Nonlinear oscillator chains: stochastic stability, thermodynamics, and data-driven computation

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $225,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Understanding how energy moves through nonlinear systems is essential for progress in many areas of science and engineering, including fluid dynamics, neuroscience, and the design of advanced materials. This project studies a mathematical model known as a nonlinear oscillator chain, where interactions between neighboring components can create complex, cascading flows of energy between different scales. Such systems serve as simplified yet powerful representations of more complicated physical processes, such as ocean turbulence or signal propagation in the brain. This project supports fundamental research in probability and applied dynamical systems, as well as the development of new computational tools for analyzing high-dimensional stochastic systems that also inform coupled neuronal oscillators and machine learning algorithms. Through student training activities, this work will help build a capable STEM workforce, contributing to national priorities in scientific advancement and education. Recent breakthroughs have drawn new connections between nonlinear dispersive equations and wave kinetic equations (WKE), with particular interest in understanding how energy cascades through scales in weakly nonlinear regimes. A central object in this theory is the Kolmogorov–Zakharov (KZ) spectrum, a formal steady-state solution of the WKE that reflects how energy transfers across modes. This project investigates a class of nonlinear oscillator chains—called energy cascade systems—tha

Key facts

NSF award ID
2510209
Awardee
University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
SAM.gov UEI
VGJHK59NMPK9
PI
Yao Li
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Machine Learning Theory
Estimated total
$225,000
Funds obligated
$225,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028