Quadratic Eigenvalue Problems for Second Order Systems

Abstract

We consider the spectral structure of a quadratic second order system boundary-value problem. In particular we show that all but a finite number of the eigenvalues are real and semi-simple. We develop the eigencurve theory for these problems and show that the order of contact between an eigencurve and the parabola gives the Jordan chain associated with the eigenvector corresponding to that eigencurve. Following this we use our knowledge of the eigencurves to obtain eigenvalue asymptotics. Finally the completeness of the eigenfunctions is studied using operator matrix techniques. It should be noted here that the usual left definiteness assumptions have been overcome in this study.