Another PDE and boundary conditions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a partial differential equation (PDE) with specified boundary conditions and initial conditions. Participants explore methods to transform the problem to achieve homogeneous boundary conditions and discuss the implications of the initial conditions on their approach.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Participants are tasked with solving the PDE given by \( u_t = K u_{xx} \) with non-homogeneous boundary conditions and a specific initial condition.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about how to proceed when the initial conditions involve the first derivative of the function.
  • There is a suggestion to define a new function to transform the problem, but the specifics of this transformation are not fully articulated.
  • One participant proposes using a series solution involving cosine functions due to their properties at the boundaries, while another questions the validity of this approach.
  • Another participant mentions a specific form for a new function \( v(x,t) \) and seeks confirmation on whether their approach to modifying the boundary conditions is correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the methods to solve the PDE or the appropriateness of the proposed solutions. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the transformation of the problem and the nature of the solutions.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the boundary conditions and the initial conditions, as well as the dependence on the definitions of the functions involved. The discussion does not resolve these issues.

Markov2
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1) Solve

$\begin{aligned}
{{u}_{t}}&=K{{u}_{xx}},\text{ }0<x<L,\text{ }t>0, \\
{{u}_{x}}(0,t)&=0,\text{ }{{u}_{x}}(L,t)=0,\text{ for }t>0, \\
u(x,0)&=6+\sin \frac{3\pi x}{L}
\end{aligned}$

2) Transform the problem so that the boundary conditions get homogeneous:

$\begin{aligned}
{{u}_{t}}&=K{{u}_{xx}},\text{ }0<x<L,\text{ }t>0, \\
{{u}_{x}}(0,t)&=Ae^{-at},\text{ }{{u}_{x}}(L,t)=B,\text{ for }t>0, \\
u(x,0)&=0
\end{aligned}$

Attempts:

1) No ideas for this one, I don't know how to proceed when the initial conditions have the first derivative.

2) I think I need to define a new function right? But how?
 
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Markov said:
1) Solve

$\begin{aligned}
{{u}_{t}}&=K{{u}_{xx}},\text{ }0<x<L,\text{ }t>0, \\
{{u}_{x}}(0,t)&=0,\text{ }{{u}_{x}}(L,t)=0,\text{ for }t>0, \\
u(x,0)&=6+\sin \frac{3\pi x}{L}
\end{aligned}$

2) Transform the problem so that the boundary conditions get homogeneous:

$\begin{aligned}
{{u}_{t}}&=K{{u}_{xx}},\text{ }0<x<L,\text{ }t>0, \\
{{u}_{x}}(0,t)&=Ae^{-at},\text{ }{{u}_{x}}(L,t)=B,\text{ for }t>0, \\
u(x,0)&=0
\end{aligned}$

Attempts:

1) No ideas for this one, I don't know how to proceed when the initial conditions have the first derivative.

2) I think I need to define a new function right? But how?

What book are you using? If it isn't helpful, you should get Elementary Partial Differential Equations by Berg and McGregor.
 
I have no chances to get books, the only source I have left is the forum. :(

Think you could help me please? :(
 
Markov said:
I have no chances to get books, the only source I have left is the forum. :(

Think you could help me please? :(

The book I suggested is relatively cheap and it is a good book. I suggest you think about picking a book up whether it is that one or another one.
 
For 1, because the boundary conditions are homogeneous, try a solution of the form $\sum_{n=0}^\infty A_n(t)cos(n\pi x/L)$.
Use cosine because the derivative of cosine is sine which is 0 at 0 and L.
For 2, yes, you need to change the function. And you want to make the boundary conditions 0 so find a function, f(x,t), that satisfies the boundary conditions and subtract f from u.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Okay but on (1) why can we adopt that kind of solution?

As for second question, I have $v(x,t)=A{{e}^{-at}}-\left( A{{e}^{-at}}-B \right)\dfrac{x}{L}$ so I need $f(x,t)=v(x,t)+u(x,t),$ does this work? (I had a typo, the boundary conditions don't have the first derivative.)
 
Last edited:

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