Let H=H(x,v),x,v∈Rn, be a smooth real-valued function which maps R2n into R. Consider the initial value problem for the equation
ft+∇vH⋅∇xf−∇xH⋅∇vf=0,x,v∈Rn,t>0f(x,v,t=0)=fI(x,v),x,v∈Rn
for the unknown function f=f(x,v,t).
(i) Use the method of characteristics to solve the initial value problem, locally in time.
(ii) Let fI⩾0 on R2n. Use the method of characteristics to prove that f remains non-negative (as long as it exists).
(iii) Let F:R→R be smooth. Prove that
∫R2nF(f(x,v,t))dxdv=∫R2nF(fI(x,v))dxdv
as long as the solution exists.
(iv) Let H be independent of x, namely H(x,v)=a(v), where a is smooth and realvalued. Give the explicit solution of the initial value problem.