Mathematical validation of a continuum model for relaxation of interacting steps in crystal surfaces in 2 space dimensions (Q2204076)

The paper deals with the mathematical description of the evolution of a crystal surface. Mathematical model originates in the boundary value problem for nonlinear fourth-order partial differential equation in 2D. Physical background is discussed. However, the main attention is devoted to the weak solution of the stationary boundary value problem in 2D. The author proves the existence of weak solution by constructing it as a limit of a sequence of approximate solutions obtained by means of the backward difference method. One of the main tools here is the Leray-Schauder fixed point theorem. The paper also deals with stability of the weak solution.