Periodic solutions for wave equations with variable coefficients with nonlinear localized damping

We discuss the existence of periodic solutions to the wave equation with variable coefficients utt−div(A(x)∇u)+ρ(x,ut)=f(x,t) with Dirichlet boundary condition. Here ρ(x,v) is a function like ρ(x,v)=a(x)g(v) with g^′(v)?0 where a(x) is nonnegative, being positive only in a neighborhood of a part of the domain.     

Uniform asymptotic stability for perturbed neutral delay differential equations

One-dimensional perturbed neutral delay differential equations of the form (x(t)−P(t,x(t−τ)))′=f(t,x_t)+g(t,x_t) are considered assuming that f satisfies −v(t)M(φ)?f(t,φ)?v(t)M(−φ), where M(φ)=max{0,max_s∈[−r,0]φ(s)}. A typical result is the following: if ‖g(t,φ)‖?w(t)‖φ‖ and , then the zero solution is uniformly asymptotically stable providing that the zero solution of the corresponding equation without perturbation (x(t)−P(t,x(t−τ)))′=f(t,x_t) is uniformly asymptotically stable. Some known results associated with this equation are extended and improved.     

Envelope viscosity solutions of first- and second-order PDEs with u-dependence

General envelope methods are introduced which may be used to embed equations with u-dependence into equations without solution dependence. Furthermore, these methods present a rigorous way to consider so-called nodal solutions. That is, if w(t,x,z) is the viscosity solution of some pde, the nodal solution of an associated pde is a function u(t,x) so that w(t,x,u(t,x)) = 0. Examples are given to first- and second-order pdes arising in optimal control, differential games, minimal time problems, scalar conservation laws, geometric-type equations, and forward backward stochastic control.     

The induced path function, monotonicity and betweenness

The geodesic interval function I of a connected graph allows an axiomatic characterization involving axioms on the function only, without any reference to distance, as was shown by Nebeský [20]. Surprisingly, Nebeský [23] showed that, if no further restrictions are imposed, the induced path function J of a connected graph G does not allow such an axiomatic characterization. Here J(u,v) consists of the set of vertices lying on the induced paths between u and v. This function is a special instance of a transit function. In this paper we address the question what kind of restrictions could be imposed to obtain axiomatic characterizations of J. The function J satisfies betweenness if w∈J(u,v), with w≠u, implies u∉J(w,v) and x∈J(u,v) implies J(u,x)⊆J(u,v). It is monotone if x,y∈J(u,v) implies J(x,y)⊆J(u,v). In the case where we restrict ourselves to functions J that satisfy betweenness, or monotonicity, we are able to provide such axiomatic characterizations of J by transit axioms only. The graphs involved can all be characterized by forbidden subgraphs.     

Mathematical and numerical study of a system of conservation laws

The system of equations (f (u))_t − (a(u)v + b(u))_x = 0 and u_t − (c(u)v + d(u))_x = 0, where the unknowns u and v are functions depending on , arises within the study of some physical model of the flow of miscible fluids in a porous medium. We give a definition for a weak entropy solution (u, v), inspired by the Liu condition for admissible shocks and by Krushkov entropy pairs. We then prove, in the case of a natural generalization of the Riemann problem, the existence of a weak entropy solution only depending on x/t. This property results from the proof of the existence, by passing to the limit on some approximations, of a function g such that u is the classical entropy solution of u_t − ((cg + d)(u))_x = 0 and simultaneously w = f (u) is the entropy solution of w_t − ((ag + b)(f⁽⁻¹⁾(w)))_x = 0. We then take v = g(u), and the proof that (u, v) is a weak entropy solution of the coupled problem follows from a linear combination of the weak entropy inequalities satisfied by u and f (u). We then show the existence of an entropy weak solution for a general class of data, thanks to the convergence proof of a coupled finite volume scheme. The principle of this scheme is to compute the Godunov numerical flux with some interface functions ensuring the symmetry of the finite volume scheme with respect to both conservation equations.     

Smoothing properties for a coupled system of nonlinear evolution dispersive equations

We study the smoothness properties of solutions to the coupled system of equations of Korteweg—de Vries type. We show that the equations dispersive nature leads to a gain in regularity for the solution. In particular, if the initial data (u₀, v₀ possesses certain regularity and sufficient decay as x → ∞, then the solution (u(t). v(t)) will be smoother than (u0, v0) for 0 < t ≤ T where T is the existence time of the solution.     

Asymptotic spreading in heterogeneous diffusive excitable media

We establish propagation and spreading properties for nonnegative solutions of nonhomogeneous reaction-diffusion equations of the type:

t_∂u−∇⋅(A(t,x)∇u)+q(t,x)⋅∇u=f(t,x,u)     

A convergent two-time method for periodic differential equations

Two timing, an ad hoc method for studying periodic evolution equations, can be given a rigorous justification when the problem is in standard form, u = ?f(t, u). First solve $\text{dw}\text{dσ}\text{= ?(I ? M) f(σ, w)}\text{for}\text{w(σ, v)}$, where M is the mean value operator and v is any initial value. Then w(σ, v) is periodic in σ but does not satisfy the original equation. Now, force a solution u(t), using nonlinear variation of constants, in the form w(σ, v(τ)), where σ = t is the fast time and τ = ?t is the slow time. With the resulting differential equation for v, one reads off from its nonconstant solutions thè approximate transient behavior of u(t) for times of order ?^?1. On the other hand, the equilibrium points (constant solutions) v₀ correspond to steady state (periodic solutions) of the original system. Interesting applications, such as to one-dimensional wave equations with cubic damping, can be given.     

Properties of the density for a three-dimensional stochastic wave equation

We consider a stochastic wave equation in space dimension three driven by a noise white in time and with an absolutely continuous correlation measure given by the product of a smooth function and a Riesz kernel. Let pt,x(y) be the density of the law of the solution u(t,x) of such an equation at points (t,x)∈]0,T]×R³. We prove that the mapping (t,x)?pt,x(y) owns the same regularity as the sample paths of the process {u(t,x),(t,x)∈]0,T]×R³} established in [R.C. Dalang, M. Sanz-Solé, Hölder-Sobolev regularity of the solution to the stochastic wave equation in dimension three, Mem. Amer. Math. Soc., in press]. The proof relies on Malliavin calculus and more explicitly, the integration by parts formula of [S. Watanabe, Lectures on Stochastic Differential Equations and Malliavin Calculus, Tata Inst. Fund. Res./Springer-Verlag, Bombay, 1984] and estimates derived from it.     

Stability of the Absolutely Continuous Spectrum of Random Schrödinger Operators on Tree Graphs

According to the Smolukowski-Kramers approximation, we show that the solution of the semi-linear stochastic damped wave equations μ u _tt (t,x)=Δu(t,x)?u _t (t,x)+b(x,u(t,x))+Q (t),u(0)=u ₀, u _t (0)=v ₀, endowed with Dirichlet boundary conditions, converges as μ goes to zero to the solution of the semi-linear stochastic heat equation u _t (t,x)=Δ u(t,x)+b(x,u(t,x))+Q (t),u(0)=u ₀, endowed with Dirichlet boundary conditions. Moreover we consider relations between asymptotics for the heat and for the wave equation. More precisely we show that in the gradient case the invariant measure of the heat equation coincides with the stationary distributions of the wave equation, for any μ>0.     

The asymptotic behavior of solutions of a system of reaction-diffusion equations which models the Belousov-Zhabotinskii chemical reaction

We investigate the boundary value problem $\text{?u}\text{?t}\text{=}\text{?}{}^2\text{u}\text{?x}{}^2\text{+ u(1 ? u ? rv)}$, $\text{?v}\text{?t}\text{=}\text{?}{}^2\text{v}\text{?x}{}^2\text{? buv}$, u(?∞, t) = v(∞, t) = 0, u(∞, t) = 1, and v(?∞, t) = γ ?t > 0 where r > 0, b > 0, γ > 0 and x?R. This system has been proposed by Murray as a model for the propagation of wave fronts of chemical activity in the Belousov-Zhabotinskii chemical reaction. Here u and v are proportional to the concentrations of bromous acid and bromide ion, respectively. We determine the global stability of the constant solution (u, v) ≡ (1,0). Furthermore we introduce a moving coordinate and for each fixed x?R we investigate the asymptotic behavior of u(x + ct, t) and v(x + ct, t) as t → ∞ for both large and small values of the wave speed c ? 0.     

Distance-hereditary graphs and signpost systems

An ordered pair (U,R) is called a signpost system if U is a finite nonempty set, R⊆U×U×U, and the following axioms hold for all u,v,w∈U: (1) if (u,v,w)∈R, then (v,u,u)∈R; (2) if (u,v,w)∈R, then (v,u,w)∉R; (3) if u≠v, then there exists t∈U such that (u,t,v)∈R. (If F is a (finite) connected graph with vertex set U and distance function d, then U together with the set of all ordered triples (u,v,w) of vertices in F such that d(u,v)=1 and d(v,w)=d(u,w)−1 is an example of a signpost system). If (U,R) is a signpost system and G is a graph, then G is called the underlying graph of (U,R) if V(G)=U and xy∈E(G) if and only if (x,y,y)∈R (for all x,y∈U). It is possible to say that a signpost system shows a way how to travel in its underlying graph. The following result is proved: Let (U,R) be a signpost system and let G denote the underlying graph of (U,R). Then G is connected and every induced path in G is a geodesic in G if and only if (U,R) satisfies axioms (4)-(8) stated in this paper; note that axioms (4)-(8)-similarly as axioms (1)-(3)-can be formulated in the language of the first-order logic.     

Instability of steady states for nonlinear wave and heat equations

We consider time-independent solutions of hyperbolic equations such as _∂ttu−Δu=f(x,u) where f is convex in u. We prove that linear instability with a positive eigenfunction implies nonlinear instability. In some cases the instability occurs as a blow up in finite time. We prove the same result for parabolic equations such as t_∂u−Δu=f(x,u). Then we treat several examples under very sharp conditions, including equations with potential terms and equations with supercritical nonlinearities.     

Hele-Shaw type problems with dynamical boundary conditions

In this paper, we study the nonlinear evolution equation of Hele-Shaw type with dynamical boundary conditions. That is, the equation ut=Δw+f where u∈H(w) and H is the Heaviside function, with boundary condition μ(x,w)t_∂w+k∇w⋅ν=g, where ν denotes the outward normal vector of the fixed boundary of the domain. We prove existence, uniqueness and some qualitative properties of the solution.     

Grow-up of critical solutions for a non-local porous medium problem with Ohmic heating source

We investigate the behaviour of solution u = u(x, t; λ) at λ =  λ* for the non-local porous medium equation ${u_t = (u^n)_{xx} + {\lambda}f(u)/({\int_{-1}^1} f(u){\rm d}x)^2}We investigate the behaviour of solution u = u(x, t; λ) at λ =  λ* for the non-local porous medium equation u_t = (uⁿ)_xx + lf(u)/(ò_-1¹ f(u)dx)²{u_t = (u^n)_{xx} + {\lambda}f(u)/({\int_{-1}^1} f(u){\rm d}x)^2} with Dirichlet boundary conditions and positive initial data. The function f satisfies: f(s),−f ′ (s) > 0 for s ≥ 0 and s ^n-1 f(s) is integrable at infinity. Due to the conditions on f, there exists a critical value of parameter λ, say λ*, such that for λ > λ* the solution u = u(x, t; λ) blows up globally in finite time, while for λ ≥ λ* the corresponding steady-state problem does not have any solution. For 0 < λ < λ* there exists a unique steady-state solution w = w(x; λ) while u = u(x, t; λ) is global in time and converges to w as t → ∞. Here we show the global grow-up of critical solution u* =  u(x, t; λ*) (u* (x, t) → ∞, as t → ∞ for all x ? (-1,1){x\in(-1,1)}.     

Global existence for one-dimensional motion of non-isentropic viscous fluids

We study the p-system with viscosity given by v_t ? u_x = 0, u_t + p(v)_x = (k(v)u_x)_x + f(∫ vdx, t), with the initial and the boundary conditions (v(x, 0), u(x,0)) = (v₀, u₀(x)), u(0,t) = u(X,t) = 0. To describe the motion of the fluid more realistically, many equations of state, namely the function p(v) have been proposed. In this paper, we adopt Planck's equation, which is defined only for v > b(> 0) and not a monotonic function of v, and prove the global existence of the smooth solution. The essential point of the proof is to obtain the bound of v of the form b < h(T) ? v(x, t) ? H(T) < ∞ for some constants h(T) and H(T).     

Induced path transit function, monotone and Peano axioms

The induced path transit function J(u,v) in a graph consists of the set of all vertices lying on any induced path between the vertices u and v. A transit function J satisfies monotone axiom if x,y∈J(u,v) implies J(x,y)⊆J(u,v). A transit function J is said to satisfy the Peano axiom if, for any u,v,w∈V,x∈J(v,w), y∈J(u,x), there is a z∈J(u,v) such that y∈J(w,z). These two axioms are equivalent for the induced path transit function of a graph. Planar graphs for which the induced path transit function satisfies the monotone axiom are characterized by forbidden induced subgraphs.     

Potential well method for Cauchy problem of generalized double dispersion equations

In this paper we study Cauchy problem of generalized double dispersion equations utt−uxx−uxxtt+uxxxx=f(u)_xx, where f(u)=p|u|, p>1 or u2k, . By introducing a family of potential wells we not only get a threshold result of global existence and nonexistence of solutions, but also obtain the invariance of some sets and vacuum isolating of solutions. In addition, the global existence and finite time blow up of solutions for problem with critical initial conditions E(0)=d, I(u₀)?0 or I(u₀)<0 are proved.     

Properties of non-simultaneous blow-up in heat equations coupled via different localized sources

This paper deals with u_t = Δu + u^m(x, t)e^pv(0,t), v_t = Δv + u^q(0, t)e^nv(x,t), subject to homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. The complete classification on non-simultaneous and simultaneous blow-up is obtained by four sufficient and necessary conditions. It is interesting that, in some exponent region, large initial data u₀(v₀) leads to the blow-up of u(v), and in some betweenness, simultaneous blow-up occurs. For all of the nonnegative exponents, we find that u(v) blows up only at a single point if m > 1(n > 0), while u(v) blows up everywhere for 0 ? m ? 1 (n = 0). Moreover, blow-up rates are considered for both non-simultaneous and simultaneous blow-up solutions.     

The asymptotic distribution of weighted empirical distribution functions

Let G_n denote the empirical distribution based on n independent uniform (0, 1) random variables. The asymptotic distribution of the supremum of weighted discrepancies between G_n(u) and u of the forms 6w_v(u)D_n(u)6 and 6w_v(G_n(u))D_n(u)6, where D_n(u) = G_n(u)?u, w_v(u) = (u(1?u))^?1+v and 0 ? v < $\text{1}\text{2}$ is obtained. Goodness-of-fit tests based on these statistics are shown to be asymptotically sensitive only in the extreme tails of a distribution, which is exactly where such statistics that use a weight function w_v with $\text{1}\text{2}$ ? v ? 1 are insensitive. For this reason weighted discrepancies which use the weight function w_v with 0 ? v < $\text{1}\text{2}$ are potentially applicable in the construction of confidence contours for the extreme tails of a distribution.