Asymptotic solutions of the two-dimensional model wave equation with degenerating velocity and localized initial data

Abstract

The Cauchy problem is considered for the two-dimensional wave equation with velocity $c=\sqrt x_1$ on the half-plane $\{x_1\geq 0,x_2\}$, with initial data localized in a neighborhood of the point $(1,0)$. This problem serves as a model problem in the theory of beach run-up of long small-amplitude surface waves excited by a spatially localized instantaneous source. The asymptotic expansion of the solution is constructed with respect to a small parameter equal to the ratio of the source linear size to the distance from the $x_2$-axis (the shoreline). The construction involves Maslov’s canonical operator modified to cover the case of localized initial conditions. The relationship of the solution with the geometrical optics ray diagram corresponding to the problem is analyzed. The behavior of the solution near the $x_2$-axis is studied. Simple solution formulas are written out for special initial data.