(a) Define the convolution f∗g of two functions. Write down a formula for a solution u:[0,∞)×Rn→R to the initial value problem
∂t∂u−Δu=0
together with the boundary condition
u(0,x)=f(x)
for f a bounded continuous function on Rn. Comment briefly on the uniqueness of the solution.
(b) State and prove the Duhamel principle giving the solution (for t>0 ) to the equation
∂t∂u−Δu=g
together with the boundary condition
u(0,x)=f(x)
in terms of your answer to (a).
(c) Show that if v:[0,∞)×Rn→R is the solution to
∂t∂v−Δv=G
together with the boundary condition
v(0,x)=f(x)
with G(t,x)≤g(t,x) for all (t,x) then v(t,x)≤u(t,x) for all (t,x)∈(0,∞)×Rn.
Finally show that if in addition there exists a point (t0,x0) at which there is strict inequality in the assumption i.e.
G(t0,x0)<g(t0,x0)
then in fact
v(t,x)<u(t,x)
whenever t>t0.