Work

A wave-type model for age- and space-structured epidemics

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We introduce a novel approach of epidemic modeling by combining age-structured models with damped wave equations. This transforms the parabolic-type reaction-diffusion model into a hyperbolic system that shares many properties with a wave or telegrapher’s equation. After we establish the existence of a weak solution of the resulting partial differential equation by means of characteristics, we show that the solutions to the new model converge to a solution of the standard age-dependent reaction-diffusion equation when we let the wave parameter become arbitrarily small. We conclude with a numerical example to illustrate the behavior of the new model and to further support our findings.

Source: Nonlinear Analysis Real World Applications

DOI: 10.1016/j.nonrwa.2026.104612

Author: Nicolas Schlosser

Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg

Language: English

Topic: Mathematical and Theoretical Epidemiology and Ecology Models

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,780

OpenAlex ID: W7127583370

FWCI:

Cites: 21

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