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Solitons & Nonlinear Waves

Explain integrable nonlinear evolution equations, solution methods, initial data and wave phenomena.

Begin with KdV Lax compatibility and one-soliton reconstruction. It connects the nonlinear field equation to a differential operator, computes an explicit reflectionless spectral problem, and solves a one-bound-state inverse problem. The KdV learning sequence provides worked practice, and the model record fixes the sign and boundary conventions.

Continue with KdV two-soliton scattering: derive the finite determinant, verify the nonlinear equation and calculate the signed asymptotic position shifts. The collision lesson and numerical laboratory turn those results into calculations you can check.

The remaining map places these examples among initial-value problems, solution methods and wave phenomena planned for the volume. The one- and two-pole calculations do not establish the general theory of arbitrary scattering data or long-time asymptotics.

Readings and planned coverage

CHAPTER 01

Nonlinear dispersive equations

Planned coverage

  • The balance of dispersion and nonlinearity

CHAPTER 02

Inverse scattering & Riemann–Hilbert methods

Planned coverage

  • Inverse scattering for the KdV equation

CHAPTER 03

Solitons, dressing & solution generation

Planned coverage

  • Darboux transformations for nonlinear waves

CHAPTER 04

Initial & boundary value problems

Planned coverage

  • Integrable boundary conditions for nonlinear waves

CHAPTER 05

Long-time asymptotics & stability

Planned coverage

  • Nonlinear steepest descent

CHAPTER 06

Modulation & semiclassical limits

Planned coverage

  • Whitham modulation equations

CHAPTER 07

Multidimensional & nonlocal equations

Planned coverage

  • Reductions and solutions of the KP equation

CHAPTER 08

Soliton gases & integrable turbulence

Planned coverage

  • Kinetic descriptions of soliton gases

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