The nonclassical group analysis of the heat equation (Q1283115)

The ``nonclassical method'' of reduction of a partial differential equation introduced by \textit{G. W. Bluman} and \textit{J. D. Cole} in [J. Math. Mech. 18, 1025-1042 (1969; Zbl 0187.03502)], is based on the fundamental observation that a Lie group action invariant solution of an invariant equation also satisfies certain secondary differential equations. Solutions of the latter eventually lead to solutions of the primary equation. Recently, \textit{D. J. Arrigo}, \textit{J. M. Goard}, and \textit{P. Broadbridge} [J. Math. Anal. Appl. 202, No. 1, 259-279, Art. No. 0316 (1996; Zbl 0864.35019)] showed that there are no nonclassical reduction solutions of constant coefficient linear equations that are not already classical Lie symmetry reduction solutions. Their arguments leave open the problem of what is the general nonclassical group action, and its effect on the relevant solution of the heat equation. In this article, both these problems are solved. In the final section the methods developed are used to solve the remaining outstanding case of nonclassical reductions of Burger's equation.