MHB Change of variables heat equation

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The discussion focuses on solving the heat equation with a change of variables, specifically substituting \(T(x, t) = T_0 + U(x, t)e^{-\beta t}\) to simplify the equation. This substitution aims to transform the original equation into a simpler form, \( \alpha^2U_{xx} = U_t \), but participants are encountering issues with the derivatives and cancellations. One participant realizes they neglected to apply the product rule correctly when differentiating, which is crucial for achieving the desired simplification. The conversation emphasizes the importance of careful differentiation in solving partial differential equations. Properly applying the product rule is essential for resolving the problem effectively.
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\[
\alpha^2T_{xx} = T_t + \beta(T - T_0)
\]
where \(\beta\) is a constant and \(T_0\) is the temperature of the surrounding medium. The initial temperature distribution is \(T(x, 0) = f(x)\) and the ends \(x = 0\) and \(x = \ell\) are maintained at \(T_1\) and \(T_2\) when \(t > 0\).

Show that the substitution \(T(x, t) = T_0 + U(x, t)e^{-\beta t}\) reduces the problem to the following one:
\[
\alpha^2U_{xx} = U_t
\]
with new initial conditions and boundary conditions for \(U\).

With that substitution, I obtain:
\begin{align}
\alpha^2U_{xx} &= -\beta(U_t - T_0U)\\
\alpha_1^2U_{xx} &= U_t - T_0U
\end{align}
What is going wrong?
 
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Re: Change of varibles heat equation

dwsmith said:
\[
\alpha^2T_{xx} = T_t + \beta(T - T_0)
\]
where \(\beta\) is a constant and \(T_0\) is the temperature of the surrounding medium. The initial temperature distribution is \(T(x, 0) = f(x)\) and the ends \(x = 0\) and \(x = \ell\) are maintained at \(T_1\) and \(T_2\) when \(t > 0\).

Show that the substitution \(T(x, t) = T_0 + U(x, t)e^{-\beta t}\) reduces the problem to the following one:
\[
\alpha^2U_{xx} = U_t
\]
with new initial conditions and boundary conditions for \(U\).

With that substitution, I obtain:
\begin{align}
\alpha^2U_{xx} &= -\beta(U_t - T_0U)\\
\alpha_1^2U_{xx} &= U_t - T_0U
\end{align}
What is going wrong?
I'm not quite sure of the problem here. For example,
T = T_0 + U(x, t)e^{- \beta t} \implies T_t = U_t e^{- \beta t} - \beta U e^{- \beta t}

Do the same for U_x and U_xx, then sub into the original equation. There are a ton of cancellations which gives you the final answer.

Are you having problems with the derivatives or is it something else?

-Dan
 
Re: Change of varibles heat equation

topsquark said:
I'm not quite sure of the problem here. For example,
T = T_0 + U(x, t)e^{- \beta t} \implies T_t = U_t e^{- \beta t} - \beta U e^{- \beta t}

Do the same for U_x and U_xx, then sub into the original equation. There are a ton of cancellations which gives you the final answer.

Are you having problems with the derivatives or is it something else?

-Dan

I forgot to use the product rule
 

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