How Does Changing Variables Simplify Nonlinear PDEs?

AI Thread Summary
Changing variables can simplify nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) by transforming them into a more manageable form. In the provided example, the original PDE is transformed by introducing the new variable x = s - t, leading to a new equation that incorporates partial derivatives with respect to time and the new variable. The chain rule is applied to derive the relationships between the derivatives of U with respect to s and t, allowing for the substitution of derivatives in the original equation. However, the discussion indicates that simply substituting these derivatives does not yield the desired simplified equation, suggesting the need for a different approach. Understanding these transformations and their implications is crucial for effectively solving nonlinear PDEs.
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I need guidance regarding PDE.
If u have a nonlinear PDE as
Ut+Us+a*U*Us*b*Usss=0
where U is function of (s,t) and a,b are constants.
by introducing new variable x=s-t we will get
Ut+a*U*Ux+b*Uxxx=0
Ut means partial derivative w.r.t time
Us means partial derivative w.r.t s.

How can we get the second equation from the first one?
 
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By using the chain rule.

U_s= U_t \frac{\partial t}{\partial s}+ U_x\frac{\partial x}{\partial s}
Note: if you are going to use x= s- t to replace s only, you will need to think of s as a function of the other variable, t.
If x= s- t, then s= s+ t so both partial derivatives are 1:
U_s= U_t+ U_x[/itex]<br /> U_ss= (U_t+ U_x)_s= (U_t+ U_x)_t + (U_t+ U_x)_x= U_tt+ 2U_tx+ U&lt;br /&gt; _xx<br /> <br /> Similarly, <br /> U_sss= U_ttt+ 3Uttx+ 3Utxx+ Uxxx<br /> Sustitute those into you equation.
 
Subsituting these , will not give me the desired equation.
 
I have solve it, same concept of chain rule but with different approach.
 
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