Separable solutions to nonlinear anisotropic diffusion equation in elliptic coordinates

Two- and three-dimensional exact solutions of the nonlinear diffusion equation are proved to exist in elliptic coordinates subject to an arbitrary piecewise constant azimuthal anisotropy. Degrees of freedom traditionally used to satisfy boundary conditions are instead employed to ensure continuity and conservation of mass across contiguity surfaces between subdomains of distinct diffusivities. Not all degrees of freedom are exhausted thereby, and conditions are given for the inclusion of higher harmonics. Degrees of freedom associated with one isotropic subdomain are always available to satisfy boundary conditions. The second harmonic is pivotal in the solution construction as well as the identification of partial symmetries in the domain partition. The anisotropy gives rise to an unconventional mixed type critical point that combines saddle and node-like characteristics. This article is part of the theme issue 'New trends in pattern formation and nonlinear dynamics of extended systems'.