No label defined (Q4455794)

Using the heavenly equation as an example, the author describes the method of group foliation as a tool for obtaining non-invariant solutions of PDEs with infinite dimensional symmetry groups. The method involves the study of compatibility of the given equation with a differential constraint which is automorphic under a specific symmetry subgroup and therefore selects exactly one orbit of solutions. By studying the integrability conditions of this automorphic system, i.e. the resolving equations, one can provide an explicit foliation of the entire solution manifold into separate orbits. A new important feature of the method is the extensive use of the operators of invariant differentiation for the derivation of the resolving equations and for obtaining their particular solutions. Applying this method the author obtains exact analytical solutions of the heavenly equation, non-invariant under any subgroup of the symmetry group of the equation. For the entire collection see [Zbl 0989.00037].