For a long time fluid dynamics has been used to describe classical and quantum liquids, gases and plasmas. Nowadays, hydrodynamics is understood as an effective theory for the long distance, long time properties of any many body systems and being capable of explaining their low energy properties. One of the central assumptions hydrodynamics relies on is linked with the proximity of the system to its local thermal equilibrium. Yet, recent experiments in cold atom systems and ultrarelativistic heavy ion collisions have shown that this assumption is too restrictive and today we have evidence that hydrodynamics works even in far-from-equilibrium conditions. These new insights call for a better theoretical understanding of the foundations of hydrodynamics. In this talk I will discuss the most recent developments of the theory for in and out of equilibrium fluids. I shall present new theoretical results related to the emergence of hydrodynamic behavior and non-hydrodynamic transport as well as the impact of hydrodynamic fluctuations on correlation functions and transport coefficients in strongly coupled fluids. I will also discuss new avenues for future research directions whose aim is to unveil the secrets of the non-equilibrium properties of strongly interacting matter.
Host: Jack Harris
jack.harris@yale.edu