Asymptotic solutions to a differential equation

In summary, the conversation discusses solving a differential equation for small and large values of ##\eta## and under certain conditions. The numerically solved solution is shown and for small ##\eta##, an approximation is made using the terms in the equation. The question of whether ##f''(\eta) \ll f'(\eta)/\eta## is reasonable is raised, leading to a potential solution. For large ##\eta##, the differential equation reduces to a simpler form, but the solution is still unsolvable. The speaker mentions they have found a solution and may share it if time allows.
  • #1
robinegberts
15
4
I am asked to solve the differential equation
$$ f''(\eta)+\frac{f'(\eta)}{\eta}+\Big(1-\frac{s^2}{\eta^2}\Big) f(\eta) - f(\eta)^3 = 0, $$
for small ##\eta## and large ##\eta## under the condition ##f(\eta \rightarrow \infty) = 1## and ##f(0)=0##.

The numerically solved solution looks like this:
diff_asymptotic.png


For small ##\eta## clearly ##s^2/\eta^2 \gg 1## and term ##f(\eta)^3 \ll f(\eta)##, which leads to the approximation
$$ f''(\eta)+\frac{f'(\eta)}{\eta}+\frac{s^2}{\eta^2} f(\eta)=0.$$ Is it reasonable to assume ##f''(\eta) \ll f'(\eta)/\eta##? This would lead to the solution solution
$$f'(\eta)=c_1 \eta^{s^2},$$
which shows that for ##s=1## the solution appears to increase linearly for small ##\eta## whereas for ##s=2## the solution appears to increase as ##s^4##.

For large values of ##\eta## one might argue that the differential equation reduces to
$$f''(\eta) + f(\eta) - f(\eta)^3 = 0,$$
however this solution is still unsolvable...
 

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  • #2
I have been able to find the solution. Will try to post the solution if time allows for those interested. Thank you nevertheless.
 

1. What is an asymptotic solution to a differential equation?

An asymptotic solution to a differential equation is a solution that approximates the behavior of the true solution as the independent variable approaches either positive or negative infinity. This means that as the independent variable gets larger or smaller, the asymptotic solution will approach the true solution, but may not necessarily be an exact match.

2. Why are asymptotic solutions important?

Asymptotic solutions are important because they allow us to approximate the behavior of a differential equation without having to solve it exactly. This can be useful in situations where the exact solution is difficult or impossible to find, or when we are only interested in the behavior of the solution at very large or very small values of the independent variable.

3. How are asymptotic solutions different from exact solutions?

Asymptotic solutions are different from exact solutions in that they are only approximations of the true solution. Exact solutions are the actual solutions to a differential equation that satisfy all initial conditions and boundary conditions. Asymptotic solutions, on the other hand, may not satisfy these conditions but can still give us valuable information about the behavior of the solution.

4. Can all differential equations have asymptotic solutions?

No, not all differential equations have asymptotic solutions. The existence of an asymptotic solution depends on the behavior of the differential equation at infinity. If the behavior of the equation at infinity is too complex, it may not have an asymptotic solution. Additionally, some equations may have multiple asymptotic solutions depending on the initial conditions.

5. How do you find an asymptotic solution to a differential equation?

Finding an asymptotic solution to a differential equation can be a complex process and often involves using methods such as perturbation theory or Laplace transforms. In general, the approach involves approximating the original differential equation with a simpler one that is easier to solve, and then using this solution as an approximation for the original problem. This process may need to be repeated multiple times to get a more accurate asymptotic solution.

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