Topological degree and a nonlinear Dirichlet problem. (Q1400257)

The author studies the existence of multiple solutions to a Dirichlet boundary value problem of the form \(-u''(t)=g(u(t))-\lambda f(t), \quad u(0)=u(1)=0\), where \(\lambda >0\), the function \(f\) is non-negative and increasing and \(f(0)>0\). Moreover, together with other technical assumptions, it is required that \(g\) is positive and monotone in a neighbourhood of \(\pm \infty\) and superlinear. The main result has three statements. It is proved that, for \(\lambda\) sufficiently large, there is (are) at least one (three, and four, respectively) solution(s) to the given problem which enjoy some prescribed nodal properties. The proof is performed by means of the well-known technique based on the use of Rabinowitz's bifurcation theorem. For a very general result that guarantees the existence of solution branches on which nodal properties are preserved, see, e.g., \textit{T. J. Healey} and \textit{H. Kielhöfer} [Nonlinear Anal., Theory Methods Appl. 21, No. 9, 665--684 (1993; Zbl 0900.35047)].