Structural Limits of Closed-Form Solutions for Second-Order Differential Equations under Admissibility

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Authors: Jorge Vasconcelos
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Description (Abstract): This note establishes a definitive structural boundary on the existence of universal closed-form solutions for second-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Moving beyond questions of symbolic solvability within specific function classes, the analysis applies an admissibility framework that rigorously distinguishes between structurally viable and non-viable solution claims. It is demonstrated that no universal finite closed-form solution exists for the general class of second-order ODEs under any fixed symbolic function system. The strongest admissible universal representation is shown to be an operator-level construct: ordered exponentials (or fundamental matrix formulations) in the linear case, and flow-map definitions in the nonlinear case. This result reframes a longstanding pursuit not as an unresolved technical challenge, but as a question of inherent structural possibility, thereby clarifying the ultimate limit of symbolic compression permitted by mathematics for this class of problems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Mathematical and Computational Methods Advanced Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems Numerical methods for differential equations

Publication details

Journal / source
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Publication date
5 February 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Preprint