Lp theory for the multidimensional aggregation equation

We consider well‐posedness of the aggregation equation ∂_tu + div(uv) = 0, v = −▿K * u with initial data in \input amssym ${\cal P}_2 {\rm (\Bbb R}^d {\rm )} \cap L^p ({\Bbb R}^d )$ in dimensions 2 and higher. We consider radially symmetric kernels where the singularity at the origin is of order |x|^α, α > 2 − d, and prove local well‐posedness in \input amssym ${\cal P}_2 { (\Bbb R}^d {\rm )} \cap L^p ({\Bbb R}^d )$ for sufficiently large p < p_s. In the special case of K(x) = |x|, the exponent p_s = d/(d = 1) is sharp for local well‐posedness in that solutions can instantaneously concentrate mass for initial data in \input amssym ${\cal P}_2 { (\Bbb R}^d {\rm )} \cap L^p ({\Bbb R}^d )$ with p < p_s. We also give an Osgood condition on the potential K(x) that guarantees global existence and uniqueness in \input amssym ${\cal P}_2 { (\Bbb R}^d {\rm )} \cap L^p ({\Bbb R}^d )$ . © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.