Approximation of linear age-structured population models using Legendre polynomials (Q1323121)

The authors consider the first order hyperbolic equation \((\partial l/ \partial t) + (\partial l/ \partial a) = - \mu l\), \(l(t,0) = F(l(t,0))\), \(l(0,a) = \varphi (a)\), as a model for age-structured population models. The numerical algorithm is based on approximate age distributions using modified Legendre polynomials and uses the Trotter-Kato semigroup approach for the corresponding Cauchy problem. This method permits unbounded nonintegrable mortality rates. The structure of the algorithm is considered and numerical results presented.