Multiple Positive Solutions of Fourth-order Boundary Value Problems

In this paper, we discuss the existence of multiple positive solutions for the fourth-order boundary value problem (BVP) u(4)(t) + βu′′(t) = f (t, u(t)), 0 < t < 1, u(0) = u(1) = u′′(0) = u′′(1) = 0, where f : [0, 1] × [0,∞) → [0,∞) is continuous and β < π2. Existence is established via the theory of fixed point index in cones. Mathematics subject classification (2000): 34B15.