Mixed hyperbolic-elliptic systems in self-similar flows

From the observation that self-similar solutions of conservation laws in two space dimensions change type, it follows that for systems of more than two equations, such as the equations of gas dynamics, the reduced systems will be of mixed hyperbolic-elliptic type, in some regions of space. In this paper, we derive mixed systems for the isentropic and adiabatic equations of compressible gas dynamics. We show that the mixed systems which arise exhibit complicated nonlinear dependence. In a prototype system, the nonlinear wave system, this behavior is much simplified, and we outline the solution to some typical Riemann problems.Dedicated to Constantine Dafermos on his 60^th birthdayResearch supported by the National Science Foundation, grant DMS-9970310.Research supported by the Department of Energy, grant DE-FG-03-94-ER25222 and by the National Science Foundation, grant DMS-9973475 (POWRE).Research supported by the Department of Energy, grant DE-FG-03-94-ER25222 and by the National Science Foundation, grant DMS-0103823.