Abstract
The method of similarity analysis in the study of differential equations is extended to study the variability of parameters in a physical system. The analysis provides an insight into the meaning of “physical” similarity, which usually means the possibility of a reduction in the number of physical parameters characterizing the system. Theorems relating similarities to groups of invariant transformations are proved and employed to show how the number of parameters can be reduced.
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Chan, K.L., Chau, W.Y. Mathematical theory of reduction of physical parameters and similarity analysis. Int J Theor Phys 18, 835–844 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00670461
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00670461