Interface logistic problems: Large diffusion and singular perturbation results

Abstract

In this work we consider an interface logistic problem where two populations live in two different regions, separated by a membrane or interface where it happens an interchange of flux. Thus, the two populations only interact or are coupled through such a membrane where we impose the so-called Kedem–Katchalsky boundary conditions. For this particular scenario we analyse the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions depending on the parameters involved in the system, obtaining interesting results where one can see for the first time the effect of the membrane under such boundary conditions. To do so, we first ascertain the asymptotic behaviour of several linear and nonlinear problems for which we include a diffusion coefficient and analyse the behaviour of the solutions when such a diffusion parameter goes to zero or infinity. Despite their own interest, since these asymptotic results have never been studied before, they will be crucial in analysing the existence and uniqueness for the main interface logistic problems under analysis. Finally, we apply such an asymptotic analysis to characterize the existence of solutions in terms of the growth rate of the populations, when both populations possess the same growth rate and, also, when they depend on different parameters.