Convergence of perturbative solutions to a non-linear diff eq

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the convergence of perturbative solutions to the non-linear differential equation given by \(\partial_{xx}\phi = -\phi + \phi^{3} + \epsilon (1 - \phi^{2})\). It is established that no solutions exist for \(\epsilon \neq 0\), while for \(\epsilon = 0\), the solution is \(\phi_{0} = \tanh\left( \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}} \right)\). The author explores the expansion of \(\phi\) in terms of \(\epsilon\) and notes that the series breaks down at the first order, indicating a miscalculation in a solvability integral. The discussion raises questions about the significance of higher-order terms and the potential for convergence towards stationary or periodic solutions.

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Hi. First off, sorry for the not so descriptive title. If one of you finds a better tilte I will edit it.

We have the equation
\begin{equation}
\partial_{xx}\phi = -\phi + \phi^{3} + \epsilon \left(1- \phi^{2}\right)
\end{equation}
We will look for solutions satisfying
\begin{equation}
\phi(\pm \infty) = \pm 1 \qquad \partial_{x}\phi\big|_{x=\pm \infty} = 0
\end{equation}
Integrating once we find
\begin{equation}
\left(\partial_{x}\phi\right)^{2} = -\phi^{2} + \frac{\phi^{4}}{2} + 2\epsilon \left(\phi - \frac{\phi^{3}}{3}\right) + K
\end{equation}
Using the boundary conditions we find that no solution exists for \epsilon \neq 0. For \epsilon=0 we find( assuming \phi(0) = 0)
\begin{equation}
\phi_{0} = \tanh\left( \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}} \right)
\end{equation}
Now let's assume \epsilon << 1 and expand \phi = \sum \epsilon^{j}\phi_{j} imposing the boundary conditions
\begin{equation}
\phi_{0}(\pm \infty) = \pm 1 \qquad \phi_{j}(\pm \infty) = 0
\end{equation}
For j>0, and
\begin{equation}
\partial_{x}\phi_{i}\big|_{x=\pm \infty} = 0
\end{equation}
For all i.
Now what will the higher and higher order terms signify? And will this series ever converge towards anything( either stationary or periodic)? I worked out the expansion up to \phi_{5} without getting any wiser( I can write down the solutions if anybody asks but it takes a bit of time.)
 
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It turns out I had miscalculated a solvabillity integral. The expansion breaks down already at first order. Sorry about that!

On the odd chance that anybody would be interested in seeing the calculation, just let me know.
 
Last edited:

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