Symplecticity-Preserving Prediction of Hamiltonian Dynamics by Generalized Kernel Interpolation

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Authors: Robin Herkert, Tobias Ehring, Bernard Haasdonk
Cited by: 0

Abstract

In this work, a kernel-based surrogate for integrating Hamiltonian dynamics that is symplectic by construction and tailored to large prediction horizons is proposed. The method learns a scalar potential whose gradient enters a symplectic-Euler update, yielding a discrete flow map that exactly preserves the canonical symplectic structure. Training is formulated as a gradient Hermite--Birkhoff interpolation problem in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space, providing a systematic framework for existence, uniqueness, and error control. Algorithmically, the symplectic kernel predictor is combined with structure-preserving model order reduction, enabling efficient treatment of high-dimensional discretized PDEs. Numerical tests for a pendulum, a nonlinear spring--mass chain, and a semi-discrete wave equation show nearly algebraic greedy convergence and long-time trajectory errors reduce by two to three orders of magnitude compared to an implicit midpoint baseline at the same macro time step.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Model Reduction and Neural Networks Numerical methods for differential equations Gaussian Processes and Bayesian Inference

Publication details

Journal / source
arXiv (Cornell University)
Publication date
26 January 2026
Document type
Preprint