Preliminarily group classification of a class of 2D nonlinear heat equations

Abstract

A preliminary group classification of the class 2D nonlinear heat equations $u_t=f(x,y,u,u_x,u_y)(u_{xx}+u_{yy})$, where $f$ is arbitrary smooth function of the variables $x,y,u,u_x$ and $u_y$ using Lie method, is given. The paper is one of the few applications of an algebraic approach to the problem of group classification: the method of preliminary group classification.