Global \(L^ p\)-properties for the spatially homogeneous Boltzmann equation (Q1110412)

This paper studies the behavior of solutions of the nonlinear, spatially homogeneous Boltzmann equation for a class of collision kernels including inverse \(k^{th}\)-power forces with \(k>5\) and angular cut-off. One of the main results is: If the initial datum \(f_ 0\geq 0\) satisfies \(H(f_ 0)<\infty\), \((1+| v|)^ s\in L^ 1\), \(s\geq 2\), then there is a positive solution \(f\in C^ 1([0,\infty];L^ 1)\) which converges strongly in \(L^ 1\) towards equilibrium. Furthermore, if \(s>2\) and \(\sup_{t}\| (1+| v|)^{\beta}f\|_ p<\infty\), \(\beta =(k-5)/(k-1)\), then this solution converges strongly in \(L^ p\) towards equilibrium. Global boundedness in time for \(L^ p\) moments and translation continuity in \(L^ p\) are treated too. A comparison with earlier results of the same nature is made.