On fundamental systems for differential equations of Kamke type (Q1896777)

A biorthogonality relation is established for fundamental systems of differential equations of the form \(N(y)= \lambda P(y)\), where \(N\) and \(P\) are ordinary linear differential operators on \([0, 1]\) of order \(n\) and \(p\), respectively, with \(n> p\geq 0\). This relation is described by a recursion in terms of the coefficients of the differential equation and is analyzed in greater detail. The results are used to construct asymptotic fundamental systems for the formally adjoint differential equation related to \(N(y)= \lambda P(y)\). Moreover, they can be used to prove expansion theorems for boundary eigenvalue problems related to differential equations \(N(y)= \lambda P(y)\). As an example, one of the most important equations in hydromechanics, the Orr-Sommerfeld equation, is studied.