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