A nonlinear stability theory for a third-order evolution equation (Q802849)

The motion of a thin liquid film along an inclined plane is governed by third-order equations of the form \[ u_ t+f(x,u)+g(x,u)u_ x+h(x,u)u_{xx}=\epsilon^ 2u_{xxx}\quad (0<x<1,\quad t>0), \] \[ u(0,t)=A,\quad u(1,t)=B,\quad u_ x(0,t)=C\quad (t>0);\quad u(x,0)=\phi (x)\quad (0<x<1), \] where \(\epsilon\) is a small parameter. Assuming the existence of a smooth steady-state solution, the author provides sufficient conditions for its asymptotic stability. Special attention is given to the case where the steady state exhibits boundary layer behavior. Various examples are discussed to illustrate the abstract conditions. All results presented rely on the construction of exponentially decaying (in time) barrier functions, and on a third-order comparison principle of Nagumo-Westphal type.