Conservation laws of evolution equations: Generic non-existence (Q1300043)

The paper provides a concise but very clear and precise introduction into the formal theory of evolution systems \(u_t= F(t,x,u,u_x, \dots, u_{x \dots x})\) in terms of differential forms: even the prolongation theory, involutiveness, Cartan integers, and the existence in the analytical case are mentioned. Especially the concept of the conservation laws (i.e., differential forms \(Hdx+Kdt\) that are closed on all solutions) is lucidly analyzed. The main result reads: the generic even-order system possesses no conservation law of order greater than the order of the system. The term ``generic'' is explicitly specified.