Some Results on Steady States of the Thin-film Type Equation

In this thesis we study the thin-film type equations in one spatial dimension. These equations arise from the lubrication approximation to the thin films of viscous fluids which is described by the Navier-Stokes equations with free boundary. From the structural point of view, they are fourth-order degenerate nonlinear parabolic equations, with principal term from diffusion and lower order term from external forces. In Chapter one we study the dynamics of the equations when the external force is given by a power law. Classification of steady states of this equation, which is important for the dynamics, was already known. Previous numerical studies show that there is a mountain pass scenario among the steady states. We shall provide a rigorous justification to these numerical results. As a result, a rather complete picture of the dynamics of the thin film is obtained when the power law is in the range (1,3). In Chapter two we turn to the special case of the equation where the external force is the gravity. This is important, but, unfortunately not a power law. We study and classify the steady states of this equation as well as compare their energy levels. Some numerical results are also present.