Hybrid-wave solutions for a (2 + 1)-dimensional variable-coefficient Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation in fluid mechanics and plasma physics

Abstract

In this paper, a (2 + 1)-dimensional variable-coefficient Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation in fluid mechanics and plasma physics is studied. Gram-type solutions are derived via the bilinear Kadomtsev-Petviashvili hierarchy reduction method. Taking different parameter conditions in the Gram-type solutions, we construct the Y-shaped breather solutions and two types of the hybrid-wave solutions. Asymptotic forms for the aforementioned solutions are given. Based on the asymptotic forms, influences of the variable coefficients on the interactions of the breathers and solitons are studied. We obtain three types of the hybrid-wave solutions, which consist of several breathers and solitons. When those breathers and solitons interact, they form the evolving polyhedral arrangement. Changes of the entire arrangement of the breathers and solitons, and the processes of fission or fusion, are discussed and presented.