Change of variables in Heat Equation (and Fourier Series)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the heat equation with boundary conditions where the temperature is a non-zero constant on the surfaces. The change of variable from ##u(x,t)## to ##v(x,t) = u(x,t) - C## is essential for transforming the problem into one that satisfies the boundary conditions ##v(0,t) = v(a,t) = 0##. The solution for ##v(x,t)## can be derived using separation of variables, leading to an expression for ##u(x,t)## in terms of constants ##c_n##. For the case with boundary conditions ##u(0,t) = C## and ##u(a,t) = D##, a similar approach can be applied to derive the solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the heat equation and its standard form.
  • Familiarity with boundary conditions in partial differential equations (PDEs).
  • Knowledge of separation of variables technique for solving PDEs.
  • Basic concepts of Fourier series and their application in solving heat equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of separation of variables in depth.
  • Learn how to derive Fourier series coefficients for boundary value problems.
  • Explore the implications of different boundary conditions on the solutions of the heat equation.
  • Investigate the general solution for the heat equation with non-homogeneous boundary conditions.
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Mathematics students, physicists, and engineers working with heat transfer problems, particularly those dealing with partial differential equations and boundary value problems.

Nerrad
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Q: Suppose ##u(x,t)## satisfies the heat equation for ##0<x<a## with the usual initial condition ##u(x,0)=f(x)##, and the temperature given to be a non-zero constant C on the surfaces ##x=0## and ##x=a##.
We have BCs ##u(0,t) = u(a,t) = C.## Our standard method for finding u doesn't work here, since ##e^{-k(\frac{n\pi}a)^2t}sin(\frac{n\pi}a)## does not satisfy these BCs.
Make a change of variable from ##u## to ##v=u-C.## Show that ##v## satisfies the heat equation with BCs ##v=0## at ##x=0## and ##x=a.##
Write down the solution for ##v(x,t).##Deduce an expression for ##u(x,t)## in terms of constants ##c_1,c_2,\ldots,## and write down a formula for ##c_n.##
[Harder] Now suppose the BCs are ##u(0,t) = C##, ##u(a,t)=D## for constants ##C,D.## How could you solve the case?

My question: These are extensions to homework which I'd like try to attempt, but I don't know where to start with the change of variable
 
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Substitute u(x,t) = v(x,t) + C into the PDE and boundary and initial conditions you are given for u to obtain a PDE and boundary and initial conditions satisfied by v.
 
From the given BCs for ##u##, am I right in saying that BCs for ##v## is ##v(0,t)=v(a,t)=u(0,t)+C=2C##? Also by substituting ##u(x,t)=v(x,t)+C## into the PDE do you mean partially differentiate it then substitute in like $$v=u+C$$ $$ \frac{\partial{v}}{\partial{t}}=\frac{\partial{u}}{\partial{t}}$$ $$\frac{\partial^2{v}}{\partial^2{x}}=\frac{\partial^2{u}}{\partial^2{x}}$$ so $$\frac{\partial{u}}{\partial{t}}=K\frac{\partial^2{u}}{\partial{x}^2}$$ becomes $$\frac{\partial{v}}{\partial{t}}=K\frac{\partial^2{v}}{\partial{x}^2}$$
Did I get even the slightest of that right or am I going to a complete different direction??
 

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