EXACT N-WAVE SOLUTIONS OF GENERALIZED BURGERS EQUATIONS

Exact N-wave solutions for the generalized Burgers equation u(t) + u(n )u(x) + (j/2t + alpha) u + (beta + gamma/x) u(n+1) = delta/2u(xx), whe re j, alpha, beta, and gamma are nonnegative constants and n is a posi tive integer, are obtained. These solutions are asymptotic to the (lin ear) old-age solution for large time and extend the validity of the la tter so as to cover the entire time regime starting where the original ly sharp shock has become sufficiently thick and the viscous effects a re felt in the entire N wave.