The concentration c(x,t) of insects at position x at time t satisfies the nonlinear diffusion equation
∂t∂c=∂x∂(cm∂x∂c)
with m>0. Find the value of α which allows a similarity solution of the form c(x,t)=tαf(ξ), with ξ=tαx.
Show that
f(ξ)={[2αm(ξ2−ξ02)]1/m0 for −ξ0<ξ<ξ0 otherwise
where ξ0 is a constant. From the original partial differential equation, show that the total number of insects c0 does not change in time. From this result, find a general expression relating ξ0 and c0. Find a closed-form solution for ξ0 in the case m=2.