Local and Global Existence for an Aggregation Equation

The purpose of this work is to develop a satisfactory existence theory for a general class of aggregation equations. An aggregation equation is a non-linear, non-local partial differential equation that is a regularization of a backward diffusion process. The non-locality arises via convolution with a potential. Depending on how regular the potential is, we prove either local or global existence for the solutions. Aggregation equations have been used recently to model the dynamics of populations in which the individuals attract each other (Bodnar and Velazquez, 2005 Bodnar , M. , Velazquez , J. J. L. ( 2005 ). Derivation of macroscopic equations for individual cell-based models: a formal approach . Math. Methods Appl. Sci. 28 ( 15 ): 1757 – 1779 .Crossref, Web of Science ® , Google Scholar; Holm and Putkaradze, 2005 Holm , D. D. , Putkaradze , V. ( 2005 ). Aggregation of finite size particles with variable mobility . Phys. Rev. Lett. 95 : 226106 . Google Scholar; Mogilner and Edelstein-Keshet, 1999 Mogilner , A. , Edelstein-Keshet , L. ( 1999 ). A non-local model for a swarm . J. Math. Biol. 38 ( 6 ): 534 – 570 .Crossref, Web of Science ® , Google Scholar; Morale et al., 2005 Morale , D. , Capasso , V. , Oelschläger , K. ( 2005 ). An interacting particle system modelling aggregation behavior: from individuals to populations . J. Math. Biol. 50 ( 1 ): 49 – 66 .Crossref, PubMed, Web of Science ® , Google Scholar; Topaz and Bertozzi, 2004 Topaz , C. M. , Bertozzi , A. L. ( 2004 ). Swarming patterns in a two-dimensional kinematic model for biological groups . SIAM J. Appl. Math. 65 ( 1 ): 152 – 174 (electronic) .Crossref, Web of Science ® , Google Scholar; Topaz et al., 2006 Topaz , C. M. , Bertozzi , A. L. , Lewis , M. A. ( 2006 ). A nonlocal continuum model for biological aggregation . Bull. Math. Biol. 68 ( 7 ): 1601 – 1623 .Crossref, PubMed, Web of Science ® , Google Scholar).