On a Variational Approach to some Quasilinear Problems

We prove some multiplicity results concerning quasilinear elliptic equations with natural growth conditions. Techniques of nonsmooth critical point theory are employed.

On a Class of Elliptic Equations for the N-Laplacian in R^n with One-Sided Exponential Growth

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 35J40, 49J52, 49J40, 46E30

On (p, q) − equations with concave terms

We consider a (p, q)− equation (1 < q < p, p ≥ 2) with a parametric concave term and a (p − 1)− linear perturbation. We show that the problem have five nontrivial smooth solutions: four of constant sign and the fifth nodal. When q = 2 (i.e., (p, 2) equation) we show that the problem has six nontrivial smooth solutions, but we do not specify the sign of the sixth solution. Our approach uses variational methods, together with truncation and comparison techniques and Morse theory.

The Herglotz variational problem on spheres and its optimal control approach

The main goal of this paper is to extend the generalized variational problem of Herglotz type to the more general context of the Euclidean sphere S^n. Motivated by classical results on Euclidean spaces, we derive the generalized Euler-Lagrange equation for the corresponding variational problem defined on the Riemannian manifold S^n. Moreover, the problem is formulated from an optimal control point of view and it is proved that the Euler-Lagrange equation can be obtained from the Hamiltonian equations. It is also highlighted the geodesic problem on spheres as a particular case of the generalized Herglotz problem.

Higher-order variational problems of Herglotz type

We obtain a generalized Euler–Lagrange differential equation and transversality optimality conditions for Herglotz-type higher-order variational problems. Illustrative examples of the new results are given.

Effective Cell-Centred Time-Domain Maxwell's Equations Numerical Solvers

This research work analyses techniques for implementing a cell-centred finite-volume time-domain (ccFV-TD) computational methodology for the purpose of studying microwave heating. Various state-of-the-art spatial and temporal discretisation methods employed to solve Maxwell's equations on multidimensional structured grid networks are investigated, and the dispersive and dissipative errors inherent in those techniques examined. Both staggered and unstaggered grid approaches are considered. Upwind schemes using a Riemann solver and intensity vector splitting are studied and evaluated. Staggered and unstaggered Leapfrog and Runge-Kutta time integration methods are analysed in terms of phase and amplitude error to identify which method is the most accurate and efficient for simulating microwave heating processes. The implementation and migration of typical electromagnetic boundary conditions. from staggered in space to cell-centred approaches also is deliberated. In particular, an existing perfectly matched layer absorbing boundary methodology is adapted to formulate a new cell-centred boundary implementation for the ccFV-TD solvers. Finally for microwave heating purposes, a comparison of analytical and numerical results for standard case studies in rectangular waveguides allows the accuracy of the developed methods to be assessed.

Some Remarks on the Approximation of Transitional Density in Stochastic Differential Equations

Aijt-Sahalia (2002) introduced a method to estimate transitional probability densities of di®usion processes by means of Hermite expansions with coe±cients determined by means of Taylor series. This note describes a numerical procedure to ¯nd these coe±cients based on the calculation of moments. One advantage of this procedure is that it can be used e®ectively when the mathematical operations required to ¯nd closed-form expressions for these coe±cients are otherwise infeasible.

Constructive development of the solutions of linear equations in introductory ordinary differential equations

The solution of linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is commonly taught in first year undergraduate mathematics classrooms, but the understanding of the concept of a solution is not always grasped by students until much later. Recognising what it is to be a solution of a linear ODE and how to postulate such solutions, without resorting to tables of solutions, is an important skill for students to carry with them to advanced studies in mathematics. In this study we describe a teaching and learning strategy that replaces the traditional algorithmic, transmission presentation style for solving ODEs with a constructive, discovery based approach where students employ their existing skills as a framework for constructing the solutions of first and second order linear ODEs. We elaborate on how the strategy was implemented and discuss the resulting impact on a first year undergraduate class. Finally we propose further improvements to the strategy as well as suggesting other topics which could be taught in a similar manner.

Numerical methods for fractional partial differential equations with Riesz space fractional derivatives

In this paper, we consider the numerical solution of a fractional partial differential equation with Riesz space fractional derivatives (FPDE-RSFD) on a finite domain. Two types of FPDE-RSFD are considered: the Riesz fractional diffusion equation (RFDE) and the Riesz fractional advection–dispersion equation (RFADE). The RFDE is obtained from the standard diffusion equation by replacing the second-order space derivative with the Riesz fractional derivative of order αset membership, variant(1,2]. The RFADE is obtained from the standard advection–dispersion equation by replacing the first-order and second-order space derivatives with the Riesz fractional derivatives of order βset membership, variant(0,1) and of order αset membership, variant(1,2], respectively. Firstly, analytic solutions of both the RFDE and RFADE are derived. Secondly, three numerical methods are provided to deal with the Riesz space fractional derivatives, namely, the L1/L2-approximation method, the standard/shifted Grünwald method, and the matrix transform method (MTM). Thirdly, the RFDE and RFADE are transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations, which is then solved by the method of lines. Finally, numerical results are given, which demonstrate the effectiveness and convergence of the three numerical methods.