On the similarity solutions of the KdV equation with variable coefficients (Q1103118)

The author considers the following modified Korteweg-de Vries equation involving an arbitrary function of time which describes the inhomogeneity effects: \[ (1)\quad u_ t+uu_ x+u_{xxx}+f(t)u=0. \] Equation (1) is of relevant interest in many physical context such as multidimensional wave propagation or nonlinear wave propagation through inhomogeneous media and is also related to the KdV equation with coefficients depending on time. Equation (1) is studied by means of Lie group techniques. Some classes of functional forms for the arbitrary function of time allowing the existence of invariant solutions are characterized and the related similarity solutions are determined.