Positive Solutions for a Singular Elliptic Equation Arising in a Theory of Thermal Explosion

Abstract

In this paper, the thermal explosion model described by a nonlinear boundary value problem is studied. Firstly, we prove the comparison principle under nonlinear boundary conditions. Secondly, using the sub-super solution theorem, we prove the existence of a positive solution for the case K(x)>0, as well as the monotonicity of the maximal solution on parameter λ. Thirdly, the uniqueness of the solution for K(x)0 is proved, as well as the monotonicity of the solutions on parameter λ. Finally, we obtain some new results for the existence of solutions, and the dependence on the λ for the case K(x) is sign-changing.

Keywords

• model of thermal explosion
• uniqueness
• subsolution and supersolution
• the comparison principle