Can S2 Solve the Diffusion Equation in 2D?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the solution of the diffusion equation in two dimensions using the product form S2 = S(x,t)S(y,t). The equation St = k (Sxx + Syy) is analyzed, leading to the conclusion that S(x,t) and S(y,t) should be assumed to solve the one-dimensional diffusion equation in their respective dimensions. By dividing through by S(x,t)S(y,t), participants identify a new equation that S(x,t) must satisfy, which, while not the standard one-dimensional diffusion equation, is simpler to solve.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the diffusion equation and its properties
  • Familiarity with partial differential equations (PDEs)
  • Knowledge of separation of variables technique
  • Basic concepts of mathematical modeling in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the one-dimensional diffusion equation
  • Explore the method of separation of variables in PDEs
  • Research solutions to the two-dimensional diffusion equation
  • Investigate boundary conditions and their effects on diffusion solutions
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineering students interested in solving partial differential equations, particularly in the context of diffusion processes.

theneedtoknow
Messages
169
Reaction score
0
Show that S2 = S(x,t)S(y,t) solves St = k (Sxx + Syy)

well
St = St(x,t)S(y,t) + S(x,t)St(y,t)
Sxx = Sxx(x,t)S(y,t)
Syy=Syy(y,t)S(x,t)

but what do i do from there?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Presumably S(x,t) is the solution to a closely related equation?
 
Well yeah, I thought about assuming that S(x,t) and S(y,t) solve the 1d diffusion equation in their respective dimensions, and then it's easy to just replace all the Sts with the Sxx and Syys, but the question doesn't provide any assumptions about S(x,t) and S(y,t) being solutions to the 1d equation. Is that just something I should assume anyway?
 
If you divide through by S(x,t)S(y,t) you will be able to find the equation that S(x,t) must satisfy. It's not quite the 1d diffusion equation, but it looks easy to solve.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
0
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K