Some aspects of the thin film equation (Q4407989)

In this review article the author discusses the thin film equation \[ h_t + (h^n h_{xxx})_x=0 \tag{TFE} \] and compares its properties to the porous medium equation \[ h_t=(h^n h_x)_x. \tag{PME} \] In particular, he considers various types of similarity solutions (source type solutions, dipole solutions and general self-similar solutions) and compares the dependence of such solutions on the exponent \(n\) in (TFE) and (PME). For example, source type (mass conserving) self-similar solutions, having the form \(h(x,t)~=~t^{-\alpha}~f(\eta)\), \(\eta~=~xt^{-\beta}\), for (PME) satisfy \[ \alpha=\beta={1 \over n+2}, \quad f^n f' + {\eta f \over n+2} = 0, \] while for (TFE) we have \[ \alpha=\beta={1 \over n+4}, \quad f^n f''' - {\eta f \over n+4} = 0. \] Differences between (TFE) and (PME), as seen in the structure of source-type solutions, are evident for \(n>3\) and for \(n<0\). For the entire collection see [Zbl 0972.00032].