Symmetrization for fractional Neumann problems

Abstract

In this paper we complement the program concerning the application of symmetrization methods to nonlocal PDEs by providing new estimates, in the sense of mass concentration comparison, for solutions to linear fractional elliptic and parabolic PDEs with Neumann boundary conditions. These results are achieved by employing suitable symmetrization arguments to the Stinga-Torrea local extension problems, corresponding to the fractional boundary value problems considered. Sharp estimates are obtained first for elliptic equations and a certain number of consequences in terms of regularity estimates is then established. Finally, a parabolic symmetrization result is covered as an application of the elliptic concentration estimates in the implicit time discretization scheme.