Boundary condition for PDE heat eqaution

In summary, the question is asking for the temperature distribution in a 10 cm bar with insulated curved sides, initially at 100 degrees Celsius. The heat flow equation is given and the initial and boundary conditions are specified. The sides are insulated, making it a one dimensional flow equation with heat flowing through the ends.
  • #1
Taylor_1989
402
14

Homework Statement


I am having an issue, not with the maths but with the boundary conditions for this question.

A bar 10 cm long with insulated sides, is initially at ##100 ^\circ##. Starting at ##t=0##
Find the temperature distribution in the bar at time t.

The heat flow equation is

$$\frac{\partial ^2u}{\partial x^2}=\frac{1}{k}\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}$$

where ##u(x,t)## is the tempreture, Because the sides of the bar are insulated, the heat flows only in the, the same happens for a slab of finite thickness but infinitely large.

The initial condition is ##u(x,0)=100## and the boundary condition for ##t>0## is ##
u
(0
,t
) =
u
(10
,t
) = 0.
##

Have read this incorectly but if the sides are insulated then surely the boundary condtions are,

##U_{x}(0,t)=U_{x}(L,t)=0##

as the heat is moving along the x direction?
 
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  • #2
Taylor_1989 said:
Have read this incorectly but if the sides are insulated then surely the boundary condtions are,

##U_{x}(0,t)=U_{x}(L,t)=0##

as the heat is moving along the x direction?
No. The sides that are insulated are the curved sides, not the ends. That is what makes it a one dimensional flow equation with the heat flowing through the ends. So those partials with respect to ##x## are not zero.
 

What is a boundary condition for a PDE heat equation?

A boundary condition for a PDE heat equation is a mathematical statement that specifies the behavior of the solution at the boundaries of the domain. It is necessary to fully define the problem and obtain a unique solution.

What types of boundary conditions are commonly used for PDE heat equations?

The most commonly used boundary conditions for PDE heat equations are Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin boundary conditions. Dirichlet boundary conditions specify the value of the solution at the boundary, Neumann boundary conditions specify the derivative of the solution at the boundary, and Robin boundary conditions specify a combination of the value and derivative of the solution at the boundary.

Why are boundary conditions important for solving PDE heat equations?

Boundary conditions are important because they provide the necessary information to obtain a unique solution for the PDE heat equation. Without proper boundary conditions, the solution may not be well-defined and can lead to incorrect results.

Can boundary conditions be time-dependent for PDE heat equations?

Yes, boundary conditions can be time-dependent for PDE heat equations. In some cases, the boundary conditions may vary with time and this must be taken into account when solving the PDE heat equation.

How do boundary conditions affect the behavior of the solution to a PDE heat equation?

Boundary conditions play a crucial role in determining the behavior of the solution to a PDE heat equation. They can affect the stability, uniqueness, and convergence of the solution. In some cases, the choice of boundary conditions may also impact the physical interpretation of the solution.

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