Time decay for nonlinear wave equations in two space dimensions

The Cauchy Problem for the equation u_tt–u+|u|^p–1u=0 (x², t>0, >1) is studied. Smooth Cauchy data is prescribed, and no smallness condition is imposed. For >5, it is shown that the maximum amplitude of such a wave decays at the expected rate t^–1/2 as t. For 1+8<5, the maximum amplitude still decays, but at a slower rate. These results are then used to demonstrate the existence of the scattering operator when >_o, where _o is the root of the cubic equation ³-2²-7-8=0; thus _o4.15.Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow