Variational solutions to nonlinear diffusion equations with singular diffusivity (Q2247894)

The paper is devoted to the study of existence of a solution to a nonlinear diffusion equation with a multivalued time-dependent nonlinearity, whose potential is not coercive. In particular, this model describes self-organized criticality processes. The proof relies on a variational principle, by which the nonlinear equation is reformulated as a minimization problem of an appropriate functional defined on the basis on the potential and its conjugate. This provides a generalized solution to the nonlinear equation. In the non-coercive case, this assertion depends on the validity of a certain relation between the solution and the nonlinearity. A sufficient condition for this relation is given. Finally, the existence of a solution for a particular equation describing a self-organized criticality model is discussed. The results are useful in the study of inverse problems, optimal control and optimization of processes obeying this type of dynamics.