A variational approach to \((m + 1)\)-dimensional \(n\)-order field (Q1015795)

The multi-symplectic formulation introduced by \textit{T. J. Bridges} [Math. Proc. Camb. Philos. Soc. 121, No.~1, 147--190 (1997; Zbl 0892.35123)] for the \((1+1)\)-dimensional first order field is generalised to the \((m+1)\)-dimensional \(n\)-order field based on a variational principle. In this case, the Lagrangian density depends on the state variables \(u_k\) and their partial derivatives up to order \(n\), and the \(u_k\) involve time and \(m\) space variables. By introducing generalised canonical momenta, it is possible to get a Hamiltonian formulation of the problem, which can be expressed as a matrix equation in terms of a generalised Hamiltonian function. This formulation allows the authors to establish the multi-symplectic and the local energy and momentum conservation laws for the problem at hand. The multi-symplectic formulation, as in the \(m=n=1\) case, can be taken as the starting point to design numerical integration methods which preserve the discretised version of the conservation laws. In particular, it is shown that the implicit midpoint rule in space and time (the so-called centred box discretisation) is one of such methods. The process is illustrated for the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation, which corresponds to \(m=2\), \(n=3\).