Global solution of a nonlinear string equation (Q1900338)

The author studies the nonlinear equation \[ w_{tt} (x, t)- \Biggl(\lambda+ {2\over \pi} \int^\pi_0 w^2_x(x, t)dx\Biggr) w_{xx}(x, t)= P(x)\tag{1} \] on the interval \(0\leq x\leq \pi\), with \(\lambda< 0\), given the boundary conditions \(w(0, t)= w(\pi, t)= 0\) and the initial conditions \(w(x, 0)= f(x)\), \(w_t(x, 0)= g(x)\). A solution in the form \(w(x, t)= \sum^\infty_{j= 1} T_j(t)\sin jx\) is searched, and the global existence of a weak solution with \(\lambda< 0\) and \(P\not\equiv 0\) is shown, provided the initial data are sufficiently close to the tensile equilibrium solution of (1). Finally, the author shows that only one such solution exists.