Exact solutions to the forced KdV equation via three efficient techniques

In this work, the exact travelling wave solutions to the forced Korteweg–de Vries (fKdV) equation with different force terms are studied with the help of symbolic computations. This equation is derived from a straightforward mathematical model that describes the behaviour of a shallow fluid layer when influenced by external forces. The fKdV equation has many applications in diverse fields, including fluid dynamics, plasma physics, soliton theory and mathematical physics, for modeling wave propagation and nonlinear phenomena under the influence of external forces. Solitary wave solutions for this equation have been derived using three distinct techniques: the extended \((G^\prime / G)\)-expansion method, the Kudryashov method and the \((1/G^\prime )\)-expansion method. As a result, several new solutions have been achieved which are in the form of hyperbolic, trigonometric, rational and exponential functions. Finally, the effects of different time-dependent external forces have been studied by presenting 3D, 2D and contour plots. It can be seen that the external forces affect the background and speed of solitary waves. The results could be expected to be helpful in understanding the propagation of solitary waves subjected to external forces.