Mixed order systems of ordinary linear differential equations (Q2477864)

The paper deals with systems of higher mixed order differential equations and respective boundary value problems. The possibility of eigenfunction expansions is discussed. The attention is focused on the case when systems have constant coefficients and are equivalent to first order systems. Two problems are treated in particular. The first is the system \[ \eta_2''-\lambda\eta_1+a\eta_2=0,\quad \eta_1'-\lambda\eta_2=0, \] where \(a\in C[0,1]\) and \(\lambda\) is a complex parameter, subject to periodic boundary conditions \(\eta_1(0)=\eta_1(1)\), \(\eta_2(0)=\eta_2(1)\), \(\eta_2'(0)=\eta_2'(1)\). By associating a first order system, the spectrum of the given problem is determined. Then, using asymptotic parameter-linearization, under certain regularity conditions, expansion theorems into eigen- and associated functions of the given problem are obtained. The second problem is given by a system of differential equations governing the motion of a coil spring. Separation of variables leads to a system of three ordinary differential equations of second, fourth and sixth order respectively. The eigenfunction expansions for this system under modified boundary conditions are obtained.