Existence and stability of entire solutions to a semilinear fourth order elliptic problem (Q656177)

This paper is concerned with existence and stability properties for the semilinear biharmonic equation \(\Delta^2 u=e^u\) in \({\mathbb R}^n\), \(n\geq 1\). The solutions for this equation are also called entire solutions. If \(n=1\) the authors prove that such solutions do not exist. Further, for \(n=2\) it is proved that the equation has no radial entire solutions whereas, if \(n=3,4\) then any radial entire solution is stable outside compact sets of \({\mathbb R}^n\). This result complements those obtained by \textit{G. Warnault} [Asymptotic Anal. 69, No. 1--2, 87--98 (2010; Zbl 1210.35115)] where it is shown that no fully stable solutions exist in the whole \({\mathbb R}^n\) for \(n=2,3,4\). Next, if \(5\leq n\leq 12\) the authors prove that both stable and unstable solutions outside of a compact set may exist while for \(n\geq 13\) all solutions are stable. The analysis emphasizes the rich structure of the equation with respect to the qualitative properties of solutions. The approach of the authors relies on some Hardy-Rellich inequalities for exterior domains combined with fine asymptotics of solutions.