On the decoupling problem of general quasilinear first order systems in two independent variables

Abstract: The paper deals with the decoupling problem of general quasilinear first order systems in two independent variables. We consider either the case of homogeneous and autonomous systems or the one of nonhomogeneous and/or nonautonomous systems. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the partial or full decoupling of the systems at hand are provided. The conditions involve the properties of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the coefficient matrix, and provide the differential constraints whose integration leads to the decoupling transformation. Some applications of physical interest are also given.