Equivariant solutions to the optimal partition problem for the prescribed Q-curvature equation

Abstract

We study the optimal partition problem for the prescribed constant $Q$-curvature equation induced by the higher order conformal operators under the effect of cohomogeneity one actions on Einstein manifolds with positive scalar curvature. This allows us to give a precise description of the solution domains and their boundaries in terms of the orbits of the action. We also prove the existence of least energy symmetric solutions to a weakly coupled elliptic system of prescribed $Q$-curvature equations under weaker assumptions and conclude a multiplicity result of sign-changing solutions to the prescribed constant $Q$-curvature problem induced by the Paneitz-Branson operator. Moreover, we study the coercivity of $GJMS$-operators on Ricci solitons, compute the $Q$-curvature of these manifolds, and give a multiplicity result for the sign-changing solutions to the Yamabe problem with prescribed number of nodal domains on the Koiso-Cao Ricci soliton.