Papers for

chemical process modelers

Papers whose findings have a practical use for this group, as judged from the abstract. Open a paper to read what it means in practice.

Physics informed neural networks solve fast changing problems better

Equation informed time reparametrization for physics informed neural networks

Abstract: Physics Informed Neural Networks offer a mesh-free approach to solving differential equations, but their application to time-dependent problems remains challenging, particularly when the governing dynamics involve widely different time scales. With collocation points spread uniformly in time, short intervals of rapid change are under resolved. This work introduces an equation informed time reparameterization framework that modifies the temporal coordinate used during PINN training based on the local dynamics of the governing equation. The proposed method follows a two stage procedure. First, a pilot PINN training provides an approximate solution, which is used to linearize the governing differential operator and estimate its local response to small perturbations. These responses are combined into a time-dependent rate function, large where the dynamics are fast, that defines a strictly increasing transformation from physical time to a new computational time coordinate. A second PINN is then trained on the transformed governing equation, with uniformly sampled collocation points in the new coordinate producing a nonuniform distribution in physical time. Different combination rules and spatial reduction strategies are considered. With the cost of the pilot training included, the method reduces the error by a factor of 4 to 29 relative to the best alternative method on the Kachanov Rabotnov creep-damage model near rupture, and by a factor of 5 to 16 relative to every alternative method on the Frank-Kamenetskii equation near blow up.

Fri 30 OctComputational Engineering, Finance, and Science
The gist
Physics informed neural networks (PINNs) help solve equations that change over time, but they struggle with times when things change very quickly. The authors found a way to change the way time is measured during training, zooming into these fast changes. First, they run a rough solution to see where fast changes happen, then they adjust the timeline so the neural network pays more attention there. This method makes the solutions much more accurate when tested on challenging problems.
Open → 2610.41246v1

Tangent Schrödinger Bridge method improves predictions of stochastic system responses

Tangent Schrödinger Bridge Matching: Learning Stochastic Transport with Mechanistic Sensitivities

Abstract: Predicting how stochastic systems respond to changes in viscosity, reaction rates, or external forces requires costly simulations, motivating reusable learned models. Yet matching observed outcome distributions does not ensure accurate intervention responses. We introduce Tangent Schrödinger Bridge Matching (Tangent-SBM), which learns stochastic transports from endpoint observations and mechanistic sensitivities. It propagates parameter derivatives alongside trajectories and supervises them against supplied targets. For average-response targets, single-rollout squared error also penalizes response variability; our objective uses two independent rollouts to match the mean without this additional penalty. We establish conditions under which sensitivity accuracy bounds finite-change prediction error and decision regret. Across Gaussian, stochastic double-well, PDEBench reaction--diffusion, and stochastic Navier--Stokes systems, Tangent-SBM improves sensitivity and finite-change prediction over matched conditional-bridge baselines while maintaining comparable endpoint and distributional accuracy. Controls examine target correctness, response objectives, and simulator-budget allocation. To test decision usefulness, we evaluate calibrated viscosity selection in Navier--Stokes: Tangent-SBM reduces tracking error relative to taking no action on every evaluated task.

Fri 2 OctMachine Learning
The gist
Predicting how systems with randomness respond to changes, like in fluid flow or reactions, usually needs expensive simulations. The authors created Tangent Schrödinger Bridge Matching, a method that learns from outcomes and their sensitivities to parameters to better predict these responses. This method not only matches what is observed but also predicts how the system reacts to changes more accurately than previous approaches. They tested it on various complex models, showing it improves predictions and helps make better decisions, such as choosing the right fluid viscosity.
Open → 2610.02906v1