Sturm-Liouville matrix differential systems with singular leading coefficient (Q2362881): Difference between revisions

The paper concerns the existence theory and spectral properties of the general matrix Sturm-Liouville equation in the following form \[ \sum_{j = 0}^n (-1)^j (R_j(t) y^{(j)})^{(j)} = 0, \quad t \in [a, b] \subseteq \mathbb R, \tag{SL} \] where \(n, m \in \mathbb N\), \(y : [a, b] \to \mathbb R^m\), the coefficients \(R_j(t)\), \(j \in \{ 0, 1, \dots, n \}\), are real, symmetric and piecewise continuous \(m \times m\) matrix functions on \([a, b]\). The leading coefficient \(R_1(t)\) is allowed to be singular throughout the interval \([a, b]\), so equation (SL) corresponds to a system of Sturm-Liouville equations with different orders. The authors define the so-called normal form of equation (SL), and prove that (SL) in the normal form can be transformed into a controllable linear Hamiltonian system. Consequently, global existence and uniqueness of the corresponding initial value problem solution are obtained. For the associated eigenvalue problem with the Dirichlet boundary conditions, the authors prove the equality of the geometrical and algebraic multiplicities of the eigenvalues, the oscillation theorem, Rayleigh's principle and the Fourier expansion theorem. In addition, sufficient conditions are obtained, which allow to reduce a general equation (SL) into the normal form. The developed theory is illustrated by many examples.