Weighted \(L^2\)-estimates for dissipative wave equations with variable coefficients (Q1022936)

The authors prove more precise weighted \(L^2\)-estimates for the solution of the Cauchy problem to the wave equation with variable damping \(u_{tt}-\Delta u+a(x)u_t=0\) in \(\mathbb R^{+}\times\mathbb R^n,\) where positive coefficient \(a(x)\) satisfies some growth and smooth assumptions. These estimates imply the polynomial decay rate of weighted norms and exponential decay rate of the energy restricted on bounded regions.