Starting Out with PDEs: Solving au_x + bu_y + cu = 0

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In summary, the conversation discusses solving a PDE using separation of variables and the method of characteristics, which involves viewing the solution as a surface and integrating equations for the tangent plane. It is suggested to either cover this topic in the course or research it online.
  • #1
imranq
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Homework Statement


Hey I'm trying to get a sense of this problem, just starting pde class:

[tex]au_x+bu_y+cu=0[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Dunno what to do with that last term
 
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  • #2
Have you tried separation of variables?
 
  • #3
This equation can be solved via the method of characteristics.
 
  • #4
what is the method of characteristics?
 
  • #5
This is something which should be covered in your course or alternatively you can google it ot it should be in any good book on PDEs.
 
  • #6
The idea is basically to view the solution of the PDE as a surface [tex]u=u(x,y)[/tex] and the equation is in fact the dot product between the normal at that point and the tangent plane. You just integrate up the equations for the tangent plane basically.
 

Related to Starting Out with PDEs: Solving au_x + bu_y + cu = 0

1. What is a partial differential equation (PDE)?

A partial differential equation is a mathematical equation that includes partial derivatives of a multivariable function. It describes the relationship between the function and its derivatives, and is commonly used to model physical systems in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics.

2. What does the notation aux + buy + cu = 0 mean?

This notation represents a linear partial differential equation with two independent variables, x and y, and one dependent variable, u. The coefficients a, b, and c determine the relationship between the partial derivatives of u with respect to x and y, and the value of u itself. The equation as a whole is typically solved for u.

3. How can PDEs be solved?

There are various methods for solving PDEs, including separation of variables, the method of characteristics, and numerical methods such as finite difference or finite element methods. The specific method used depends on the type of PDE and the boundary/initial conditions given.

4. Why are PDEs important in science?

PDEs are important in science because they provide a powerful tool for modeling and understanding complex physical systems. They allow us to describe how a system changes over time and space, and can be used to make predictions about its behavior. PDEs are used in a wide range of fields including physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.

5. What are some real-world applications of PDEs?

PDEs have many real-world applications, such as modeling heat transfer, fluid dynamics, electromagnetic waves, and diffusion processes. They are also used in finance to model stock prices and in geology to study the behavior of earthquakes. PDEs are essential in many areas of science and engineering where understanding the behavior of complex systems is critical.

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