Abstract
In this paper, an extended Jacobi elliptic function expansion method is used with a computerized symbolic computation for constructing the exact periodic solutions of some polynomials or nonlinear evolution equations. The validity and reliability of the method is tested by its applications on a class of nonlinear evolution equations of special interest in nonlinear mathematical physics. As a result, many exact travelling wave solutions are obtained which include new solitary or shock wave solution and envelope solitary and shock wave solutions. The method is straightforward and concise, and it can also be applied to other nonlinear evolution equations in mathematical physics. (C) 2006 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.