Self-similar solutions for a quenching problem with spatially dependent nonlinearity (Q334091)

In this paper, the authors deal with self-similar solutions of the following semilinear parabolic equation, arising in the model of micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS): \[u_t = u_{xx}-\vert x \vert^q u^{-p}, \qquad x \in \mathbb{R}, \; t > 0,\] where \(p > 1\) and \(q > 0\). This leads to the study of the second order ODE \[w'' - \frac{y}{2}w' + \gamma w - y^q w^{-p} = 0, \qquad y > 0,\] where \(y\) is the independent variable and \(\gamma = (1+q/2)/(1+p)\). \par First, a result about the non-existence of slow orbits is proved, for \(\gamma \leq 1/4\), by a Pohozaev-type identity. Second, for \(\gamma > 1/2\) the existence of backward solutions with the desired polynomial growth condition at infinity is shown, by a fixed point argument. Then, a detailed analysis of the behavior of global solutions at the origin is provided (again in the case \(\gamma > 1/2\)) using phase-plane analysis. Finally, as an application of the above results, a uniqueness theorem is established.