Origins, analysis, numerical analysis, and numerical approximation of a forward-backward parabolic problem (Q4939477)

The authors consider backward-forward parabolic equations, i.e. partial differential equations where in part of the domain the equation has the character of a forward (normal) parabolic/heat equation when one of the variables is considered time-like, and in another part of the domain the same variable has to be considered as time running backwards, as one of the coefficients changes sign. Examples are given where such equations may arise in the modelling of certain systems. The authors then set out to prove existence and uniqueness. These results are further strengthened by a trace theorem fitting for this case. These questions being settled, the paper then treat Galerkin approximations, and for finite element Galerkin methods convergence and convergence rates are proved. The paper ends with some numerical examples, which confirm the predicted convergence rates.