Loewy decomposition of linear differential equations (Q428467)

Since the first contact with polynomial equations it becomes evident that the resolution of systems of such equations is equivalent to the decomposition of the correspondent polynomials into factors of lower degree. This idea of factorization is also a key strategy for solving differential equations, and differential algebra gives the adequate framework for addressing this problem: rather than treat directly the equations it is more adequate to consider the differential operators as elements of a suitable ring as well as the ideals generated by them. In this context, Loewy has recognized that a new concept, called complete reducibility, was imposed to the natural notion of reducibility, and has obtained a unique decomposition of any ordinary differential operator into completely reducible components of highest order possible. This book pretends to highlight the re-interest on solving differential equations, emphasizing the original contribution of Loewy for this problem. Indeed, this monograph pretends to describe the start point for developing a systematic way for solving linear partial differential equations (PDE's) based on the Loewy's decomposition method, working in an proper ring of differential operators and including algorithmic alternatives for several problems considered in classic literature. It treats exhaustively linear ordinary differential operators and the case of partial differential operators in two independent variables of order smaller than four and shows directions to extend the results to higher order. However, the author also draws attention to the problem of decidability of the existence of factorization in certain cases, showing the need for the development of more advanced techniques to overcome this question. Since the calculations involved are usually too complex, the author has also developed a computer algebra software -- ALLTYPES -- that is introduced in this monograph. The book starts with a presentation of the original results of Loewy for decomposing ordinary differential operators, including a detailed exposition of its applications to operators of order two and three. The second Chapter is dedicated to establish the terminology and basic properties of the rings of partial differential operators, the right framework to support systematic generalizations. In Chapter 3 the natural extension of Loewy's theory for systems of linear PDE's with finite-dimensional solution space is presented. The case of such systems of order not higher than three is also discussed. Chapters 4 and 6 are used to apply Loewy's results to linear PDE's of second and third order in two independent variables, respectively, presenting an algorithmical approach to various ad hoc results available in the literature. Chapters 5 and 7 apply, respectively, the results of Chapters 4 and 6 for solving second and third order homogeneous equations. It follows a summary of the results presented in the book and several possible extensions are outlined. Each chapter includes a list of exercises whose solutions are presented in Appendix A, greatly contributing to the reader's better understanding of the theory exposed. Appendix B is dedicated to describe in detail solutions of Riccati equations and some generalizations, since they were the base point to develop several of the algorithms obtained. It also includes appendices dedicated to Laplace's method and to the special case of equations with Lie symmetries. The book finishes with an appendix containing a short introduction to the ALLTYPES software. In short, this monograph is truly a guide book for the problem of decomposing differential operators, written in a very clear and objective language, and providing the necessary tools towards more general problems.