Oscillation criteria for second order linear matrix differential systems with damping

Using a generalization of Sturm's comparison theorem, some new oscillation criteria are established for the matrix differential system with damping (P(t)Y')' + R(t)Y' + Q(t)Y = 0 under the hypothesis: P(t) = P*(t) > 0, Q(t) = Q*(t), Y(t) are n x n matrices of real valued continuous functions on the interval [t(0), infinity), and R(t) = R*(t) is an element of C-1 ([t(0), infinity), Rn-2) Our results are sharper than some previous results. Crown Copyright (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.