A profile decomposition approach to the \(L^\infty _t(L^{3}_x)\) Navier-Stokes regularity criterion (Q2377359)

The authors prove that strong solutions of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in \({\mathbb{R}}^3\) which are bounded in \(L^2({\mathbb{R}}^3)\) do not become singular in finite time. This result was established by \textit{L. Escauriaza} et al. [Russ. Math. Surv. 58, No. 2, 211--250 (2003); translation from Usp. Mat. Nauk 58, No. 2, 3--44 (2003; Zbl 1064.35134)] for weak solutions. Here, the method of ``critical elements'' (or minimal blow-up solutions) is used, as developed recently by C. E. Kenig and F. Merle. The main tool is a ``profile decomposition'' for the Navier-Stokes equations in critical Besov spaces.