Numerical computations of a nearly singular nonlinear equation: Weakly nonlocal bound states of solitons for the fifth-order Korteweg-de Vries equation (Q1913733)

The author confirms theoretical predictions on solitary solutions to the fifth-order Korteweg-de Vries equation \(u_t+ uu_x+ u_{xxx}+ u_{xxxxx}= 0\). If bions, these are bound states of two solitary waves which travel together, are steadily translating at a constant phase speed \(c\), the Korteweg-de Vries equation becomes an ordinary differential equation for functions of \(x- ct\). Its solutions may be found by a differential equation version of Newton's iteration, or, after applying a Fourier discretization, by the usual Newton-Raphson iteration. The numerical calculations confirm the main assertions of \textit{R. H. J. Grimshaw} and \textit{B. A. Malomed} [J. Phys. A, Math. Gen. 26, No. 16, 4087-4091 (1993; Zbl 0795.35103)]. Other structural features found here are not predicted by the theory until now.