Loss of positivity in a nonlinear scalar heat equation (Q2433295)

This paper deals with a boundary value problem of the form \[ -u''=f(t,u), \, 0<t<1, \, u'(0)=0,\quad u(\eta)+\beta u'(1)=0, \] where \(\eta \in [0,1], \beta >0\) and \(f\) is a nonnegative function. It is investigated the existence of positive solutions; in particular, the authors are concerned with the problem of the lack of positive solutions when \(\beta\) decreases. It is first proved a result on the existence of one or two solutions, positive in the interval \([0,b]\), being \(\eta < b < \eta + \beta < 1\). Secondly, sufficient conditions on \(f\) and \(\beta, \eta\) are given which guarantee that all solutions are positive in \([0,1]\). Finally, a uniqueness result is obtained in case that \(f\) is strictly decreasing in the second variable. The proof is performed in the framework of fixed-point index theory in cones; in particular, the given BVP is treated as a Hammerstein integral equation with sign-changing kernel.