The multiple-scale transport equation in one space dimension (Q1568761)

This paper is concerned with the qualitative, in particular long-time behaviour of solutions of the inhomogeneous transport equation \[ \varepsilon u_t = u_x +f, \] where \(f\) is a given inhomogeneity. It is shown that the solutions (which are explicitly given) change on two different time scales, a rapid and a slow one. The presence of the imhomogeneity and the large wave speed \(1/\varepsilon\) give rise to a solution component which persists for all time, even if \(f\) is compactly supported in space and time. The results are based on Fourier analysis and backed up by convincing numerical experiments.