Second order linear Volterra integrodifferential equations (Q1916036)

The author studies the existence of mild and classical solutions of the Volterra integro-ordinary differential equation \[ u''(t) = Au(t) + \int^t_0 B(t - s) u(s) ds + f(t), \quad t \in [0,T], \tag{*} \] with initial condition \(u(0) = x\) and \(u'(0) = y\). Here \(A\) is a closed operator in a Banach space \(X\) and it satisfies the usual growth conditions characterizing the generator of a cosine family, but its domain \(D(A)\) need not be dense. The family \(B(t)\) consists of bounded linear operators from \(D(A)\) to \(X\) and it is locally of strong bounded variation. The main result proves the existence of a resolvent operator (a fundamental solution), by means of which the solution of \((*)\) can be found and studied. The theory is applied to an integro-partial differential equation from linear viscoelasticity.