Nonlinear Wave Propagation

Nonlinearity can have dramatic effects on the propagation of waves. Problems range from the sonic boom from Concorde to the Severn Bore, from traffic pile-ups to breaking rollers and to the phenomenally stable electric pulses that may soon revolutionise optical systems of communications. These phenomena perhaps more than any other have stimulated the modern theory of nonlinear p.d.e's. Many interesting questions arise when theory is combined with asymptotics to study topics such as modulations and resonance: the full theory of sloshing of beer in a mug is still an open question.

People working in this area within OCIAM are

• Dr John Ockendon

• Dr Carina Edwards