Evolution equations of second order with nonconvex potential and linear damping: existence via convergence of a full discretization

Global existence of solutions for a class of second-order evolution equations with damping is shown by proving convergence of a full discretization. The discretization combines a fully implicit time stepping with a Galerkin scheme. The operator acting on the zero-order term is assumed to be a potential operator where the potential may be nonconvex. A linear, symmetric operator is assumed to be acting on the first-order term. Applications arise in nonlinear viscoelasticity and elastodynamics.