Applications of Symmetries to Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations

Abstract

This review begins with the standard Lie symmetry theory for nonlinear PDEs and explores extensions of symmetry analysis. First, it introduces three key symmetry reduction methods: the classical symmetry method, conditional symmetries, and the CK direct method. Next, it presents two finite symmetry transformation group methods—one related to Lax pairs and one independent of them. The fourth section reviews four nonlocal symmetry methods based on conserved forms, conformal invariants, Darboux transformations, and Lax pairs. The final section covers supersymmetry theory and supersymmetric dark equations. Each method is illustrated with examples and references.