All articles published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special
permission is required to reuse all or part of the article published by MDPI, including figures and tables. For
articles published under an open access Creative Common CC BY license, any part of the article may be reused without
permission provided that the original article is clearly cited. For more information, please refer to
https://www.mdpi.com/openaccess.
Feature papers represent the most advanced research with significant potential for high impact in the field. A Feature
Paper should be a substantial original Article that involves several techniques or approaches, provides an outlook for
future research directions and describes possible research applications.
Feature papers are submitted upon individual invitation or recommendation by the scientific editors and must receive
positive feedback from the reviewers.
Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world.
Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly
interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the
most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.
This paper explores the third-order nonlinear coupled KdV equation utilizing prolongation structure theory and gauge transformation. By applying the prolongation structure method, we obtained an extended version of the equation. Starting from the Lax pairs of the equation, we successfully derived the corresponding Darboux transformation and Bäcklund transformation for this equation, which are fundamental to our solving process. Subsequently, we constructed and calculated the recursive operator for this equation, providing an effective approach to tackling complex problems within this domain. These results are crucial for advancing our understanding of the underlying principles of soliton theory and their implications on related natural phenomena. Our findings not only enrich the theoretical framework but also offer practical tools for further research in nonlinear wave dynamics.
With the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge, the study of nonlinear partial differential equations has garnered considerable interest from the mathematical and physical sciences communities [1,2,3]. The phenomenon of isolated waves was first observed in 1834 by British scientist and marine engineer John Scott Russell in the Union Canal connecting Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland. Solitons, a broad class of solutions to nonlinear partial differential equations, display a wide array of distinctive characteristics and corresponding physical phenomena. Soliton theory finds extensive applications across various fields, including fluid mechanics, laser physics, classical field theory, biology, and nonlinear optics. Today, the theory of solitons and integrable systems stands as a pivotal area of research within nonlinear science, continuously evolving and expanding its scope. The exact solution of nonlinear partial differential equations is crucial for understanding a myriad of complex physical phenomena and addressing nonlinear engineering challenges. Recently, in the realm of continuous integrable systems, researchers have pinpointed three principal challenges [4,5,6,7,8]. The first involves the discrete lattice structures found in physical systems, ranging from simple to complex molecular or atomic arrangements. The second challenge highlights the necessity of discrete lattice structures for the general numerical computations of physical systems and related equations. Lastly, overcoming the limitations inherent in continuous integrable systems and solving integrability issues in practical applications poses the third major hurdle [9,10].
In soliton theory, Sato theory plays an essential role in the study of the hierarchy and its associated hierarchies. The exploration of the hierarchy, a sub-hierarchy of the hierarchy, has facilitated the gradual development and extensive application of exact solution methods for the equation. Furthermore, numerous effective approaches have been developed to solve nonlinear evolution equations and to examine the physical properties of these solutions. These methods include the Hirota bilinear method, Darboux transformation, Bäcklund transformation, and reduction [11,12]. One of the focal points of this paper is the Bäcklund transformation, a method introduced by scholars to maintain consistency when studying surfaces with negative constant curvature in the context of the Sine–Gordon equation. This transformation enables the generation of new solutions to the equation based on an existing initial solution [13,14,15]. Additionally, Li Yishen developed Bäcklund transformations for nonlinear evolution equations through the application of gauge transformations. Moreover, in references [16,17,18,19,20], a close relationship between Bäcklund transformations and inverse scattering methods is highlighted, demonstrating their interconnected roles in solving and analyzing nonlinear evolution equations. Another key focus of this paper is the Darboux transformation, a potent method for solving integrable systems. It manifests in two types: differential type and integral type [21,22,23,24]. In their research, He Jinsong and colleagues utilized the Darboux transformation operator generated by the adjoint wave functions of the constrained equations [25,26,27,28]. Among the myriad of soliton equations, the equation was pioneering in introducing the property of recursive operators. With the progression of soliton theory in recent years, recursive operators have become fundamental to the concept of integrability. This evolution underscores their importance in both theoretical developments and practical applications within the field [29,30].
This paper utilizes the extension structure method to investigate the nonlinearly coupled equation, providing a comprehensive insight into its structural characteristics. Through this approach, we have successfully derived Lax pairs, which are pivotal for understanding the intrinsic properties and dynamic behavior of solitons associated with these equations. Leveraging the derived Lax pairs, we proceed to formulate both the Darboux transformation and the Bäcklund transformation for the nonlinearly coupled equation. These transformations not only facilitate the discovery of new solutions but also significantly enhance our analytical toolkit for exploring the equation’s complexities. Furthermore, by constructing and analyzing the Lax operator, we identify the recursive operator pertinent to the equation. This recursive operator presents an effective mechanism for generating a plethora of new solutions, thereby deepening our comprehension of the nonlinearly coupled equation’s properties and broadening the scope for further explorations and applications.
2. The Extended Structure of Ohta-Hirota the Equation
This section primarily employs the theory of extension structures to solve a set of three coupled equations. Building upon Professor Jiayangjie’s previous research on Lax pairs, this study conducts an in-depth analysis and extends the work to further explore the methods of solving these equations and their applications.
The Ohta–Hirota coupling equation is given by:
First, introduce new variables such that , , , and . Consequently, the aforementioned system of partial differential equations can be reformulated in the following equivalent form:
To proceed, it is necessary to define a set of exterior differential 2-forms on the manifold. .
Here, d denotes the exterior derivative and ∧ denotes the exterior product. Upon applying the exterior differentiation to Equation (3), the result is:
Therefore, the set forms a closed ideal on the manifold. When each 2-form is restricted to the solution manifold , it vanishes. Consequently, the equations of system (1) can be derived.
In this section, we introduce the n-1 forms :
The variable is a continuation variable that needs to form a new closed ideal with and requires to satisfy the condition.
Among them, is a 0-form and is a 1-form. From this, we can derive the system of partial differential equations (PDEs) satisfied by and .
Upon integrating Equation (8) with respect to q and , we obtain:
With respect to substituting (10) into (9), the following can be derived.
In relation to substituting (11) into (10), the following equations can be derived.
By (9)–(12),
Here, each depends solely on the continuation variable . Further, let , , . Upon substituting F into Equation (12) and applying the Jacobi identity, the following relationship can be derived:
Concerning the substitution of into the equation , we then obtain the following relationship:
Let , , , , . Then, from Equation (15), we obtain the following relations:
From Equations (15) and (16), we derive the following relationship:
Given the generator set from Equation (17) as , let us consider , Consequently, we find that , , and the commutation relations and . Here, is identified as a nilpotent element, while serves as a central element.
Concerning Equation (1), it has been determined that the following scaling symmetry applies, where denotes the spectral parameter:
If needs to remain invariant under the aforementioned scaling transformation, then we have:
And satisfies
Using the basis of generators , which are defined by the commutation relations and , we embed the extended structure y into the algebra . When , it is evident that is not a suitable choice. Subsequent calculations indicate that is the optimal selection.
Assume the following relations:
Then, we have , , .
The matrix representations of the nilpotent element and the central element are presented below:
Substitute the aforementioned generated elements into Equations (10), (11), (13)–(15). Consequently, the concrete expressions for and have been derived.
Here, , . If we require that , we can obtain the pair representation of the Ohta-Hirota Equation (1):
The original Equation (1) can be readily derived from the compatibility relation . The pair of equations was successfully identified through a drag structure, representing a crucial step in solving the nonlinear coupled equation and laying a foundation for subsequent analysis. Additionally, this methodology offers the potential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the underlying equation structure.
3. Bäcklund Transformation and Darboux Transformation of Ohta–Hirota Equation
The pair for the Ohta–Hirota equation has been obtained. To ascertain the integrability of the Ohta–Hirota equation, we will now seek the Bäcklund transformation and Darboux transformation for this equation. The spatial part of the spectral problem given in Formula (1) will continue to be studied, starting from the obtained pair:
In the following equations, represents a constant spectral parameter, and the matrix T is the canonical transformation matrix, which performs the canonical transformation on
The spectral problem satisfies the same form as that of Equation (1), namely:
where and represent another set of solutions. The compatibility condition for the linear system is given by:
The spatial part of the Bäcklund transformation is provided, and it is determined that the canonical transformation with respect to is linear. Consequently, the corresponding Bäcklund transformation can be derived.
First, let us write out and separately:
Assuming that is of the form , we substitute this expression into the compatibility condition:
By performing the calculation and comparing the coefficients of like terms in , the results are as follows:
These equations correspond to the following conditions on the elements of
Let . Rearranging and transforming Equation (35) yields:
From this, it can be inferred that is a constant matrix, and from this, it can be inferred that is a constant, and knowing that , along with and , , we obtain:
Moreover, since the I matrix is not a constant matrix, the relationships can be derived by transforming Equation (36):
Regarding the I matrix, the values of and merit separate consideration. The H matrix is subdivided into eight categories to examine its constituent elements. Once the H matrix has been determined, further analysis is conducted on the I matrix, which is divided into six categories for discussion.
It can be observed that the transformation matrix T presents a variety of cases. Initially, let , and then proceed with a categorized discussion. When and , the subsequent discussion focuses on the specific values taken by and , respectively. (1.1) When ,
(1.2) When ,
(1.3) When ,
(2.1) When ,
(2.2) When ,
(2.3) When ,
(3.1) When ,
(3.2) When ,
(3.3) When ,
(4.1) When ,
(4.2) When ,
(4.3) When ,
At this point, Equation (27) is equivalent to the Bäcklund transformation. However, it should be noted that there are other cases to consider, such as ; . These different cases will result in distinct gauge transformation matrices, thereby yielding multiple solutions to the spectral problem.
Furthermore, we examine the Darboux transformation of the Ohta–Hirota equation, with a specific focus on the scenario where in the subsequent Darboux transformation.
In this context, the matrix T represents the transformation derived from the Bäcklund transformation, obtained through the application of a canonical transformation. It can be demonstrated that satisfies the following equation: . Thus far, we have completed the Bäcklund transformation for the Ohta–Hirota equation and conducted an analysis of the Darboux transformation. Based on the identified pairs, we performed systematic computations of both the Darboux and the Bäcklund transformation. Through these transformations, we have successfully constructed a series of new solutions, providing us with a diverse range of solution structures. These solutions not only verify the theoretical correctness of the underlying theory but also facilitate further analysis of the properties of integrable systems. Additionally, they offer substantial support for practical applications by enabling deeper insights into the behavior of these systems.
By solving nonlinear integrable equations, we obtained Lax pairs. On this basis, we further constructed Bäcklund and Darboux transformations. As an essential tool for studying nonlinear partial differential equations, Lax pairs provide a profound understanding of the intrinsic structure of systems. Using these transformations, not only can new solutions be generated, but they also reveal the underlying symmetries and conservation laws of the original equations. This process not only lays a solid foundation for the discussion of recursive operators in Chapter 4 but also offers us a unique perspective to delve into the issues of locality and non-locality of transformations and operators. Specifically, we will analyze in detail how these characteristics influence the behavior of the operators used and their significance in different application contexts. For instance, local properties are typically associated with differential operators, reflecting the behavior of the system near a point; non-local properties, on the other hand, may involve integral operators or other global effects that capture interactions over a broader range within the system. Furthermore, we will explore how these concepts help us to more comprehensively understand and articulate the theoretical framework related to recursive operators. In this context, recursive operators play a crucial role, as they not only generate an infinite number of conservation laws but also reveal the deeper structural features of the system. Through a detailed examination of locality and non-locality, we can better comprehend the potential applications of recursive operators in various physical models and how they facilitate the development of analytical solutions for nonlinear systems. In conclusion, our study aims to provide a more robust theoretical foundation for the research on recursive operators by systematically integrating Lax pairs, Bäcklund transformations, and Darboux transformations, thereby advancing the field.
4. Recursive Operator of Ohta–Hirota Equation
Significant progress has been made in the construction and calculation of recursive operators. The introduction of the recursive operator facilitates a more efficient solution for the Hamiltonian structure of the nonlinear coupled equation. Based on the previously obtained matrix form, we provide the recursion relation between and for the coupled equation under the n-reduction condition. Specifically, our goal is to find an operator such that the equation holds.
Calculate thereinto , , Let the following calculation .
According to the above formulas, through analysis, we first calculate the coefficient of by taking at both ends of .
Given , the coefficient on the left side is
On the right-hand side, we have:
Therefore, the coefficient of generated on the right side is . By equating the coefficients on both sides, we obtain , from which we can deduce:
Also, because , there are . Therefore, . That is, the coefficient of on the left side is .
In summary:
On account of:
So, we can calculate:
All in all, it can be calculated:
We can use the same method to find , , and the calculation can be obtained:
The first item is awarded:
On account of ,
On account of
as a result:
The third part of the equation, first of all to available:
For the following calculation: mean , take the coefficient of at both ends.
The coefficient of on the left is . The coefficient of on the right is:
It is possible to accrue points:
There is:
In conclusion, the recursive operator of the Ohta–Hirota equation can be written as follows:
In this section, we constructed the operator and performed the necessary calculations to obtain the recursive operator. Subsequent analysis led to deriving the recursive operator for the Ohta–Hirota equation. Significant progress has been made in both the construction and computation of recursive operators. By constructing these recursive operators, we can efficiently generate higher-order solutions and further analyze the complex behavior of integrable systems. This section not only verifies the effectiveness of recursive operators but also introduces new tools and methods for studying integrable systems, thereby greatly advancing research in this field.
5. Summary and Conclusions
The research outlined in this paper is segmented into four principal sections.
Part 1: This section offers an extensive review of the evolution of the solitary wave equation, culminating in the exploration of a third-order block-coupled partial differential equation. Utilizing foundational principles from extension structures theory, our primary aim is to delve into the integrability properties of the third-order coupled equation.
Part 2: Transitioning into the second part, we leverage pertinent theories from prolongation structure theory alongside the specified Ohta–Hirota equation to derive the corresponding pair. This step is pivotal for subsequent analyses.
Part 3: With the derived pair as our foundation, we apply a canonical transformation to the spectral problem at hand. By rigorously employing compatibility conditions associated with this transformation, we meticulously examine both the Bäcklund and Darboux transformations. This comprehensive approach ensures our findings are characterized by exceptional precision and depth.
Part 4: The final segment focuses on exploring the intrinsic characteristics of the
Ohta–Hirota equation, alongside a detailed analysis of its recurrence operator. Through the application of the operator obtained from the equation, we conduct an exhaustive investigation to uncover the nuances of the recurrence operator specific to the Ohta–Hirota equation.
This paper primarily examines prolongation structures, Bäcklund transformations, Darboux transformations, and recursive operators as they relate to the Ohta–Hirota equation. However, several areas warrant further research and discussion: Firstly, for integrable equations, it is crucial to devise a straightforward yet effective method to achieve representation via prolongation structures. Developing such an approach will enhance our understanding and facilitate broader applications. Secondly, the relationship between matrix linear spectral problems and prolongation structure theory requires deeper exploration. Investigating this connection could yield significant insights into both theoretical frameworks and their practical implications. Lastly, the Hamiltonian structure of integrable equations should be studied in greater depth through the lens of prolongation structure theory. A thorough analysis in this area could provide valuable perspectives on the integrability and structural properties of these equations.
Author Contributions
Investigation, J.W.; Writing—original draft, L.W.; Writing—review & editing, Y.J. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This work was supported by the partially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.12261072).
Data Availability Statement
Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors have no conflicts to disclose.
References
Rusell, J. Peakon and solitary wave solutions for the modified Fornberg-Whitham equation using simplest equation method. Int. J. Math. Comput. Sci.2019, 14, 635–645. [Google Scholar]
Li, C. N= 2 supersymmetric extension on multi-component D type Drinfeld-Sokolov hierarchy. Phys. Lett. B2024, 855, 138771. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Yang, G.Y.; Liu, Q.P. A Darboux transformation for the coupled Kadomtsev-Petviashvili. Chin. Phys. Lett.2008, 25, 1. [Google Scholar]
Li, C.; Mironov, A.; Orlov, A.Y. Hopf link invariants and integrable hierarchies. Phys. Lett. B2025, 860, 139170. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Ablowitz, M.J. Solitons, Nonlinear Evolution Equations and Inverse Scattering; Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK, 1992; pp. 70–152. [Google Scholar]
Hirota, R. The Direct Method in Soliton Theory; Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK, 2004; pp. 1–58. [Google Scholar]
Matveev, V.B.; Salle, M.A. Darboux Transformation and Solitons; Springer: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 1991; 120p. [Google Scholar]
Rao, J.G.; Cheng, Y.; He, J.S. Rational and semi-rational solution of the nonlocal Davey-Stewardton. Stud. Appl. Math.2017, 139, 568–598. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Estabrook, F.B.; Wahlquist, H.D. Prolongation structures of nonlinear evolution equations. J. Math. Phys.1975, 16, 1–7. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Estabrook, F.B.; Wahlquist, H.D. Prolongation structures of nonlinear evolution equations II. J. Math. Phys.1976, 17, 1293–1297. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Zhao, W.Z.; Bai, Y.Q.; Wu, K. Generalized inhomogeneous Heisenberg ferromagnet model and generalized nonlinear Schrodinger equation. Phys. Lett.2006, 3, 52–64. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Chandan, K.D.; Chowdhury, A.R. On the prolongation structure and integrability of HNLS equation. Chaos Solitons Fractals2001, 12, 2081–2086. [Google Scholar]
Ito, M. Symmetries and conservation laws of a coupled nonlinear wave equation. Phys. Lett. A1982, 91, 335–343. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Bogolyubov, N.N.; Prikarpatskii, A.K. Complete integrability of nonlinear Ito and Benney-Kaup systems: A gradient algorithm and the Lax representation. Teor. Mat. Fiz.1986, 67, 410–425. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Alfinito, E.; Grassi, V.; Leo, R.A. Equations of the reaction-diffusion type with a loop algebra structure. Inverse Probl.1997, 14, 1387–1393. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Gilson, C.R.; Nimmo, J.J.C.; Ohta, Y. Quasideterminant solutions of a non-Abelian Hirota—CMiwa equation. J. Phys. A2007, 76, 24–35. [Google Scholar]
Wang, D.S.; Liu, J.; Zhang, Z.F. Integrability and equivalence relationships of six integrable coupled Korteweg—Cde Vries equations. Math. Methods Appl. Sci.2016, 39, 3516–3530. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Wang, D.S.; Zhang, Z.F. On the integrability of the generalized Fisher-type nonlinear diffusion equations. J. Phys. A Math. Theor.2009, 42, 035209. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Geng, X.G.; Wu, Y.T. From the special 2 + 1 Toda lattice to the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation. J. Math. Phys.1997, 38, 3069–3077. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Ma, W.X. Integrable couplings and matrix loop algebras. In Proceedings of the AIP Conference Proceedings, Tampa, FL, USA, 9–13 March 2013; Volume 1562. [Google Scholar]
Ma, W.X. Type (−λ,−λ*) reduced nonlocal integrable mKdV equations and their soliton solutions. Appl. Math. Lett2022, 131, 108074. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Ma, W.X. Nonlocal integrable mKdV equations by two nonlocal reductions and their soliton solutions. J. Geom. Phys.2022, 177, 104522. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Lou, S.Y. Ren-integrable and ren-symmetric integrable systems, communications in theoretical physics. Commun. Theor. Phys.2024, 76, 035006. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Hu, X.B.; Li, Y. Nonlinear superposition formulae of the Ito equation and a model equation for shallow water waves. J. Phys. Math. Gen.1991, 24, 1979–1986. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Hirota, R.; Hu, X.B.; Tang, X.Y. A vector potential KdV equation and vector Ito equation; soliton solutions, bilinear Backlund transformations and Lax pairs. J. Math. Anal. Appl.2003, 288, 326–348. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Lou, S.Y. Extensions of dark KdV equations: Nonhomogeneous classifications, bosonizations of fermionic systems and supersymmetric dark systems. Phys. D Nonlinear Phenom.2024, 464, 134199. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Arguelles, C.R.; Becerra-Vergara, E.A.; Rueda, J.A.; Ruffini, R. Fermionic dark matter: Physics, astrophysics and cosmology Universe. Universe2023, 9, 197. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Wang, D.; Koussour, M.; Malik, A.; Myrzakulov, N.; Mustafa, G. Observational constraints on a logarithmic scalar field dark energy model and black hole mass evolution in the universe. Eur. Phys. J.2023, 83, 670. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.
Wang, L.; Wang, J.; Jia, Y.
Prolongation Structure of a Development Equation and Its Darboux Transformation Solution. Mathematics2025, 13, 921.
https://doi.org/10.3390/math13060921
AMA Style
Wang L, Wang J, Jia Y.
Prolongation Structure of a Development Equation and Its Darboux Transformation Solution. Mathematics. 2025; 13(6):921.
https://doi.org/10.3390/math13060921
Chicago/Turabian Style
Wang, Lixiu, Jihong Wang, and Yangjie Jia.
2025. "Prolongation Structure of a Development Equation and Its Darboux Transformation Solution" Mathematics 13, no. 6: 921.
https://doi.org/10.3390/math13060921
APA Style
Wang, L., Wang, J., & Jia, Y.
(2025). Prolongation Structure of a Development Equation and Its Darboux Transformation Solution. Mathematics, 13(6), 921.
https://doi.org/10.3390/math13060921
Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.
Article Metrics
No
No
Article Access Statistics
For more information on the journal statistics, click here.
Multiple requests from the same IP address are counted as one view.
Wang, L.; Wang, J.; Jia, Y.
Prolongation Structure of a Development Equation and Its Darboux Transformation Solution. Mathematics2025, 13, 921.
https://doi.org/10.3390/math13060921
AMA Style
Wang L, Wang J, Jia Y.
Prolongation Structure of a Development Equation and Its Darboux Transformation Solution. Mathematics. 2025; 13(6):921.
https://doi.org/10.3390/math13060921
Chicago/Turabian Style
Wang, Lixiu, Jihong Wang, and Yangjie Jia.
2025. "Prolongation Structure of a Development Equation and Its Darboux Transformation Solution" Mathematics 13, no. 6: 921.
https://doi.org/10.3390/math13060921
APA Style
Wang, L., Wang, J., & Jia, Y.
(2025). Prolongation Structure of a Development Equation and Its Darboux Transformation Solution. Mathematics, 13(6), 921.
https://doi.org/10.3390/math13060921
Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.