The Vlasov-Navier-Stokes equations as a mean field limit

Abstract

Convergence of particle systems to the Vlasov-Navier-Stokes equations is a difficult topic with only fragmentary results. Under a suitable modification of the classical Stokes drag force interaction, here a partial result in this direction is proven. A particle system is introduced, its interaction with the fluid is modelled and tightness is proved, in a suitable topology, for the family of laws of the pair composed by solution of Navier-Stokes equations and empirical measure of the particles. Moreover, it is proved that every limit law is supported on weak solutions of the Vlasov-Navier-Stokes system. Open problems, like weak-strong uniqueness for this system and its relevance for the convergence of the particle system, are outlined.