Nonlinear waves in second order conformal hydrodynamics

Abstract: In this work we study wave propagation in dissipative relativistic fluids described by a simplified set of the 2nd order viscous conformal hydrodynamic equations. Small amplitude waves are studied within the linearization approximation while waves with large amplitude are investigated using the reductive perturbation method. Our results indicate the presence of a "soliton-like" wave solution in 2nd order conformal hydrodynamics despite the presence of dissipation and relaxation effects.