Multiscale analysis of singularly perturbed finite dimensional gradient flows: the minimizing movement approach

Abstract: We perform a convergence analysis of a discrete-in-time minimization scheme approximating a finite dimensional singularly perturbed gradient flow. We allow for different scalings between the viscosity parameter $\varepsilon$ and the time scale $\tau$. When the ratio $\frac{\varepsilon}{\tau}$ diverges, we rigorously prove the convergence of this scheme to a (discontinuous) Balanced Viscosity solution of the quasistatic evolution problem obtained as formal limit, when $\varepsilon\to 0$, of the gradient flow. We also characterize the limit evolution corresponding to an asymptotically finite ratio between the scales, which is of a different kind. In this case, a discrete interfacial energy is optimized at jump times.