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Gradient-enhanced physics-informed neural networks for forward and inverse PDE problems (2111.02801v1)

Published 1 Nov 2021 in cs.LG and physics.comp-ph

Abstract: Deep learning has been shown to be an effective tool in solving partial differential equations (PDEs) through physics-informed neural networks (PINNs). PINNs embed the PDE residual into the loss function of the neural network, and have been successfully employed to solve diverse forward and inverse PDE problems. However, one disadvantage of the first generation of PINNs is that they usually have limited accuracy even with many training points. Here, we propose a new method, gradient-enhanced physics-informed neural networks (gPINNs), for improving the accuracy and training efficiency of PINNs. gPINNs leverage gradient information of the PDE residual and embed the gradient into the loss function. We tested gPINNs extensively and demonstrated the effectiveness of gPINNs in both forward and inverse PDE problems. Our numerical results show that gPINN performs better than PINN with fewer training points. Furthermore, we combined gPINN with the method of residual-based adaptive refinement (RAR), a method for improving the distribution of training points adaptively during training, to further improve the performance of gPINN, especially in PDEs with solutions that have steep gradients.

Citations (379)

Summary

  • The paper presents a novel approach that integrates gradient data into the PINN loss function to enhance accuracy in solving PDEs.
  • It demonstrates improved convergence for both forward and inverse problems, particularly where solutions exhibit steep gradients.
  • The method effectively combines gradient-enhanced training with residual-based adaptive refinement to optimize computational performance.

Gradient-Enhanced Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Solving PDEs

The paper introduces an innovative approach named gradient-enhanced physics-informed neural networks (gPINNs) designed specifically to address the challenges associated with solving partial differential equations (PDEs). This method represents an evolution of the standard physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) framework by incorporating gradient information into the PDE residual, which is then integrated into the loss function of the network. This modification aims to enhance the model’s ability to solve both forward and inverse PDE problems more effectively, particularly in scenarios where the solutions exhibit steep gradients.

The principal advancement of gPINNs over traditional PINNs lies in the utilization of gradient information from the PDE. This information provides additional guidance for the neural network during training, enabling it to achieve better adherence to the underlying physics described by the PDE. By embedding gradient data into the loss function, gPINNs ensure more accurate convergence towards the solution, thereby addressing some of the fundamental limitations faced by conventional PINNs, particularly when dealing with complex PDE problems.

In demonstrating the capabilities of gPINNs, the paper presents experimental results that underline its improved performance. The authors show that gPINNs effectively tackle both forward and inverse PDE problems, achieving superior accuracy compared to their standard counterparts. This is particularly notable in PDE cases where the solutions feature steep gradients, which are naturally more challenging for numerical methods to handle.

An interesting aspect of the paper is the combination of gPINNs with residual-based adaptive refinement (RAR). This hybrid approach further enhances gPINN performance by adaptively refining the solution domain based on residual information, thereby focusing computational effort on areas of the solution space where it is most needed. This synergy between gPINNs and RAR illustrates the method’s capability to handle PDEs with highly variable solution characteristics more effectively.

The implications of this research are significant for both practical and theoretical applications in computational science and engineering. Practically, gPINNs provide a robust tool for effectively solving PDEs in scenarios where traditional numerical methods might struggle. Theoretically, the introduction of gradient information into the loss function represents a noteworthy augmentation of the PINN approach, opening avenues for further explorations into the integration of additional physical insights into neural network frameworks.

Looking ahead, the methodology proposed in this paper could inspire further developments in AI-assisted simulation tools, leading to improved models for complex systems governed by PDEs. Additionally, the concept could be extended to encompass other forms of differential equations, potentially broadening the scope of applications. Future research could explore optimizing the balance between computational cost and solution accuracy, as well as investigating the applicability of this approach to real-world problems beyond the typical benchmarks.