Partial Differential Equations with Variable Exponents: Variational Methods and Qualitative Analysis provides researchers and graduate students with a thorough introduction to the theory of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) with a variable exponent, particularly those of elliptic type. The book presents the most important variational methods for elliptic PDEs described by nonhomogeneous differential operators and containing one or more power-type nonlinearities with a variable exponent. The authors give a systematic treatment of the basic mathematical theory and constructive methods for these classes of nonlinear elliptic equations as well as their applications to various processes arising in the applied sciences. The analysis developed in the book is based on the notion of a generalized or weak solution. This approach leads not only to the fundamental results of existence and multiplicity of weak solutions but also to several qualitative properties, including spectral analysis, bifurcation, and asymptotic analysis. The book examines the equations from different points of view while using the calculus of variations as the unifying theme. Readers will see how all of these diverse topics are connected to other important parts of mathematics, including topology, differential geometry, mathematical physics, and potential theory.

This book emphasizes those basic abstract methods and theories that are useful in the study of nonlinear boundary value problems. The content is developed over six chapters, providing a thorough introduction to the techniques used in the variational and topological analysis of nonlinear boundary value problems described by stationary differential operators. The authors give a systematic treatment of the basic mathematical theory and constructive methods for these classes of nonlinear equations as well as their applications to various processes arising in the applied sciences. They show how these diverse topics are connected to other important parts of mathematics, including topology, functional analysis, mathematical physics, and potential theory. Throughout the book a nice balance is maintained between rigorous mathematics and physical applications. The primary readership includes graduate students and researchers in pure and applied nonlinear analysis.