Computational methods for some non-linear wave equations

Computational methods based on a linearized implicit scheme and a predictor -corrector method are proposed for the solution of the Kadomtsev-Petviashvi li (KP) equation and its generalized from (GKP). The methods developed for the KP equation are applied with minor modifications to the generalized cas e. An inportant advantage to be gained from the use of the linearized impli cit method over the predictor-corrector method which is conditionally stabl e, is the ability to vary the mesh length, and thereby reducing the computa tional time. The methods are analysed with respect to stability criteria. N umerical results portraying a single line-soliton solution and the interact ion of two-line solitons are reported for the KP equation. Moreover, a lump -like soliton (a solitary wave which decays to zero in all space dimensions ) and the interaction of two lump solitons are reported for the KP equation .