François Gay-Balmaz

The Momentum Map Representation of Images

This paper discusses the mathematical framework for designing methods of Large Deformation Diffeomorphic Matching (LDM) for image registration in computational anatomy. After reviewing the geometrical framework of LDM image registration methods, we prove a theorem showing that these methods may be designed by using the actions of diffeomorphisms on the image data structure to define their associated momentum representations as (cotangent-lift) momentum maps. To illustrate its use, the momentum map theorem is shown to recover the known algorithms for matching landmarks, scalar images, and vector fields. After briefly discussing the use of this approach for diffusion tensor (DT) images, we explain how to use momentum maps in the design of registration algorithms for more general data structures. For example, we extend our methods to determine the corresponding momentum map for registration using semidirect product groups, for the purpose of matching images at two different length scales. Finally, we discuss the use of momentum maps in the design of image registration algorithms when the image data is defined on manifolds instead of vector spaces.

Invariant Higher-Order Variational Problems

We investigate higher-order geometric k-splines for template matching on Lie groups. This is motivated by the need to apply diffeomorphic template matching to a series of images, e.g., in longitudinal studies of Computational Anatomy. Our approach formulates Euler-Poincaré theory in higher-order tangent spaces on Lie groups. In particular, we develop the Euler-Poincaré formalism for higher-order variational problems that are invariant under Lie group transformations. The theory is then applied to higher-order template matching and the corresponding curves on the Lie group of transformations are shown to satisfy higher-order Euler-Poincaré equations. The example of SO(3) for template matching on the sphere is presented explicitly. Various cotangent bundle momentum maps emerge naturally that help organize the formulas. We also present Hamiltonian and Hamilton-Ostrogradsky Lie-Poisson formulations of the higher-order Euler-Poincaré theory for applications on the Hamiltonian side.

Invariant Higher-Order Variational Problems II

Motivated by applications in computational anatomy, we consider a second-order problem in the calculus of variations on object manifolds that are acted upon by Lie groups of smooth invertible transformations. This problem leads to solution curves known as Riemannian cubics on object manifolds that are endowed with normal metrics. The prime examples of such object manifolds are the symmetric spaces. We characterize the class of cubics on object manifolds that can be lifted horizontally to cubics on the group of transformations. Conversely, we show that certain types of non-horizontal geodesic on the group of transformations project to cubics. Finally, we apply second-order Lagrange–Poincaré reduction to the problem of Riemannian cubics on the group of transformations. This leads to a reduced form of the equations that reveals the obstruction for the projection of a cubic on a transformation group to again be a cubic on its object manifold.

Reduction theory for symmetry breaking with applications to nematic systems

We formulate Euler-Poincare and Lagrange-Poincare equations for systems with broken symmetry. We specialize the general theory to present explicit equations of motion for nematic systems, ranging from single nematic molecules to biaxial liquid crystals. The geometric construction applies to order parameter spaces consisting of either unsigned unit vectors (directors) or symmetric matrices (alignment tensors). On the Hamiltonian side, we provide the corresponding Poisson brackets in both Lie-Poisson and Hamilton-Poincare formulations. The explicit form of the helicity invariant for uniaxial nematics is also presented, together with a whole class of invariant quantities (Casimirs) for two-dimensional incompressible flows.

Lagrange-Poincare field equations

The Lagrange–Poincare equations of classical mechanics are cast into a field theoretic context together with their associated constrained variational principle. An integrability/reconstruction condition is established that relates solutions of the original problem with those of the reduced problem. The Kelvin–Noether Theorem is formulated in this context. Applications to the isoperimetric problem, the Skyrme model for meson interaction, and molecular strands illustrate various aspects of the theory.

Discrete variational Lie group formulation of geometrically exact beam dynamics

The goal of this paper is to derive a structure preserving integrator for geometrically exact beam dynamics, by using a Lie group variational integrator. Both spatial and temporal discretization are implemented in a geometry preserving manner. The resulting scheme preserves both the discrete momentum maps and symplectic structures, and exhibits almost-perfect energy conservation. Comparisons with existing numerical schemes are provided and the convergence behavior is analyzed numerically.

Multisymplectic Lie group variational integrator for a geometrically exact beam in R-3

In this paper we develop, study, and test a Lie group multisymplectic integrator for geometrically exact beams based on the covariant Lagrangian formulation. We exploit the multisymplectic character of the integrator to analyze the energy and momentum map conservations associated to the temporal and spatial discrete evolutions

Reduced Variational Formulations in Free Boundary Continuum Mechanics

We present the material, spatial, and convective representations for elasticity and fluids with a free boundary from the Lagrangian reduction point of view, using the material and spatial symmetries of these systems. The associated constrained variational principles are formulated and the resulting equations of motion are deduced. In addition, we introduce general free boundary continua that contain both elasticity and free boundary hydrodynamics, extend for them various classical notions, and present the constrained variational principles and the equations of motion in the three representations.

Vlasov moment flows and geodesics on the Jacobi group

By using the moment algebra of the Vlasov kinetic equation, we characterize the integrable Bloch-Iserles system on symmetric matrices [Bloch, A. M., Brinzănescu, V., Iserles, A., Marsden, J. E., and Ratiu, T. S., “A class of integrable flows on the space of symmetric matrices,” Commun. Math. Phys. 290, 399–435 (2009)]10.1007/s00220-009-0849-6 as a geodesic flow on the Jacobi group Jac (R2n)= Sp (R2n)ⓈH(R2n). We analyze the corresponding Lie-Poisson structure by presenting a momentum map, which both untangles the bracket structure and produces particle-type solutions that are inherited from the Vlasov-like interpretation. Moreover, we show how the Vlasov moments associated to Bloch-Iserles dynamics correspond to particular subgroup inclusions into a group central extension (first discovered by Ismagilov, Losik, and Michor [“A 2-cocycle on a group of symplectomorphisms,” Mosc. Math. J. 6, 307–315 (2006)]), which in turn underlies Vlasov kinetic theory. In the most general case of Bloch-Iserles dynamics, a g...

Equivalent Theories of Liquid Crystal Dynamics

There are two competing descriptions of nematic liquid crystal dynamics: the Ericksen–Leslie director theory and the Eringen micropolar approach. Up to this day, these two descriptions have remained distinct in spite of several attempts to show that the micropolar theory includes the director theory. In this paper we show that this is the case by using symmetry reduction techniques and introducing a new system that is equivalent to the Ericksen–Leslie equations and may include disclination dynamics. The resulting equations of motion are verified to be completely equivalent, although one of the two different reductions offers the possibility of accounting for orientational defects. After applying these two approaches to the ordered micropolar theory of Lhuiller and Rey, all the results are eventually extended to flowing complex fluids, such as nematic liquid crystals.