Invariance Analysis and Variational Conservation Laws for the Wave Equation on Some Manifolds

Abstract

In this paper we discuss symmetries of a nonlinear wave equation that arises as a consequence of some Riemannian metrics of signature −2. The objective of this study is to show how geometry can be responsible in giving rise to a nonlinear inhomogeneous wave equation rather than assuming nonlinearities in the wave equation from physical considerations. We find Lie point symmetries of the corresponding wave equations and give their solutions in two cases. Some interesting physical conclusions relating to conservation laws such as energy, linear and angular momenta are also determined.