Change of variable dif equation problem

In summary, we discussed setting up and solving a differential equation for velocity when driving a car and suddenly noticing a large group of animals. We started with Newton's 2nd Law, \sum_{i=1}^{n} F_{i} = m \frac{dv}{dt}, and integrated both sides to find a suitable change of variable. We also discussed the physical implications and the need for a negative acceleration. Finally, we solved the ODE, m du/dt = -(u^2 + 10u), and found that v = -[10(Ce^(t/50))^-1]^(1/2).
  • #1
spoon
12
0
Driving your 1000 kg car on I-5 at 100 km/h, you suddenly noticed a large group of animals. You slam on a break and this provides a stopping force equal to v^3 plus the friction force of 10v. Set up and solve a differential equation for velocity. You need to find a suitable change of variable.
 
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  • #2
What have you attempted?
 
  • #3
So far? Nothing...I'm really looking for a place to start =(
 
  • #4
Start off with Newton's 2nd Law

[tex] \sum_{i=1}^{n} F_{i} = m \frac{dv}{dt} [/tex]
 
  • #5
Alright, so I starting with Newton's equation...I'm thinking:
F = m*V = 1000*V
then I'm assuming F = Stopping force which is: F = V^3 +10V = 1000V
Integrating both sides...
(V^4)/4 + 5V^2 = 500V^2
Then solving for V, I got 13.416
But this totally seems wrong to me...
 
  • #6
You cannot integrate it like that

[tex] v^3 + 10v = m \frac{dv}{dt} [/tex]

[tex] \frac{dt}{m} = \frac{dv}{v^3 + 10v} [/tex]
 
  • #7
So integrating that I got
t/m = .1 ln|v| - .05 ln|v^2 + 10|
I wasn't really sure how to integrate the right hand side on paper, so I used my calculator
Solving for v, using m = 1000:
e^(t/50) = v/((v^2) + 10)
I used a variable g to = e^(t/50) which led to:
gv^2 +10g = v
I tried using the quadratic after that:
(1 +/- [1-40g]^.5 )/2g = v
now I'm totally confused
 
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  • #8
cyclovenom said:
[tex] v^3 + 10v = m \frac{dv}{dt} [/tex]

If you think about this physically for a sec
you'll see you need a minus sign.
dv/dt really aught to be getting smaller
not bigger.

mv' = -(v^3 + 10v)

this is seperable as above.
[tex] -\frac{dv}{v^3 + 10v} = m dt [/tex]

to integrate it we can breakit into partial fractions
[tex] \frac{1}{x^3 + 10x} = \frac{A}{x} + \frac{Bx + C}{x^2 + 10} [/tex]
where we pick A, B, C to make the equality hold.

Once you've got the easier to integrate sides.
Integrate using the initial conditions.
[tex] \int_{v_0}^v \ldots dv = \int_0^t \ldots dt [/tex]

then invert the formula to solve for v.


[or if we want to look for a change of vars..]
mv' + v^3 + 10v = 0.
so
m(vv') + v^4 + 10v^2 = 0

[tex] \frac{m}{2} \frac{d}{dt}(v^2) + (v^2)^2 + 10 (v^2) = 0 [/tex]

which looks awefully amenable to the substitution u=v^2..
 
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  • #9
You're right Qbert the aceleration should be negative, but you make a slight mistake, It's [itex] \frac{dt}{m} [/itex].
 
  • #10
qbert said:
[or if we want to look for a change of vars..]
mv' + v^3 + 10v = 0.
so
m(vv') + v^4 + 10v^2 = 0

[tex] \frac{m}{2} \frac{d}{dt}(v^2) + (v^2)^2 + 10 (v^2) = 0 [/tex]

which looks awefully amenable to the substitution u=v^2..

Following that...
since m = 1000
(500)u d/dt + u^2 + u = 0

Is it a legal operation to factor a "u" out of this equation?
 
  • #11
Cyclovenom said:
You're right Qbert the aceleration should be negative, but you make a slight mistake, It's [itex] \frac{dt}{m}[/itex]

doh! hoisted by my own petard.
good catch.
 
  • #12
spoon said:
Following that...
since m = 1000
(500)u d/dt + u^2 + u = 0

Is it a legal operation to factor a "u" out of this equation?

no way! (in this context, d/dt standing alone is meaningless.)

you have to solve the ODE: m du/dt = -(u^2 + 10u).
 
  • #13
Okay, so I solving m du/dt = -(u^2 + 10u):
t/500 + C1 = 1/10 ln(u+10) - 1/10 ln(u)
t/50 + C2 = ln((u+10)/u) where C2 = 10*C1
e^(t/50 + C2) = Ce^(t/50)-1 = 10/u
u = 10(Ce^(t/50))^-1
v^2 = 10(Ce^(t/50))^(-1) -----> v = +/-[10(Ce^(t/50))^-1]^(1/2)
But v should just be the negative right?
 

1. How do I know when to use a change of variable in a differential equation problem?

A change of variable is often used when the differential equation involves complex or difficult to solve terms. It can also be used to simplify the equation or make it easier to integrate.

2. What is the process for applying a change of variable in a differential equation problem?

The first step is to identify which variable can be changed to simplify the equation. Then, a substitution is made by replacing the original variable with the new variable. Finally, the equation is solved using the new variable and the solution is translated back to the original variable if necessary.

3. Can a change of variable be used for any type of differential equation?

Yes, a change of variable can be applied to any type of differential equation as long as it simplifies the equation or makes it easier to solve.

4. Are there any limitations to using a change of variable in a differential equation problem?

One limitation is that the new variable must be differentiable and have a nonzero derivative. Additionally, the substitution must not change the initial conditions of the equation.

5. How does a change of variable affect the solution of a differential equation problem?

A change of variable can simplify the equation and make it easier to solve, leading to a more manageable and accurate solution. It can also reveal patterns or relationships that may not have been apparent in the original equation.

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