[Dottorcomp] Seminari di Matematica Applicata, 17/03/2026, Laura Rinaldi

[Lorenzo Tamellini]

Seminari di Matematica Applicata - Dipartimento di Matematica "F. Casorati"
e Istituto CNR-IMATI "E. Magenes" di Pavia.

Martedì 17 Marzo 2026, alle ore 15 precise, presso la sala conferenze di
IMATI

*Laura Rinaldi, CNR-IMATI Pavia*

terrà il seguente seminario

*Titolo: *The role of surrogate models in applied problems: bread leavening
and fluid dynamics

*Abstract:* The demand for efficient surrogate models has become central to
addressing complex problems across scientific and technological domains,
including inverse problems, data assimilation, and real‑time monitoring. In
this seminar, I will discuss the role of surrogate models in different
applied contexts, focusing in particular on *Variationally Mimetic Operator
Networks* (VarMiON) for predicting the solutions of PDEs governing each
case study. This approach leverages the underlying physical–mathematical
model—specifically its weak space‑time formulation—to define the network
architecture and thus construct physics‑informed surrogates.

The first application concerns the development of a digital twin for bread
leavening. A digital twin is an integrated multiphysics simulation that
mirrors the evolution of a real system. Incorporating a surrogate model
enables real‑time monitoring and interaction with the physical process
through indirect measurements.

The second case study addresses surrogate modeling in fluid dynamics. I
will illustrate the surrogate's performance in predicting solutions to the
Navier–Stokes equations at low Reynolds numbers, considering paradigmatic
configurations such as cavity flow, flow past a cylinder, and contraction
flow.

Finally, I will conclude by outlining my future work during my stay at
CNR-IMATI, particularly the use of surrogate models in cancer‑on‑chip
systems, where the underlying dynamic is governed by Keller–Segel–type
equations.