Group analysis of Benjamin-Bona-Mahony equations with time dependent coefficients

Abstract: Group classification of a class of Benjamin-Bona-Mahony (BBM) equations with time dependent coefficients is carried out. Two equivalent lists of equations possessing Lie symmetry extensions are presented: up to point equivalence within the class of BBM equations and without the simplification by equivalence transformations. It is shown that the complete results can be achieved using either the gauging of arbitrary elements of the class by the equivalence transformations or the method of mapping between classes. As by-product of the second approach the complete group classification of a class of variable-coefficient BBM equations with forcing term is derived.