Calculating Propagation Velocity with MATLAB

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the propagation velocity of a wave using MATLAB, one can analyze the plots of traveling waves to determine how far a specific point, like a peak, moves over time. The velocity can be mathematically derived using formulas such as c = ω/k for general wave propagation or v = d/t for specific measurements. For different types of waves, specific formulas apply, such as v = √(F/μ) for waves on a string or v = λf for electromagnetic waves. The discussion also highlights the need for MATLAB code to measure the time intervals between wave appearances. Understanding the type of wave is crucial for selecting the correct formula to calculate its speed.
maths08
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heys,

sorry I didn't know where to post this hopefully I will get some responses.

well, I had a set of differential equations which I solved using MATLAB and got plots as traveling waves(t=1 to 10). basically, I need to find the velocity at which the wave is propagating and I have no idea where to start.

any hints will be much appreciated.

cheers
John
 
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If you have individual plots of this wave as functions of position at different snapshots in time, can't you trace out how far a spot in the wave (say a peak) moves in these time intervals?

P.S. welcome to the forums :smile:.
 
Heys all,

Thanks for the reply.. I have no knowledge of physics, however I looked at some notes for waves propagation and it gives it as c=w/k.

In my plots, I have the spatial axis and the wave is propagating from left to right. How do I find the propagation velocity? I will post the plot if it helps.

Any hint is really appreciated!


Many thanks
John
 
hey,

you can try to find this velocity mathemathically, what kind of wave is it? electromagnetic wave, wave propagating on a string,...?

if this is a wave on a string, the speed is given by v=\sqrt{\frac{F}{\mu}}\quad \text{where}\quad \mu = \text{lineic mass of the string and}\quad F = \text{Restoring force applied to the string}

if the wave is an electromagnetic wave, v=\lambda f, and if the wave is a sound wave, v=\sqrt{\frac{B}{\rho_0}}, \text{where}\quad B=p_0 \gamma = p_0 . 1.4 \quad\text{(for an idealised gas), where} \quad p_0 \quad \text{is the presure of air}\quad \text{and where}\quad \rho_0\quad \text{is the volumic mass of the air}

You can also try to find the propagating speed using matlab, you know that v=\frac{d}{t}, you can find the speed by this way.
 
cheers for the replies.


It is the speed at which the tumour is propagating along the x-axis. so, what formula should I use?
 
please someone out there help!

I have a computer simulation (using MATLAB) of traveling waves and I need to find the speed of propagation.

does anyone know the code in MATLAB to find how long does it take for the next wave to appear so that I can use c=x/t??

please help me

many thanks
 
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