Approximation of eigenvalues of evolution operators for linear renewal equations

A numerical method based on pseudospectral collocation is proposed to approximate the eigenvalues of evolution operators for linear renewal equations, which are retarded functional equations of Volterra type. Rigorous error and convergence analyses are provided, together with numerical tests. The outcome is an efficient and reliable tool which can be used, for instance, to study the local asymptotic stability of equilibria and periodic solutions of nonlinear autonomous renewal equations. Fundamental applications can be found in population dynamics, where renewal equations play a central role.