Nonlinear Wave Equations, Formation of Singularities

The lectures deal with existence in the large of solutions of initial value problems for nonlinear hyperbolic partial differential equations. As is typical with nonlinear problems, there are many results and few general conclusions in this extensive subject, so the author restricts himself to a small portion of the field, in which it is possible to discern some general patterns. Presenting an exposition of recent research in this area, the author examines the way in which solutions can, even with small and very smooth initial data, "blow up" after a finite time. For various types of quasi-linear equations, this time depends strongly on the number of dimensions and the "size" of the data. Of particular interest is the formation of singularities for nonlinear wave equations in three space dimensions.