General solution of ode using fourier transform

In summary: So, the Fourier transform of the entire equation is:F[u'' -xu' + u = 0] = (1-2k^2)u^ + \frac{d}{dk}[k\hat{u}(k)] = 0Solving for u^:u^ = \frac{-1}{1-2k^2}\frac{d}{dk}[k\hat{u}(k)]In summary, the conversation is about solving a problem involving an ODE and applying the Fourier transform to find the general solution. The discussion includes rearranging equations, finding the Fourier transform of various terms, and solving for u^ using the given information.
  • #1
naspek
181
0
ok well I'm pretty much home and dry in this problem

the aim of this problem is to get the general solution for the ode below..

2u'' - xu' + u = 0 = g(x)
i started to solve it by rearranging the equation..

2u'' + u = xu'

apply Fourier transform..
2F(u'') + u^ = g^

(-2k^2)u^ + u^ = g^

u^ [1- 2(k^2)] = g^
u^ = {1/ [1- 2(k^2)]}g^

the problem is, i can't find any of the them in the transform table..
 
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  • #2
naspek said:
ok well I'm pretty much home and dry in this problem

the aim of this problem is to get the general solution for the ode below..

2u'' - xu' + u = 0 = g(x)
So g(x)=0?
i started to solve it by rearranging the equation..

2u'' + u = xu'

apply Fourier transform..
2F(u'') + u^ = g^
Where did the xu' term go, and where did g come from?
(-2k^2)u^ + u^ = g^

u^ [1- 2(k^2)] = g^
u^ = {1/ [1- 2(k^2)]}g^

the problem is, i can't find any of the them in the transform table..
 
  • #3
rearranging my equations...

2u'' + u = xu' = g(x)
where xu' = g(x)

F{ 2u'' + u = g(x) }
-2k^2(u^) + (u^) = (g^)
(1 - k^2 )(u^) = (g^)
u^ = [1 / (1 - k^2 )] (g^)

correct?
 
  • #4
Sort of, but it's not what you want to do. What exactly is g(x) supposed to be? According to your first equation (in your original post), g(x)=0. Or is it supposed to be the source term/forcing function, i.e. the term that results in the particular solution?

Try looking up a property of the Fourier transform relating [itex]xf(x)[/itex] to [tex]\frac{d}{dk}\hat{f}(k)[/tex].
 
  • #5
xu' --->> [- (1/ i2pi)][d/dx]u

correct?
should i substitute it to my previous equation?
 
Last edited:
  • #6
Try it out.
 
  • #7
vela said:
Try it out.

F(u'' -xu' + u = 0)
F(-xu') = -[(-1 / i2pi)(d/dx)u^])
F(-xu') = [(1 / i2pi)(d/dx)u^])

F(u'' -xu' + u = 0)
[1 -2k^2 + (1 / i2pi)(d/dx)]u^ = 0

correct?
 
  • #8
naspek said:
F(u'' -xu' + u = 0)
F(-xu') = -[(-1 / i2pi)(d/dx)u^])
F(-xu') = [(1 / i2pi)(d/dx)u^])

F(u'' -xu' + u = 0)
[1 -2k^2 + (1 / i2pi)(d/dx)]u^ = 0

correct?
No, you seem to be missing a factor of k. First, take care of the effect of the x:

[tex]F[xu']=\frac{1}{-i}\frac{d}{dk}F[u'][/tex]

And then take the Fourier transform of u':

[tex]F[xu']=\frac{1}{-i}\frac{d}{dk}(-ikF)=\frac{d}{dk}[k\hat{u}(k)][/tex]

(If you're using x and k, I think there are no factors of 2π.)
 

Related to General solution of ode using fourier transform

What is a general solution of ODE?

A general solution of ODE (Ordinary Differential Equation) is a function or a set of functions that satisfies the given ODE and includes all the possible solutions. It is the most general form of solution that can be obtained for a given ODE.

What is Fourier transform?

Fourier transform is a mathematical operation that decomposes a function into its constituent frequencies. It converts a function from its original domain (usually time or space) to a representation in the frequency domain. It is used to solve differential equations by transforming them into algebraic equations.

How does Fourier transform help in solving ODEs?

Fourier transform helps in solving ODEs by transforming them into algebraic equations that are easier to solve. It also allows us to express the solution of an ODE in terms of a series of trigonometric functions, making it easier to find a general solution.

What are the limitations of using Fourier transform to solve ODEs?

Fourier transform can only be used to solve linear ODEs with constant coefficients. It also assumes that the solution to the ODE exists and is unique. Additionally, Fourier transform cannot be applied to ODEs with discontinuous or non-periodic functions.

Can Fourier transform be used for partial differential equations (PDEs)?

Yes, Fourier transform can also be used to solve PDEs. It converts the PDE into an algebraic equation in the frequency domain, which can then be solved to find the general solution. However, not all PDEs can be solved using Fourier transform, and it has similar limitations as in solving ODEs.

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