Comparison and maximum principles for a class of flux-limited diffusions with external force fields

Abstract

In this paper, we are interested in a general equation that has finite speed of propagation compatible with Einstein's theory of special relativity. This equation without external force fields has been derived recently by means of optimal transportation theory. We first provide an argument to incorporate the external force fields. Then we are concerned with comparison and maximum principles for this equation. We consider both stationary and evolutionary problems. We show that the former satisfies a comparison principle and a strong maximum principle. While the latter fulfils weaker ones. The key technique is a transformation that matches well with the gradient flow structure of the equation.