Existence of periodic solutions for second-order differential equations with singularities and the strong force condition (Q819990)

The author considers periodic solutions of a \(T\)-periodically forced equation of the form \[ u''+f(u)u'+g(t,u)=e(t),\tag{1} \] where \(g:{\mathbb R}\times]a,\infty[\to {\mathbb R}\) is singular at \(a\). This type of problems was first investigated by A. C. Lazer and S. Solimini in the case \(f\equiv0\) [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 99, 109--114 (1987; Zbl 0616.34033)]. The author wants to consider a ``repulsive force'', but introduces an assumption more general than the (nonintegrability) ``strong force condition'' introduced by Lazer and Solimini and appearing also in some subsequent papers. Namely, the function \(g(t,u)\) is bounded by a function \(l(u)\) from above so that \[ \int_{r_n}^{r'_n}l(u)du\to-\infty \] for some sequences \(a<r_n<r'_n<1\). A generalized sign condition on \(g(t,u)-\bar e\) (where \(\bar e\) is the mean value of \(e\) over the period \(T\)) is also assumed. The case \(f\equiv0\) is studied in the first place. Then, assuming an Ahmad-Lazer-Paul condition, it is shown that (1) has a sequence \(u_k\) of \(kT\)-periodic solutions with \(\max u_k\) unbounded from above. The proof proceeds by a priori bounds and critical point theory (critical points of saddle type are obtained). In the general case (assuming that \(f\) never vanishes), it is shown that there exists at least one \(T\)-periodic solution of (1). The proof uses continuation, a priori bounds and coincidence degree.