Fully adaptive simulation tool for kinetic theory
Kinetic models are omnipresent in a wide range of scientific and engineering applications. They are derived from the evolution of a particle distribution in position-velocity phase space, and appear, for instance, in the modeling of fusion energy reactors and atmospheric reentry of spacecraft, where classical fluid equations are inaccurate. Further technological progress of these applications requires significant advances in modeling and simulation of kinetic models. The underlying kinetic equations pose severe simulation challenges, due to their inherent high-dimensionality and the presence of a wide range of time scales.
The increased dimensionality in velocity directions can be addressed by an extended set of fluid quantities via moment models or the maximum entropy method. To deal with the stiffness of the equations, asymptotic-preserving time discretization methods need to be used. Since both the stiffness and the accuracy of a kinetic model depend on space and time, the design of numerical methods incorporating fully integrated space-time adaptivity is crucial to allow these methods to be efficiently used in real-world applications.

In this action, the applicant will integrate his expertise on moment models with the experience on projective integration schemes available at the host institution, and extend their applicability towards a wide range of kinetic models hereby achieving the following objectives:
- Develop fully space-time adaptive numerical scheme for kinetic models
- Implement software for space-time adaptive solution of kinetic models
- Compute numerical solutions for real-world applications

The results of FASTKiT will constitute a major step forward in the adaptive simulation of kinetic models. FASTKiT will contribute to the development of technologies for next generation reactors and space exploration efforts, in line with Horizon 2020, while the applicant will benefit from an innovative environment to receive training and transferable skills.