Energy decay estimates for the dissipative wave equation with space–time dependent potential

We study the asymptotic behavior of solutions of dissipative wave equations with space–time‐dependent potential. When the potential is only time‐dependent, Fourier analysis is a useful tool to derive sharp decay estimates for solutions. When the potential is only space‐dependent, a powerful technique has been developed by Todorova and Yordanov to capture the exact decay of solutions. The presence of a space–time‐dependent potential, as in our case, requires modifications of this technique. We find the energy decay and decay of the L² norm of solutions in the case of space–time‐dependent potential. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.