Darboux integrability in more than two dimensions (Q5941633)

The method of Darboux is a classical technique for solving a hyperbolic second-order PDE for one function of two variables, but is also applicable to first-order systems for two functions of two variables [see \textit{R. Bryant, P. Griffiths} and \textit{L. Hsu}, Sel. Math., New Ser. 1, 21-112 (1995; Zbl 0853.58102)]. The success of the method depends on finding two functionally independent invariants in each characteristic system. If these exist, then arbitrary functional relations between each pair of invariants may be imposed, and the equation(s) solved by ODE techniques. If two invariants exist for just one characteristic system, then the equation is called semi-integrable (see Bryant et al, loc. cit.), and it is still possible to solve Cauchy problems by ODE techniques similar to the method of characteristics for first-order PDE. In this paper, Hartley generalizes semi-integrability to equations in three independent variables. This generalization is a recasting, in the modern language of exterior differential systems, of work of \textit{D. H. Parsons} [The extension of Darboux's method, Mem. Sci. Math. 142 (1960; Zbl 0119.07901)]. It applies only to equations whose symbol matrix is degenerate, and is discussed here only for symbol matrices of rank two. It appears that four invariants (in just one of the characteristic systems) are required for semi-integrability. For any solution, two functional relationships will hold among these invariants. It is not clear that these relationships can be imposed arbitrarily, as in the classical case. Although one rather special example is worked out in detail, it is also not clear how these relationships are related to Cauchy data in general. The paper includes a good, concise introduction to the theory of exterior differential systems and Pfaffian systems.