Linear differential-algebraic equations with properly stated leading term: regular points (Q855443)

The authors consider time-varying linear differential algebraic equations (DAEs) of the form \[ A(t)(D(t)x(t))' + B(t)x(t) = q(t), \quad t\in J, \] where \(A(\cdot), D(\cdot)\) and \(B(\cdot)\) are continuous matrix functions of appropriate dimensions defined on some interval \(J\). The paper gives an overview of known results on this topic such as the concept of properly stated leading terms, regularity, tractability index, and decoupling. Nice and algebraically nice DAEs are defined; this generalizes DAEs with properly stated leading terms. By considering a sufficiently small environment of \(t\in J\), these concepts are also defined locally. The main contribution of the paper is, roughly speaking, that the local properties can be extended to a maximal interval, where the corresponding property holds. Clearly, this yields a set of critical points which are crucial for the overall analysis of the DAE. This issue is dealt with in a forthcoming paper by the same authors. Finally, an electrical circuit is given as an example, where the concepts defined are illustrated.