Nonnlinear Differential Equation problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a nonlinear second-order differential equation of the form y'' + Ay^2 = B, where A and B are constants. Participants explore various methods for finding a general analytical solution, including separation of variables and the introduction of new variables.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in solving the equation and seeks help for a general analytical solution.
  • Another participant suggests using separation of variables after introducing a new variable v(x) = dy/dx, leading to a separable equation.
  • A different participant reports that their attempt at this method resulted in a more complicated expression, indicating challenges in progressing further.
  • Some participants propose that the equation can be transformed into a first-order differential equation, which can then be solved using a new variable z = y^0.5.
  • There is a correction regarding the need to retain constants of integration when seeking a general solution, emphasizing the importance of two linearly independent solutions.
  • One participant mentions that the resulting integral does not have a "nice" solution unless specific conditions on A, B, and constants are met, and suggests that it can be expressed in terms of elliptic integrals.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the notation used for the new variable z = y^0.5.
  • A participant notes the importance of initial conditions in simplifying the solution and expresses interest in understanding elliptic integrals, which have not been previously encountered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to solve the equation. There are competing views on the effectiveness of various approaches, and some participants challenge each other's steps and reasoning without resolving the disagreements.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made in the methods proposed, particularly concerning the constants of integration and the conditions under which certain solutions may be valid. The discussion also highlights the complexity of the integral involved and the potential need for specialized functions like elliptic integrals.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in nonlinear differential equations, mathematical methods for solving differential equations, and those exploring the application of elliptic integrals in solutions.

kank_39
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Nonlinear Differential Equation problem

Hi all,

I'm new here. I stumbled upon the site while searching for solutions to nonlinear differential solution.

I have a problem that I've been cracking my head to solve for the past 2 days to no avail. I hope you guys can help me out here. I'm looking for a general analytical solution.

Here's the problem:

y'' + Ay^2 = B , where A and B are constants

Help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all in advance.
 
Last edited:
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Oh sorry, i am tired, i will come back to it later :zzz:.

Good luck
 
Last edited:
But the problem is in the second order. Can we still use the simple separation of variable method?
 
this is one of those "standard trick" problems.

introduce a new variable v(x) = dy/dx;
then the equation is

dv/dx + Ay^2 = B

now use the chain rule: dv/dx = (dv/dy) (dy/dx) = v dv/dy

now you have an equation: v dv/dy = B-Ay^2
which is separable. so you integrate it, and
then replace v with dy/dx again and hopefully
solve it from there.
 
I've already tried that method qbert and i ended up something's that more complicated, which is as follow:

upon resolving:

v dv/dy = B - Ay^2

I got the following expression when i substituted the original expression of v(x) = dy/dx back into the solution:

dy/dx = [2(By-Ay^3/3)]^0.5

I was stuck from then onwards.
 
All right. I think I've sold the first order differential equation of dy/dx = [2(By-Ay^3/3)]^0.5.

It can be solved by introducing a new variable of z = y^0.5 which will result in the expression:

y = (3B/A)*sin[(B/2)^0.5*x]

Thanks anyway for all the help guys!
 
edit: don't use the bernoulli, forgot this was a second order equation

use chain rule

[tex]v=y^{'},~\frac{dv}{dt}= \frac{dy}{dt} \frac{dv}{dy}[/tex]

[tex]v \frac{dv}{dy} = \frac{d^{2}y}{dt}= \frac{dv}{dt}[/tex]

[tex]v \frac{dv}{dy} +Ay^{2}=B[/tex]

[tex]v \frac{dv}{dy}=B-Ay^{2}[/tex]

the above is separable
 
Last edited:
well, seems that you've already got to this point, I'm not quite sure what you (kank_39) were referring to in z=y^.5, can you explain?
 
kank_39 said:
All right. I think I've sold the first order differential equation of dy/dx = [2(By-Ay^3/3)]^0.5.

It can be solved by introducing a new variable of z = y^0.5 which will result in the expression:

y = (3B/A)*sin[(B/2)^0.5*x]

Thanks anyway for all the help guys!

it would be a better solution if it solved the problem.

kank_39 said:
I've already tried that method qbert and i ended up something's that more complicated, which is as follow:

upon resolving:

v dv/dy = B - Ay^2

I got the following expression when i substituted the original expression of v(x) = dy/dx back into the solution:

dy/dx = [2(By-Ay^3/3)]^0.5

I was stuck from then onwards.

I don't mean to be a jerk. but, you did this step wrong. The constants of
integration can't be dropped if you're looking for the general solution.
When you get done you should have two linearly independent solutions
with appropriate integration constants.

you should end up with
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \pm \sqrt{ 2\left(By - \frac{Ay^3}{3}\right) + c_1 }[/tex]
which is seperable

[tex]\int dx = \int \frac{\pm}{\sqrt{ 2\left(By - \frac{Ay^3}{3}\right) + c_1} } dy + c_2[/tex]

This integral doesn't have a "nice" solution (unless A, B, and c_1 are "special"),
you can rewrite it in terms of elliptic integrals if that makes you feel better.
 
  • #10
GCT said:
well, seems that you've already got to this point, I'm not quite sure what you (kank_39) were referring to in z=y^.5, can you explain?

z = y^0.5 represents z to be equal to the square root of y or y to the power of 0.5. :)
 
  • #11
qbert said:
it would be a better solution if it solved the problem.



I don't mean to be a jerk. but, you did this step wrong. The constants of
integration can't be dropped if you're looking for the general solution.
When you get done you should have two linearly independent solutions
with appropriate integration constants.

you should end up with
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \pm \sqrt{ 2\left(By - \frac{Ay^3}{3}\right) + c_1 }[/tex]
which is seperable

[tex]\int dx = \int \frac{\pm}{\sqrt{ 2\left(By - \frac{Ay^3}{3}\right) + c_1} } dy + c_2[/tex]

This integral doesn't have a "nice" solution (unless A, B, and c_1 are "special"),
you can rewrite it in terms of elliptic integrals if that makes you feel better.

Oh.. sorry, i forgot to mention the initial conditions which is v(y=0) = y(x=0) = 0. That would allow [tex]c_1[/tex] to become zero and the results to be as I've solved it.

However, I'm now trying to solve this:

[tex]\int dx = \int \frac{\pm}{\sqrt{ 2\left(By - \frac{Ay^3}{3}\right) + c_1} } dy + c_2[/tex]

for the same problem but with a different set of initial condition and I'm trying to understand the concept of elliptic integrals as I've never encountered such a theory before.
 

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