Towards a ``Matrix theory'' for unbounded operator matrices (Q1120110)

Consider \(2\times2\) block operator matrices \(\mathfrak A = \left[ \begin{matrix} A & B \\ C & D \end{matrix} \right]\), acting on the direct sum \(E \times F\) of Banach spaces \(E\), \(F\). The operators \(A\), \(B\), \(C\), \(D\) are linear but not necessarily bounded. Under certain assumptions (\(A\) and \(D\) have non-empty resolvent sets, \(B\) is relatively \(D\)-bounded, \(C\) is relatively \(A\)-bounded and the whole matrix \(A\) is a closed operator) the invertibility and spectrum of \(\mathfrak A\) are studied. Also, criteria are given for the operator matrix \(\left[ \begin{matrix} A & B \\ 0 & D\end{matrix} \right]\) to be generator of a semigroup, or generator of an analytic semigroup. Typical applications involve operator matrices of the form \(\left[ \begin{matrix} a & \delta_0 \\ c & d/dx \end{matrix} \right]\), where \(\delta_0\) is the Dirac measure at 0. Another application considered in the paper is the operator \[ \left[ \begin{matrix} \Delta_ n + \text{grad.div} & \text{grad} & \text{grad} \\ \text{div} & \Delta & 0 \\ \text{div} & 0 & 0 \end{matrix} \right], \] which is the linearization of equations describing the flow of viscous compressible and heat conducting fluids.