Skip to main content
Log in

Generalized symmetries of nonlinear partial differential equations

  • Published:
Letters in Mathematical Physics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We propose a rigorous definition of the generalized infinitesimal symmetries using the notion of k-vector fields, and we derive an algorithm for their determination. We show that Bäcklund transformations between evolution equations are differential operators having prescribed symmetries.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. LieS., Gesammelte Abhandlungen, B.G. Teubner, Leipzig, 1922, Vol. 3, p. 177.

    Google Scholar 

  2. OvsjannikovL.V., ‘Group Properties of Differential Equations’, Siberian Sect. Acad. Sc. U.S.S.R., Novosibirsk, 1962 (unpublished translation by G.W. Bluman).

    Google Scholar 

  3. BlumanG.W., and ColeJ.D., Similarity Methods for Differential Equations, Appl. Math. Sc. 13, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1974.

    Google Scholar 

  4. AndersonR.L., KumeiS., and WulfmanC.E., Phys. Rev. Lett. 28, 988 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  5. PalaisR.S., Foundations of Global Nonlinear Analysis, Benjamin, New York, 1968.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Kosmann-Schwarzbach, Y., C.R. Acad. Sc. Paris 287, A953 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  7. JohnsonH.H., Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 15, 432 and 675 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  8. Kosmann-Schwarzbach, Y., Proceedings of the Conference on Geometry and Differential Geometry-Haifa, 1979, Lecture Notes in Math., Springer-Verlag, New York (to appear).

  9. PalaisR.S., Actes Congrès Int. Math. (Nice, 1970), Gauthier-Villars, Paris, 1971, v. 2, p. 243.

    Google Scholar 

  10. KumeiS., J. Math. Phys. 16, 2461 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  11. Olver, P.J., ‘Symmetry Groups and Conservation Laws’, (to appear).

  12. IbragimovN.H., and AndersonR.L., J. Math. Anal. Appl. 59, 145 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  13. AndersonR.L., and IbragimovN.H., Lie-Bäcklund Transformations in Applications, SIAM Studies Appl. Math. 1, SIAM, Philadelphia, 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  14. OlverP.J., J. Math. Phys. 18, 1212 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  15. MillerW.Jr., Symmetry and Separation of Variables, Addison-Wesley, Reading, Mass., 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  16. KumeiS., J. Math. Phys. 18, 256 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  17. FokasA.S., and AndersonR.L., Lett. Math. Phys. 3, 117 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  18. Pirani, F.A.E., Robinson, D.C. and Shadwick, W.F., ‘Local Jet Bundle Formulation of Bäcklund Transformations’, Mathematical Physics Studies, Vol. 1, D. Reidel Publishing Co., (to be published).

  19. WahlquistH.D., and EstabrookF.B., J. Math. Phys. 16, 1 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kosmann-Schwarzbach, Y. Generalized symmetries of nonlinear partial differential equations. Lett Math Phys 3, 395–404 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397213

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397213

Keywords

Navigation