Abstract
We study the nonlinear hyperbolic partial differential equation, (u t+uux)x=1/2u 2x . This partial differential equation is the canonical asymptotic equation for weakly nonlinear solutions of a class of hyperbolic equations derived from variational principles. In particular, it describes waves in a massive director field of a nematic liquid crystal.
Global smooth solutions of the partial differential equation do not exist, since their derivatives blow up in finite time, while weak solutions are not unique. We therefore define two distinct classes of admissible weak solutions, which we call dissipative and conservative solutions. We prove the global existence of each type of admissible weak solution, provided that the derivative of the initial data has bounded variation and compact support. These solutions remain continuous, despite the fact that their derivatives blow up.
There are no a priori estimates on the second derivatives in any L p space, so the existence of weak solutions cannot be deduced by using Sobolev-type arguments. Instead, we prove existence by establishing detailed estimates on the blowup singularity for explicit approximate solutions of the partial differential equation.
We also describe the qualitative properties of the partial differential equation, including a comparison with the Burgers equation for inviscid fluids and a number of illustrative examples of explicit solutions. We show that conservative weak solutions are obtained as a limit of solutions obtained by the regularized method of characteristics, and we prove that the large-time asymptotic behavior of dissipative solutions is a special piecewise linear solution which we call a kink-wave.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Coron, J. M., Ghidaglia, J. M. & Hélein, F. (eds.), Nematics, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1991.
Dafermos, C. M., The entropy rate admissibility criterion for solutions of hyperbolic conservation laws, J. Differential Eqs., 14 (1973), pp. 202–212.
Dafermos, C. M., Generalized characteristics and the structure of solutions of hyperbolic conservation laws, Indiana U. Math. J., 26 (1977), pp. 1097–1119.
Ericksen, J. L. On the equations of motion for liquid crystals, Q. J. Mech. Appl. Math., 29 (1976), pp. 202–208.
Ericksen, J. L. & Kinderlehrer, D., Theory and applications of liquid crystals, Springer-Verlag, 1987.
Evans, L. C. & Gariepy, R. F., Lecture notes on measure theory and fine properties of functions, CRC Press, 1991.
Hunter, J. K. & Keller, J. B., Weakly nonlinear high frequency waves, Comm. Pure Appl. Math., 36 (1983), pp. 547–569.
Hunter, J. K. & Saxton, R. A., Dynamics of director fields, SIAM J. Appl. Math., 51 (1991), pp. 1498–1521.
Hunter, J. K. & Zheng, Yuxi, On a nonlinear hyperbolic variational equation: II. The zero viscosity and dispersion limits, Arch. Rational Mech. Anal, 129 (1995), pp. 355–383.
Hunter, J. K. & Zheng, Yuxi, On a completely integrable nonlinear hyperbolic variational equation, to appear in Physica D.
Leslie, F. M., Some constitutive equations for liquid crystals, Arch. Rational Mech. Anal., 28 (1968), pp. 265–283.
Lusternik, L. A. & Sobolev, V. J., Elements of Functional Analysis, 3rd ed., Wiley, New York (1974).
Saxton, R. A., Dynamic instability of the liquid crystal director, in Contemporary Mathematics, 100: Current Progress in Hyperbolic Systems, 325–330, Ed. W. B. Lindquist, Amer. Math. Soc., Providence, 1989.
Smoller, J., Shock Waves and Reaction-Diffusion Equations, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1983.
Tartar, L., Compensated Compactness and Applications, Heriot-Watt Symposium, IV, Ed. R. J. Knops, Research Notes in Math., No. 39, Pitman, London, 1979.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Communicated by C. Dafermos
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hunter, J.K., Zheng, Y. On a nonlinear hyperbolic variational equation: I. Global existence of weak solutions. Arch. Rational Mech. Anal. 129, 305–353 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00379259
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00379259