This module is intended as an introduction to the theory of nonlinear waves and their applications, and extends the study of partial differential equations begun in year three. As an introduction to this module a review of some of the standard linear wave equations will be given. Nonlinear wave equations such as Burgers’ equation and the Korteweg-de Vries equation will be considered. Techniques for finding exact and approximate analytical solutions of nonlinear wave equations will be examined. In particular, the travelling wave solutions of certain nonlinear partial differential equations will be obtained. The module will also cover nonlinear water waves and traffic flow scenarios and some compressible gas dynamics including shock waves.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Understand the qualitative behaviour of solutions of nonlinear wave equations.