Uniform stabilization of a shallow shell model with nonlinear boundary feedbacks

We consider a dynamic linear shallow shell model, subject to nonlinear dissipation active on a portion of its boundary in physical boundary conditions. Our main result is a uniform stabilization theorem which states a uniform decay rate of the resulting solutions. Mathematically, the motion of a shell is described by a system of two coupled partial differential equations, both of hyperbolic type: (i) an elastic wave in the 2-d inplane displacement, and (ii) a Kirchhoff plate in the scalar normal displacement. These PDEs are defined on a 2-d Riemann manifold. Solution of the uniform stabilization problem for the shell model combines a Riemann geometric approach with microlocal analysis techniques. The former provides an intrinsic, coordinate-free model, as well as a preliminary observability-type inequality. The latter yield sharp trace estimates for the elastic wave—critical for the very solution of the stabilization problem—as well as sharp trace estimates for the Kirchhoff plate—which permit the elimination of geometrical conditions on the controlled portion of the boundary.  2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.