ON THE NOTION OF CONDITIONAL SYMMETRY OF DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

Abstract

Symmetry properties of PDE's are considered within a systematic and unifying scheme: particular attention is devoted to the notion of conditional symmetry, leading to the distinction and a precise characterization of the notions of "true" and "weak" conditional symmetry. Their relationship with exact and partial symmetries is also discussed. An extensive use of "symmetry-adapted" variables is made; several clarifying examples, including the case of Boussinesq equation, are also provided.