Sampling microcanonical measures of the 2D Euler equations through Creutz's algorithm: a phase transition from disorder to order when energy is increased

The 2D Euler equations are basic examples of fluid models for which a microcanonical measure can be constructed from first principles. This measure is defined through finite-dimensional approximations and a limiting procedure. Creutz's algorithm is a microcanonical generalization of the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm (to sample Gibbs measures, in the canonical ensemble). We prove that Creutz's algorithm can sample finite-dimensional approximations of the 2D Euler microcanonical measures (incorporating fixed energy and other invariants). This is essential as microcanonical and canonical measures are known to be inequivalent at some values of energy and vorticity distribution. Creutz's algorithm is used to check predictions from the mean-field statistical mechanics theory of the 2D Euler equations (the Robert–Sommeria–Miller theory). We find full agreement with theory. Three different ways to compute the temperature give consistent results. Using Creutz's algorithm, a first-order phase transition never observed previously and a situation of statistical ensemble inequivalence are found and studied. Strikingly, and in contrast to the usual statistical mechanics interpretations, this phase transition appears from a disordered phase to an ordered phase (with fewer symmetries) when the energy is increased. We explain this paradox. (paper)