Nonlinear Wave Equations

equation

wave

sine-Gordon

Wolfram

initial peak separation

solution range

show mesh

plot type

2D

3D

Explore three nonlinear wave equations, starting from simple initial conditions.

The ordinary wave equation is linear, and always shows fairly simple behavior. The sine-Gordon equation is nonlinear, but is still special in having solitons, and again exhibits fairly simple behavior. Wolfram's equation, on the other hand, appears to have no such simplifying features, and can exhibit highly complex behavior.