Mimi Dai, University of Illinois at Chicago

Abstract: Finite time singularity formation for fluid equations will be discussed. Built on extensive study of approximating models, breakthroughs on this topic have emerged recently for Euler equation. Inspired by the progress for pure fluids, we attempt to understand this challenging issue for magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Finite time singularity scenarios are discovered for some reduced models of MHD. The investigation also reveals connections of MHD with Euler equation and surface quasi-geostrophic equation.