Linear wave equations with time-dependent propagation speed and strong damping (Q890208)

The authors consider the second-order linear evolution equation \[ u''(t)+\lambda A^\sigma u'(t)+ c(t)\,Au(t)= 0,\;u(0)= u_0,\;u'(0)= u_1, \] where \(0\leq\sigma\leq 1\), \(\lambda>0\), and \(A\) is a selfadjoint linear operator on a Hilbert space, basis example being \(A=-\Delta\) in \(\mathbb{R}^n\). When \(\lambda=0\), the well-posedness of the problem depends on the regularity of \(c(t)\). Namely, according to the well-known result of \textit{P. Colombini} et al. [Ann. Sc. Norm. Super. Pisa, Cl. Sci., IV. Ser. 6, 511--559 (1979; Zbl 0417.35049)] for the strictly hyperbolic case, if \(c(t)\) is Hölder continuous, then we have well-posedness in suitable Gevrey spaces. On the other hand, when \(\lambda\neq 0\) and \(c(t)=\mathrm{const}> 0\), the problem can be studied in terms of semigroup theory. In the present paper the authors carry out a very detailed analysis of the general case, for different values of the dissipative parameter \(\sigma\), \(0\leq \sigma\leq 1\). In short: when \(\sigma>1/2\), the dissipation prevails, and the results are the same as for \(c(t)=\mathrm{const}\), whereas for \(\sigma\leq 1/2\) the Hölder regularity of \(c(t)\) may play a role.