Elastic String Displacement u(x,t)

In summary: No, it doesn't. The integral should be:u(x,t) = \sum_1 ^\infty \frac{4Lsin(\frac{n \pi}{2})sin(\frac{n \pi}{L} )}{\pi n} sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L})cos(\frac{n \pi t}{L})
  • #1
TranscendArcu
285
0

Homework Statement


Consider an elastic string of length L whose ends are held fixed. The string is set in motion with no initial velocity from an initial position u(x, 0) = f (x). Assume that the parameter alpha = 1. Find the displacement u(x,t) for the given initial position f(x)
Screen_shot_2012_05_27_at_8_54_39_PM.png


The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]
u(x,t) = X(x)T(t) \Rightarrow \frac{X''}{X} = \frac{T''}{T} = -\lambda\\
X = C_1 cos(\sqrt{\lambda}x) + C_2 sin(\sqrt{\lambda}x)\\X(0) = C_1 = 0\\X(L) = C_2 sin(\sqrt{\lambda}L) = 0 \Rightarrow \sqrt{\lambda}L = n\pi \forall n\geq 1 \Rightarrow \lambda = (\frac{n \pi}{L})^2\\
T''+ \lambda T = 0 \Rightarrow T = C_1 cos(\frac{n \pi t}{L}) + C_2 sin(\frac{n \pi t}{L})\\
\Rightarrow u_n(x,t) = A_n cos(\frac{n \pi t}{L})sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L}) + B_n sin(\frac{n \pi t}{L}) sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L})\\
\Rightarrow u(x,t) = \sum _1 ^\infty A_n cos(\frac{n \pi t}{L})sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L}) + B_n sin(\frac{n \pi t}{L}) sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L})\\
u(x,0) = 1 = \sum _1 ^\infty A_n cos(\frac{n \pi (0)}{L})sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L}) + B_n sin(\frac{n \pi (0)}{L}) sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L}) = \sum _1 ^\infty A_n sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L})\\
\frac{\partial u(x,0)}{\partial t} = \sum _1 ^\infty B_n \frac{n \pi}{L} sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L}) = 0\\

[/tex]
So this forces all of the B_n to zero. We now solve the A_n
[tex]
A_n = 2 \int _0 ^L f(x)sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L}) dx = 2 \int_{\frac{L}{2} - 1} ^{\frac{L}{2} + 1} sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L}) dx = \frac{4Lsin(\frac{n \pi}{2})sin(\frac{n \pi}{L} )}{\pi n}

[/tex]Thus, my solution should be:
[tex]
u(x,t) = \sum_1 ^\infty \frac{4Lsin(\frac{n \pi}{2})sin(\frac{n \pi}{L} )}{\pi n} sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L})cos(\frac{n \pi t}{L})
[/tex]
However, this answer is off by a factor of L from what the book has. Can anyone help me find my mistake?
 
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  • #2
Everything looks good until evaluating that integral. You'll have to point us to which trig identity(s) you used to make it easier to check, but I'm suspicious of that factor of L in the same line that starts [itex]A_n=\dots[/itex]
 
Last edited:
  • #3
TranscendArcu said:
[tex]
A_n = 2 \int _0 ^L f(x)sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L}) dx =
[/tex]

Doesn't the half-range expansion for ##A_n## look like this$$
A_n = \frac 2 L \int _0 ^L f(x)sin(\frac{n \pi x}{L}) dx$$
 

Related to Elastic String Displacement u(x,t)

1. What is elastic string displacement?

Elastic string displacement refers to the movement or deformation of a string when a force is applied to it. This displacement is typically measured as a function of time and distance along the string.

2. How is elastic string displacement calculated?

The calculation of elastic string displacement involves using the equation u(x,t) = A sin(kx-wt), where A is the amplitude, k is the wave number, x is the distance along the string, t is time, and w is the angular frequency. This equation takes into consideration the elastic properties of the string and the applied force.

3. What factors affect elastic string displacement?

Elastic string displacement is affected by several factors, including the properties of the string (such as elasticity and density), the applied force (such as tension and frequency), and the boundary conditions (such as fixed or free ends).

4. What is the significance of elastic string displacement in science?

Elastic string displacement is an important concept in many fields of science, including physics, engineering, and materials science. It is often used to study the behavior of waves, vibrations, and other forms of energy transfer in elastic materials.

5. How is elastic string displacement used in real-world applications?

Elastic string displacement has many practical applications, such as in musical instruments (such as guitars and violins), seismic activity monitoring, and medical imaging techniques like ultrasound. It is also used in engineering and construction for the design and analysis of structures and materials.

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