Nonlinear constrained optimization of Schur test functions

Abstract: We apply the iterative nonlinear programming method, previously proposed in our earlier work, to optimize Schur test functions and thereby provide refined upper bounds for the norms of integral operators. As an illustration, we derive such bounds for transfer operators associated with twofold additive compound operators that arise in the study of delay equations. This is related to the verification of frequency inequalities that guarantee the global stability of nonlinear delay equations through the generalized Bendixson criterion.