Theory of causal differential equations (Q1031552)

This book is dedicated to the investigation (existence, uniqueness, dependence, stability, approximation, inequaliltles) of differential equations with causal (abstract Volterra) operators (CDE). In brief, the equations are of the form \[ x'(t)= (Fx)(t), \] where \(F\) stands for a causal operator acting on a convenient function space (for instance, the space of absolutely continuous functions on a certain interval of \(\mathbb R\)). In the special case of Nemytskii operators, i.e., operators representable in the form \((Fx)(t)= f(t,x(t))\), one obtains an ODE. Also, \(F\) can be taylored in such a way to cover delay type equations/operators. Many other types of functional equations belong to the causal type, and the classical Volterra integrodifferential equations constitute another well investigated example. The founders of the theory of CDE were \textit{V. Volterra}, \textit{L. Tonelli} (who in 1928 published the first paper dealing with general causal operators, Bull. Calcuta Math. Soc.), \textit{A. N. Tychonoff} (1938), \textit{A. D. Myshkis} (1952), \textit{N. N. Krasovskii} (1959), \textit{J. K. Hale} (1961) and others. The first books containing the treatment of various problems related to CDE were authored by \textit{L. W. Neustadt} [Optimization. A theory of necessary conditions. Princeton, N. J.: Princeton University Press (1976; Zbl 0353.49003)], \textit{N. V. Azbelev} et al. (Moscow, 1991 and Atlanta 1996), \textit{G. Gripenberg}, \textit{S.-O. Londen} and \textit{O. Staffans} [Volterra integral and functional equations. Encyclopedia of Mathematics and Its Applications, 34. Cambridge etc.: Cambridge University Press (1990; Zbl 0695.45002)], \textit{C. Corduneanu} (Ibidem, 1991; Taylor \& Francis, 2002), \textit{M. Väth} (Marcel Dekker, 1999). The first chapter of the book deals with auxiliary concepts, such as the definition and examples of CDE, fixed point theorems, Banach spaces, measure of noncompactness or nonconvexity. The basic theory of CDE is presented in the second chapter, including global results of existence, continuous dependence of solution with respect to data, flow invariance, variation of parameters in nonlinear case and Sobolev type equations (integral and differential). The third chapter is devoted to theoretical approximation methods, such as lower and upper solutions, monotone iterative methods, quasilinearization and Newton's method. The fourth chapter is about stability theory, the main tool being the comparison method, based on differential inequalities and Lyapunov's functions/functionals. The topics of stability with respect to two measures and vector-valued Lyapunov's functions or cone-valued Lyapunov's functions are also considered. The final chapter treats ``Miscellaneous topics in Causal Systems'' like set valued causal differential equations, causal equations in Banach spaces, fractional CDE, differential systems with retardation and anticipation (also known as equations with deviated argument), neutral differential equations with CDE. The list of references contains 88 items and must be considered as selective, due to the very large number of publications about CDE. The reference under No. 30 should be completed with the name of V. P. Maksimov, because only the initials appear there. The paternity of the results is usually given at the end of every chapter, though not always complete. The book is well written, accessible to students and beginners in the broad field of differential equations, and contains discussions of topics not available in other books dedicated to the subject of functional equations. It represents a good ``bridge'' between classic and modern theory of FDE, in which the unknown depends on a single real variable. It is recommendable to persons (mathematicians, engineers and other types of scientists who use mathematical toools) with a reasonable base in real variables and functional analysis (both linear and nonlinear). Graduate students can also take advantage of it and an introduced to relatively new chapters of the theory of functional equations. Nowadays, the old addage ``Mundum regunt numeri'' should be replaced by ``The world is governed by equations''.