Fast-reaction limits for predator--prey reaction--diffusion systems: improved convergence

Abstract: The fast-reaction limit for reaction--diffusion systems modelling predator--prey interactions is investigated. In the considered model, predators exist in two possible states, namely searching and handling. The switching rate between these two states happens on a much faster time scale than other processes, leading to the consideration of the fast-reaction limit for the corresponding systems. The rigorous convergence of the solution to the fast-reaction system to the ones of the limiting cross-diffusion system has been recently studied in [Conforto, Desvillettes, Soresina, NoDEA, 25(3):24, 2018]. In this paper, we extend these results by proving improved convergence of solutions and slow manifolds. In particular, we prove that the slow manifold converges strongly in all dimensions without additional assumptions, thanks to use of a modified energy function. This consists in a unified approach since it is applicable to both types of fast-reaction systems, namely with the Lotka--Volterra and the Holling-type II terms.