Solving mx'' + cx' + kx = 0 Using Laplace

  • Thread starter morbidkokos
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Laplace
In summary, the conversation is about solving a differential equation using Laplace and the given initial conditions. The person asking for help has shown their progress so far and is stuck at finding more solutions. The expert notes that due to the non-zero coefficient of x'', the problem has a unique solution and the trivial solution of x=0 satisfies the equation.
  • #1
morbidkokos
2
0
Hello , can anyone help me solve this using laplace ?

mx'' + cx' + kx = 0 , x(0)=0 , x'(0)=0 , m > 0 , c > 0 , k > 0 and c^2-4km > 0


thanks in advance for your answer.(first time using this forum)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Usually, we like to see what efforts have been put into a solution. It helps us know where you are stuck; it also makes sure we aren't doing all the work for you, which would make the learning process more difficult.

So please, show what you've done towards a solution so far.
 
  • #3
Hello again and thanks for your answer .
This is what I got so far :

mx''+cx'+kx=0 →
m[s^2 X(s) + sx(0) -x'(0)] + c[sX(s) - x(0)] + kX(s)=0 → ##x(0)=0 , x'(0)=0## →
X(s)(ms^2+cs+k)=0 →
since c^2-4km > 0 there are 2 roots a1 and a2.
Therefore X(s)(s-a1)(s-a2)=0

and that's where I'm stuck. I know that X(s)=0 is a solution but isn't there anything else?
(going to sleep now 3:10 am is too late for D.E.)
 
  • #4
Because the coefficient of x'' is not zero, this problem has a unique solution.
It is obvious that x identically equal to 0 satisfies this equation so that is the solution.
 

Related to Solving mx'' + cx' + kx = 0 Using Laplace

1. What is Laplace transform and how is it used to solve mx'' + cx' + kx = 0?

Laplace transform is a mathematical tool used to solve differential equations by transforming them from the time domain to the frequency domain. In the context of solving mx'' + cx' + kx = 0, Laplace transform is used to convert the differential equation into an algebraic equation in the frequency domain, which can then be solved for the unknown variable x.

2. What are the steps involved in using Laplace transform to solve mx'' + cx' + kx = 0?

The steps involved in solving mx'' + cx' + kx = 0 using Laplace transform are:

  • Take the Laplace transform of both sides of the equation
  • Apply the relevant Laplace transform rules to simplify the equation
  • Solve the resulting algebraic equation for the unknown variable x
  • Take the inverse Laplace transform to convert the solution back to the time domain

3. Can Laplace transform be used to solve any differential equation?

No, Laplace transform can only be used to solve linear differential equations with constant coefficients, such as mx'' + cx' + kx = 0. Nonlinear and variable coefficient differential equations cannot be solved using Laplace transform.

4. What are the advantages of using Laplace transform to solve differential equations?

The advantages of using Laplace transform to solve differential equations include:

  • It can simplify complex differential equations into algebraic equations, making them easier to solve
  • It can handle initial value problems and boundary value problems
  • It is a systematic and efficient method for solving differential equations
  • It is widely used in various fields of science and engineering

5. Are there any limitations or drawbacks of using Laplace transform to solve differential equations?

Yes, there are some limitations and drawbacks to using Laplace transform to solve differential equations, including:

  • It can only be used for linear differential equations with constant coefficients
  • It may not always yield an explicit solution, making it difficult to interpret the results
  • It requires knowledge of Laplace transform rules and techniques
  • It may not be suitable for solving certain types of differential equations, such as singular or non-causal equations

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
644
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
837
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
550
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
618
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
357
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
304
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
524
Back
Top