Abstract We introduce families of quasi-rectifiable vector fields and study their geometric and algebraic aspects. Then, we analyse their applications to systems of partial differential equations. Our results explain, in a simple manner, the properties of families of vector fields describing hydrodynamic-type equations by means of k-waves. Facts concerning families of quasi-rectifiable vector fields, their relation to Hamiltonian systems, and practical procedures for studying such families are developed. We introduce and analyse quasi-rectifiable Lie algebras, which are motivated by geometric and practical reasons. We classify different types of quasi-rectifiable Lie algebras, e.g. indecomposable ones up to dimension five. New methods for solving systems of hydrodynamic-type equations are established to illustrate our results. In particular, we study hydrodynamic-type systems admitting Riemann k-wave solutions through quasi-rectifiable Lie algebras of vector fields. We develop techniques for obtaining the submanifolds related to quasi-rectifiable Lie algebras of vector fields and systems of partial differential equations admitting a nonlinear superposition rule: the PDE Lie systems.
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