Multiplicity results for asymptotically linear equations, using the rotation number approach (Q2462204)

The authors consider a boundary value problem of the form \[ u''+f(t,u)=0, u(0)=0=u(T), \] where \(f[0,T]\times {\mathbb R} \to {\mathbb R}\) satisfies the Carathéodory conditions and is asymptotically linear in a neighbourhood of the origin and at infinity. For the two-point BVP associated to the auxiliary linear equation of the form \(u''+\lambda \phi(t)u=0\), they use the concept of weighted eigenvalue \(\lambda(\phi),\) i.e. the value of \(\lambda\) for which the auxiliary linear BVP has a solution not identically zero. Using this concept, a multiplicity result for the given nonlinear problem is stated and proved. Multiplicity is described in terms of the nodal properties of the solutions. The proofs are performed in the framework of the topological methods; more precisely, it is used an abstract continuation theorem [on the lines of the work by \textit{J. Mawhin, C. Rebelo} and \textit{F. Zanolin}, Commun. Contemp. Math. 2, No. 1, 87--126 (2000; Zbl 0963.34027)] and the concept of rotation number.