On the regularity of solutions to the Moore-Gibson-Thompson equation: a perspective via wave equations with memory

Abstract: We undertake a regularity analysis of the solutions to initial/boundary value problems for the (third-order in time) Moore-Gibson-Thompson (MGT) equation. The key to the present investigation is that the MGT equation falls within a large class of systems with memory, with affine term depending on a parameter. For this model equation a regularity theory is provided, which is of also independent interest; it is shown in particular that the effect of boundary data that are square integrable (in time and space) is the same displayed by wave equations. Then, a general picture of the (interior) regularity of solutions corresponding to homogeneous boundary conditions is specifically derived for the MGT equation in various functional settings. This confirms the gain of one unity in space regularity for the time derivative of the unknown, a feature that sets the MGT equation apart from other PDE models for wave propagation. The adopted perspective and method of proof enables us to attain as well the (sharp) regularity of boundary traces.