal Investigator: Sayan Gupta
Critical Transitions in Complex Systems
Many complex systems such as turbulent thermo-fluid systems, climate systems, financial markets, power grids, infectious diseases exhibit critical transitions where the system shifts abruptly from one state to another. Such critical transitions can have undesirable or even catastrophic consequences including failure of space missions, power blackouts, extreme weather, extinction of species in ecosystems and sudden crash of financial markets. The central objective of this proposal is to establish a world-class center to study critical transitions and extreme events in flow and energy systems in engineering and nature.
The center will strive to unravel the science behind these transitions in diverse systems and develop trained manpower and translational technologies. We will develop technologies to anticipate critical transitions and extreme events and mitigate the effect of these transitions through smart control actions. We will translate the understanding obtained from the application of complexity science to such transitions into technology through product development and start-up incubation. Further, we will develop an online international education and technology dissemination program accessible to a diverse audience across the globe through short-term courses, workshops, and an international master’s program.
Principal Investigator: R. I. Sujith