Self-similar solutions of a generalized Burgers equation with nonlinear damping

Abstract

The nonlinear ordinary differential equation resulting from the self-similar reduction of a generalized Burgers equation with nonlinear damping is studied in some detail. Assuming certain asymptotic conditions at plus infinity or minus infinity, we find a wide variety of solutions—(positive) single hump, monotonic (bounded or unbounded) or solutions with a finite zero. The existence or non-existence of positive bounded solutions with exponential decay to zero at infinity for specific parameter ranges is proved. The analysis relies mainly on the shooting argument.