Skip to main content
Article
Delay partial differential equations
Scholarpedia (2008)
  • Barbara Zubik-Kowal, Boise State University
Abstract
A delay partial differential equation (DPDE) is an equation which involves: (1) at least two independent variables, (2) an unknown function of the independent variables, (3) the behavior of the unknown function at some prior value(s) of the independent variable(s), (4) partial derivative(s) of the unknown function with respect to the independent variable(s). Therefore, a delay partial differential equation differs from a partial differential equation in that it depends not only on the solution at a present stage but also on the solution at some past stage(s). If, additionally, the equation depends on the derivative(s) of the solution at some past stage(s), then it is a neutral delay partial differential equation. Delay partial differential equations are also called partial functional differential equations as their unknown solutions are used in these equations as functional arguments.
Keywords
  • Partial Differential Equations,
  • Time Delays,
  • Neutral Delay Differential Equations,
  • General Functional Equations
Publication Date
2008
Citation Information
Barbara Zubik-Kowal. "Delay partial differential equations" Scholarpedia Vol. 3 Iss. 4 (2008)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/barbara_zubik_kowal/3/