Discontinuities on strings

TL;DR

This paper explores the behavior of finite-amplitude intrinsic perturbations on strings, demonstrating that such perturbations can lead to stable discontinuities akin to shock waves, expanding understanding beyond infinitesimal perturbations.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of finite-amplitude intrinsic perturbations on strings and analyzes their evolution, highlighting the formation of stable discontinuities similar to shock waves.

Findings

Finite-amplitude perturbations can produce stable discontinuities.

Discontinuities on strings resemble shock waves.

The study extends the understanding of string perturbations beyond infinitesimal cases.

Abstract

Instead of the infinitesimal extrinsic and intrinsic perturbations on strings, considered so far, we discuss the evolution and propagation of finite-amplitude perturbations. Those intrinsic perturbations may result in appearance of stable discontinuities similar to the shock waves.