Stability theory for dynamic equations on time scales (Q737327)

The respective theories of discrete and continuous dynamical systems are known for a large overlap in the sense that various continuous time results have their counterpart in the discrete case vice versa, with basically parallel proofs. Unifying these two cases within one calculus was the motivation for \textit{S. Hilgers}' PhD thesis [Ein Maßkettenkalkül mit Anwendung auf Zentrumsmannigfaltigkeiten. Würzburg: Univ. Würzburg (1988; Zbl 0695.34001)]. This thesis contains a topological linearization result in the presence of a center manifold being valid both in discrete and in continuous time. As a preparation, Hilger developed a calculus allowing to treat ordinary differential equations and difference equations simultaneously, which led to the concept of dynamic equations on time scales. The mentioned topological linearization result set a high standard for the things to come and in particular for the development of a stability theory for dynamic equations. After meanwhile 25 years, the book at hand is the first monograph devoted to this specific subject. Considering the present state and amount of the research literature, this timing is well chosen. Chapter 1 gives an introduction into the calculus on time scales, which allows to unify difference operators with the usual real derivative. Both the delta derivative (forward differences), as well as the nabla derivative (backward differences) are considered and unified in terms of the so-called diamond-alpha-derivative. For proofs the reader is referred to the literature. Chapter 2 begins with time scale counterparts to the inequalities of Gronwall, Stakhurskaya and their consequences. Section 2.2 is devoted to dynamic equations on time scales -- however under rather unusual conditions. The assumption \(H_4\) on p.~38 requires positive graininess and therefore rules out applications to differential equations, while the ``regressivity'' condition \(H_2\) will not provide existence of backward solutions and should be replaced by the invertibility of \(I+\mu(t)f(t,\cdot)\), where \(I\) denotes the identity mapping on \({\mathbb R}^n\). For linear dynamic equations, one finds the usual criteria for stability in terms of a bounded transition matrix, as well as elements of a Floquet theory. Nonlinear equations are tackled under growth conditions for the right-hand side and also semilinear equations are investigated. Finally, perturbation classes are briefly discussed, which do not affect the stability of semilinear problems. The theory of Lyapunov functions is developed in Chapter 3. Again, a nonsensical regressivity condition (\(H_2\) in p.~86) is assumed throughout. Preliminary results tackle local existence and uniqueness, whose interesting proof based on the time scales induction principle is left out. Stability of linear nonautonomous systems is described in terms of quadratic Lyapunov functions and one also finds converse theorems. The Section 3.5 on ``Stability Under Structural Perturbations'' again supposes a positive graininess (denoted ``granularity'' here) and therefore again addresses difference equations only. One finds a section on so-called ``polydynamics'' where dynamic equations with the diamond-alpha-derivative are considered. The comparison method is discussed in Chapter 4. It relies on vector- and matrix-valued Lyapunov functions. Further topics tackle the stability of conditionally invariant sets, stability with respect to two measures, as well as stability of a dynamic graph. The final Chapter 5 is entitled ``Applications''. This means that the usual derivative in various well-known ODE models (neuron networks, a Volterra predator-prey model, an oscillator) is replaced by the delta derivative. It is not clear to the reviewer how this procedure can be motivated from the corresponding applications. A bibliography consisting of about 110 references closes the monograph. In conclusion, there is a certain redundancy throughout the book. For instance, stability notions are defined in Chapter 2 (p.~38, p.~45) and Chapter 3 (p.~139). Also its organization is not always transparent (results on existence and uniqueness of solutions should precede stability definitions). Moreover, for many results it is not clear why regressivity (invertibility) is assumed. Furthermore, several central aspects of stability theory are simply missing. They reach from rather elementary and essential facts, like a characterization of stability by means of the spectrum of linear autonomous systems or stability criteria based on linearization, to dichotomies, invariant manifolds and the Pliss reduction principle. Unfortunately, inaccuracies can be found throughout: Some of them are serious (meaningless regressivity conditions), some of minor importance (there is no need to attribute the chain rule -- indeed the mean value theorem! -- from Theorem 1.2.5 to Keller, or references to non existing theorems). In summary, it is to be hoped that a publisher like Birkhäuser returns to a more careful refereeing and translation process.