Self-Similar Solutions of the Boltzmann Equation for Non-Maxwell Molecules

We show that the method previously used by the authors to obtain self-similar, eternal solutions of the space-homogeneous Boltzmann equation for Maxwell molecules yields different results when extended to other power-law potentials (including hard spheres). In particular, self-similar solutions cease to exist for a positive time for hard potentials. In the case of soft potentials, the solutions exist for all potive times, but are not eternal.