A Comparison of Classical and Modern Methods for Ordinary Differential Equations

Stuart Hastings
University of Pittsburgh, USA
Mon 14 Oct 2013 2-3pm, Carslaw 829 (AGR)

Abstract

A year ago Bryce McLeod (Emeritus, Univ Pittsburgh) and I published a book, Classical Methods in Ordinary Differential Equations, in which we argue that standard ode methods often have some advantages over more sophisticated techniques, such as functional analysis, calculus of variations, and dynamical systems, in the study of boundary value problems for ODE’s. In this talk, I will give several examples. In each case I will introduce the problem and describe two or three methods which have been used to prove existence of a solution. Of course, one of these methods will be a “classical” approach. I hope that the talk will be accessible to a general audience that includes graduate students.

Check also the PDE Seminar page. Enquiries to Florica Cîrstea or Daniel Daners.