Neumann boundary value problems with singularities in a phase variable (Q1779979)

This paper deals with a boundary value problem of the form \[ (g(u'))'=f(t,u,u'), \quad u'(0)=0=u'(T), \] where \(f\) is Carathéodory and may be singular in the second phase variable in the following sense: \(\lim_{y \to 0^+}| f(t,x,y)| =+\infty\) for a.e. \(t\in [0,T]\) and for every \(x\neq \alpha(t)\), where \(\alpha\) is a continuous decreasing function such that \(f(t,\alpha(t),y)=0\) for a.e. \(t\in J\) and for all \(y\in(0,+\infty)\). The function \(g\) is increasing and such that \(g(0)=0\), and \(\lim_{u \to +\infty} g(u)=+\infty\). Sufficient conditions are given which guarantee the existence of at least one solution such that \(u'(t)>0\) for all \(t\). An example of an equation satisfying the assumptions is \[ ((u')^p)'=r(t)(\alpha(t)-x)^{2n-1} \biggl((u')^{\gamma}+{{m}\over {(u')^{\rho}}}\biggr), \] where \(r\in L^1(0,T)\), \(0\leq a \leq r(t) \leq b\) for a.e. \(t\in [0,T]\), \(p,\gamma, \rho, m\) are positive constants such that \(\rho<p\), \(1+p-\gamma>0\) and \(n\in {\mathbb N}\). The proof is performed by a continuation argument (in the framework of topological transversality theory). Results in the derivative-dependent case, in the framework of the upper-lower solution method, can be found (together with those cited by the authors) in the work by \textit{M. Cherpion, C. De Coster} and \textit{P. Habets} [Appl. Math. Comput. 123, No. 1, 75--91 (2001; Zbl 1024.65063)].