Generalized Characteristics and the Structure of Solutions of Hyperbolic Conservation Laws.

摘要

Generalized characteristics for weak solution of hyperbolic conservation laws u sub t + f(u, x, t)sub x + g(u, x, t) = 0 are defined as trajectories of a contingent equation. A study of characteristics leads to a description of the structure of weak solutions. It is shown that generically solutions are piecewise smooth. (Author)