Semigroup methods for evolution equations on networks (Q2434449)

Evolution equations on networks have attracted a lot of interest in the last few decades. On the one hand, the interest arises from various applications in physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. On the other hand, the complexity of problems and the intriguing methods that intertwine discrete and continuous mathematics have also attracted several investigations of a purely abstract nature. Numerous scientific papers treat this topic from different perspectives, but one can say that still no general theory exists. Some different monographs in this field include [\textit{J. E. Lagnese} et al., Modeling, analysis and control of dynamic elastic multi-link structures. Boston, MA: Birkhäuser (1994; Zbl 0810.73004)], [\textit{F. Ali Mehmeti}, Nonlinear waves in networks. Berlin: Akademie Verlag (1994; Zbl 0831.35096)], [\textit{M. Garavello} and \textit{B. Piccoli}, Traffic flow on networks. Springfield, MO: American Institute of Mathematical Sciences (2006; Zbl 1136.90012)], and [\textit{G. Berkolaiko} and \textit{P. Kuchment}, Introduction to Quantum Graphs. Providence, RI: American Mathematical Society (2013; Zbl 1318.81005)]. The book under review uses an operator theoretical approach to study dynamical processes in networks. It first surveys several difference operators on networks, revealing many important graph matrices, those used frequently in the algebraic graph theory, as well as those that are more suitable for applications in analysis. Regarding differential operators, the first and second derivative, and the Dirac operator are introduced. The focus is on linear operators, although also some nonlinear operators appear. A special chapter is devoted to an introduction to the theory of strongly continuous one-parameter operator semigroups, and another one to the special case of analytic semigroups and sesquilinear forms. The mentioned results are applied on the spot to different evolution equations on networks. The majority of the examples arise from diffusion and wave processes. A nice application to neuronal modelling is presented as well. The book ends with a discussion on the so-called symmetry properties, that is, the influence of certain structural regularities of the graph on the behaviour of evolution equations. The book is aimed at researchers and graduate students having some general knowledge in operator theory. It is written in an expository manner, all the necessary theory is well explained and the proofs are mostly omitted with the appropriate references given. There are two appendices containing reminders to basic graph theory and Sobolev spaces, respectively. We believe that it can serve as a textbook for a graduate course, as well as a comprehensive handbook for researchers in the field.