Asymptotics via iterated Mellin-Barnes integrals: Application to the generalised Faxén integral (Q1383109)

Integrals are considered of the form \(I(\lambda;c_1,c_2,\ldots,c_k)=\int_0^\infty \exp[-\lambda(x^\mu+\sum_{r=1}^k c_rx^{m_r})] dx,\) where \(\mu>m_1>m_2>\cdots>m_k>0\). The paper concentrates on obtaining asymptotic expansions for large values of \(\lambda\), in a sector that is defined in terms of the quantities \(c_r, m_r\) and \(\mu\). Also small-\(\lambda\) expansions are given. The method is based on substituting each factor \(\exp(-\lambda c_rx^{m_r})\) by a Mellin-Barnes representation. The resulting \(k\)-fold integral is then expanded as a residue series. Order estimates are provided and the accuracy of the expansions is illustrated by numerical examples.