Attractors for second order in time non-conservative dynamics with nonlinear damping

Abstract

A long-time behavior of solutions to a nonlinear plate model subject to non-conservative and non-dissipative effects and nonlinear damping is considered. The model under study is a prototype for a suspension bridge under the effects of unstable flow of gas. To counteract the unwanted oscillations a damping mechanism of a nonlinear nature is applied. From the point of view of nonlinear PDEs, we are dealing with a non-dissipative and nonlinear second order in time dynamical system of hyperbolic nature subjected to nonlinear damping. One of the first goals is to establish ultimate dissipativity of all solutions, which will imply an existence of a weak attractor. The combined effects of non-dissipative forcing with nonlinear damping-leading to an overdamping-give rise to major challenges in proving an existence of an absorbing set. Known methods based on equipartition of the energy do not suffice. A rather general novel methodology based on “barrier's” method will be developed to address this and related problems. Ultimately, it will be shown that a weak attractor becomes strong, and the nonlinear PDE system has a coherent finite-dimensional asymptotic behavior.