Operator splitting methods for generalized Korteweg-de Vries equations (Q1302916)

In this interesting paper the method of operator splitting is applied to the Korteweg-de Vries equation. This means solving consecutively \(u_t+ f(u)_x= 0\) and \(u_t+\varepsilon u_{xxx}= 0\). The main result is that if the procedure converges, then the limiting function is a weak solution of the Korteweg-de Vries equation. Numerical evidence of convergence (in particular cases) is supplied (using Strang splitting). A useful part of the paper is an exposition of the methods used to approximate the dissipative equation and the conservation law, respectively. As the authors point out, one might doubt whether the splitting method is well adapted to the present setup. There are difficulties to prove convergence, caused by the different topologies used for the problems. In view of this, the main result, as well as the numerical evidence of convergence are intriguing, and suggest further research.