In this talk, we introduce nonlinear diffusion equations with absorption, in the most general form
∂_t(u) = ∆u^m − |x|^σ u^p, for m > 1 and p > 0.
Looking for solutions to the Cauchy problem in a first part of the talk, we give a brief survey of general facts for the previous equation in the case of the spatially homogeneous absorption σ = 0, related to very singular solutions and finite time extinction of solutions: that is, the existence of a time Te ∈ (0, ∞) such that u(t) ≢ 0 for any t ∈ (0, Te), but u(Te) ≡ 0. In the second and more specialized part of the talk, we present some recent results including well-posedness, instantaneous shrinking of the supports of solutions, non-extinction versus extinction depending on the initial condition, and large time behavior for the general equation with σ > 0 and 0 < p < 1, emphasizing on the importance of the critical exponent σ := 2(1 − p)/(m − 1) and its influence on the dynamics of the equation.
Joint work with Philippe Laurençot (Univ. de Savoie, Chambéry) and Ariel Sánchez (Univ. Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid).