Homogenization of a Poisson boundary value problem in a plane thick two-level junction (Q2467906)

The paper deals with the asymptotic behavior as \(\varepsilon\rightarrow0\) of solutions to a mixed boundary value problem for the Poisson equation on a two-level junction \(\Omega_{\varepsilon}.\) A thick multi-level junction is the union of a domain \(\Omega_{0}\) and a large number \(N\) of thin domains with variable thickness of order \(\varepsilon=O(N^{-1}).\) Thin domains are divided into a finite number of levels depending on their length; thin domains at different levels are \(\varepsilon\)-periodically alternated along a certain manifold in the joint zone. Such junctions are prototypes of engineering constructions like long bridges on supports or industrial installations. In this paper, Robin boundary conditions are given on the boundaries of thin rods, periodic conditions on the vertical sides of \(\Omega_{0},\) and the Neumann condition on the rest of the boundary \(\partial\Omega_{\varepsilon}.\) Since traditional homogenization techniques are not applicable to thick junctions, a new scheme for constructing extension operators is suggested, the convergence theorem is stated, and the sketch of the proof is provided.