The Ostrovsky-Vakhnenko equation: A Riemann-Hilbert approach (Q2445183)

The paper addresses the equation which is called the Ostrovsky-Vakhnenko equation. It is a model for the evolution of weakly nonlinear surface and internal waves in a rotating ocean: \[ u_{txx} -3u_x +3u_xu_{xx} + uu_{xxx} = 0, \] where \(u(x,t)\) is a real function. This equation is also known as a particular case of the Degasperis-Procesi equation. It was previously known that this equation belongs to the class of integrable models, as the Lax pair was available for it. The present paper aims to construct the integrability mechanism for the equation, using the technique of the Riemann-Hilbert problem. This mechanism makes it possible to develop a representation of smooth solutions to the Cauchy problem, obtain a principal term in the long-time asymptotic form of the solutions, and naturally reproduce the so-called loop-soliton solutions.