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Korteweg-de Vries soliton in a slowly varying medium

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)
We derive an approximate solution to the Korteweg-de Vries equation with slowly varying coefficients for a soliton initial condition. Expressions are given for the amplitude, position, and velocity, and it is shown that the soliton experiences an irreversible loss of energy whenever it travels in a slowly varying medium. These results are applied to an ion acoustic soliton in a nonuniform plasma and are confirmed by comparison with the results of numerical integration of the differential equation.
Research Organization:
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90007
OSTI ID:
5198644
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 40:4; ISSN PRLTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English