A formula for symmetry recursion operators from non-variational symmetries of partial differential equations

Abstract

An explicit formula to find symmetry recursion operators for partial differential equations (PDEs) is obtained from new results connecting variational integrating factors and non-variational symmetries. The formula is special case of a general formula that produces a pre-symplectic operator from a non-gradient adjoint-symmetry. These formulas are illustrated by several examples of linear PDEs and integrable nonlinear PDEs. Additionally, a classification of quasilinear second-order PDEs admitting a multiplicative symmetry recursion operator through the first formula is presented.