Global solution to a Hopf equation and its application to non-strictly hyperbolic systems of conservation laws

Abstract

From a Hopf equation we develop a recently introduced technique, the weak asymptotic method, for describing the shock wave formation and the interaction processes. Then, this technique is applied to a system of conservation laws arising from pressureless gas dynamics. As an example, we study the shock wave formation process in a two-dimensional scalar conservation laws arising in oil reservoir problems.