2nd order with exponential and constant on right side

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order differential equation of the form y'' = a(Exp(-b*y) - 1), where a and b are constants. Participants explore methods to address the equation under specific boundary conditions, including y'(x=0)=-K1 and y'(x=L)=0. The conversation includes attempts to integrate and manipulate the equation, as well as considerations of its physical context related to Schottky diodes.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their approach to solving the equation without the constant term and successfully integrates to find a relationship involving hyperbolic functions.
  • Another participant suggests a method for integration but acknowledges that they are also struggling with the subsequent steps.
  • A later reply questions the original formulation of the equation, proposing an alternative expression.
  • The original poster confirms the correctness of their equation, linking it to the physics of a Schottky diode and expressing frustration over the inability to find a solution, even numerically.
  • The original poster considers polynomial approximations but finds them insufficient for capturing the necessary physics of the diode behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty and struggle with the problem, with no consensus on a solution or method to proceed. There is a mix of agreement on the difficulty of the problem and differing views on the formulation of the equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note challenges in integrating the equation and the implications of the constant term. The discussion reflects a reliance on specific boundary conditions and the physical context of the problem, which may limit the applicability of certain mathematical techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in differential equations, mathematical modeling in physics, and the behavior of semiconductor devices may find this discussion relevant.

ADGigus
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hi everybody,

How do I solve this differential equation ??:

y'' = a(Exp(-b*y)-1) ;

where a, b are constants

with the boundaries conditions :

y'(x=0)=-K1
y'(x=L)=0

without the constant term I can do

y''*y' = y' a Exp(-b y)

then integrate it

[tex]\ {1/2} (y')^2= {a/b} ~Exp(-b y)[/tex]

and so on and finaly find something in hyperbolic function Tanh()...

but With the constant term " -a " on the right side, I don't know how to start.

Thank very much for your help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

Hi ADGigus! Welcome to PF! :smile:

easy-peasy …

∫ y' (a Exp(-b y) - a)

= ∫ay'Exp(-b y) - ∫ay' :smile:
 
ok but my problem is in the followings...

Thank you for your very quick answer and the welcome.

Yes I agree til there it's easy but it's the following that gives me troubles.

so
starting from :

[tex]y'' = a Exp(-b y) -a[/tex]

[tex]y ' y'' = y ' a Exp(-b y) -a y '[/tex]

after the integration on y on both sides, I have :

[tex]1/2~(y ')^2 = -a/b~ Exp(-b y) -a y + K[/tex][tex]y' =\sqrt{-2a (1/b ~ Exp(-b y)-y) + K}[/tex]

and then I'm really stuck... :-(
 
Last edited:
Hi ADGigus! :smile:

Yes … I'm stuck too. :frown:

Are you sure it's not y'' = a(Exp(-b*y-1)) ? :smile:
 
it's ok

Yes I'm sure it's correct,

it's coming from the expression of a Schottky diode (current density vs Voltage)

so it's :

J = a(Exp(-bV) -1)

because you want 0 current at bias of 0 Volts...

I already try many way to solve this equations, til now I'm fully stuck

Even numerically I don't find any correct way to solve it.

May be there is some polynomial approximation to use, but I don't really find anything fine.

if we take the developpement of exponential at the first order it's easy (1+V), but it's insufficient, I lose the diode physics and it does like it's something linear, so ohmic. And It's not enough for my calculation.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K