Change of variables for 2nd order differential

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the change of variables in a second-order differential equation related to wave propagation, specifically transforming from the variables (z, t) to (z, T) where T is defined as T = t - z/ν_g. The original equation, which includes terms for group velocity (β1) and second derivatives, simplifies significantly under this transformation. The first-order derivative term vanishes due to the relationship between T and t, leading to a reduced equation that omits the first-order time derivative. However, confusion arises regarding the transformation of the second derivative of A with respect to time.

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Hi there, I'm having some difficulty in understanding how the change of variables by considering a retarded time frame can be obtained for this particular eqn I have.

Say I have this original equation,
<br /> \frac{\partial A}{\partial z} + \beta_1 \frac{\partial A}{\partial t}+ \frac{i \beta_2}{2} \frac{\partial^2 A}{\partial t^2}+\frac{\alpha}{2} A = i \gamma |A|^2 A<br />

Considering a frame of reference moving with speed \nu_g (i.e. group velocity), a new variable T can be defined as follows
T=t-\frac{z}{\nu_g} = t-\beta_1 z
where \beta_1=\frac{1}{\nu_g}

Apparently, the differential equation can be reduced to
<br /> \frac{\partial A}{\partial z} -\frac{i \beta_2}{2} \frac{\partial^2 A}{\partial T^2}+\frac{\alpha}{2} A = i \gamma |A|^2 A<br />

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From my understanding, the first order differential term \beta_1 \frac{\partial A}{\partial t} disappears because
<br /> \frac{\partial A}{\partial t} = \frac{\partial A}{\partial T} \times \frac{\partial T}{\partial t}<br />

Since
<br /> T =t-\frac{z}{\nu_g} = t-\beta_1 z \\<br /> \therefore \frac{\partial T}{\partial t} = 1-\frac{\partial}{\partial t} (\beta_1 z) \\<br /> = 1-\beta_1 \nu_g = 0 \phantom{0} (\because \beta_1=\frac{1}{\nu_g})<br />

Hence,
<br /> \frac{\partial A}{\partial t} = 0<br />

However, I can't wrap my head around how to transform the second derivative \frac{\partial^2 A}{\partial t^2}?

<br /> \frac{\partial^2 A}{\partial t^2} = \frac{\partial}{\partial t}(\frac{\partial A}{\partial t})<br /> = \frac{\partial}{\partial t}(\frac{\partial A}{\partial T} \times \frac{\partial T}{\partial t})<br />

Which seems to give me zero following from the above argument for the first order differential term \frac{\partial A}{\partial t}...
Am I missing something here? I would really appreciate if anyone could help. Thanks in advance!
 
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To me it seems that the change of variable (z,t) => (z,T) leads to

∂T/∂t=1

z is an independent variable and therefore

∂z/∂t=0

The wave packet represented by this equation might well have an average position.
But don't name it "z", name it something else than the independent variable z of the wave equation.
 
Thanks maajdl for the quick reply. Hmm... if ∂T/∂t=1, then the first order derivative of ∂A/∂T will still exist...

Based on my understanding, z is the direction of propagation of the pulse. So the pulse travels with a group velocity \nu_g.
 

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