Continuity, compactness, and degree theory for operators in systems involving p-Laplacians and inclusions

The study of weak solutions for systems of nonlinear partial differential equations of elliptic type with inclusions leads to a multivalued operator of superposition type in Sobolev spaces. We show that, under natural assumptions, this operator has the properties which allow to apply degree theory (fixed point index) for multivalued maps. More precisely, this operator is upper semicontinuous and compact with nonempty convex compact values. For the particular case of systems involving p-Laplacians, we show that there is a homeomorphism transforming the whole system to a situation for which a fixed point index is available.