On multiple solutions of a nonautonomous boundary value problem (Q1381602)

The authors consider the nonautonomous equation \[ (y(f'/y))'+ Q(f(f'/y)'- y(f'/y)^2)= p\cdot y\tag{1} \] subject to the boundary conditions \[ f(0)= f(1)= 0,\quad \lim_{y\to 0^+} (f'/y)'= \lim_{y\to 1^-} (f'/y)'- 1= 0.\tag{2} \] This problem arises from the study of some physical processes. An \(n\)-cell solution means that the first derivative of the solution changes sign \(n-1\) times in \((0,1)\). The following results are obtained: Theorem A. The problem (1), (2) possesses exactly eight different types of solutions. Theorem B. For sufficiently large \(Q> 0\), the problem (1), (2) possesses at least four different types of solutions.