Coupled Nonlinear Differential Equations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a set of coupled nonlinear differential equations numerically, specifically focusing on the equations governing the dynamics of two dependent variables, n(t,z) and I(t,z). The scope includes numerical methods and boundary conditions relevant to the equations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Thomas presents a set of coupled differential equations and describes difficulties in solving them numerically using Mathematica, particularly with boundary conditions.
  • Some participants express concern about insufficient information regarding how n varies with z or I with t, highlighting the challenge of having two unknowns with only one equation when treating z as constant.
  • Thomas clarifies that n depends on z only through I, which is a function of z, and that he adapted the equations from a paper.
  • There is a question raised about the boundary condition I(t,0)=I0*exp(-4ln2(t/Δt)^2), specifically regarding the implications if Δt were to be zero.
  • Thomas responds that Δt is not zero and describes I as a Gaussian distribution centered around Δt.
  • One participant suggests that the method of characteristics might be applicable to the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges posed by the boundary conditions and the structure of the equations, but there is no consensus on the best approach to solve the equations or the implications of the boundary conditions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in the provided information, particularly regarding the dependence of n on z and the implications of boundary conditions. There are unresolved questions about the behavior of the equations under certain conditions.

Thomas_W
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Hey,

I need your help to solve the following set of coupled differential equations numerically.

dn(t,z)/dt=I^5(t,z)+I(t,z)*n(t,z)

dI(t,z)/dz=I^5(t,z)-α(n(t,z))*I(t,z)

where I(t,0)=I0*exp(-4ln2(t/Δt)^2) and n(t,0)=0 and n(-certrain time,z)=0. Some constant parameters I did not show here.
α(n(t,z)) is just a parameter which depends linear on n(t,z)

I tried to solve it with Mathematica and NDsolve.. since it works fine if I just solve the first equation without the z dependence. But Mathematica seems to be unhappy with the boundary conditions.

Thanks!

Thomas
 
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There doesn't seem to be enough information. There's nothing to set how n varies with z or I with t. You said it was ok if you just took the first equation and treated z as constant, but then you have two unknown dependent variables, n and I, and only 1 equation.
 
Thanks for your fast response.

Yeah I know, but what I solved was
dn(t)/dt=I^5(t)+I(t)*n(t)
with a time dependent I(t).

n depends on z only due to the fact that I is depending on z, there is no direct dependence. dI(t,z)/dt I only can give for the case I(t,0).. so I just adapt these coupled equations from a paper.

Thank you

Thomas
 
Thomas_W said:
Hey,

I need your help to solve the following set of coupled differential equations numerically.

dn(t,z)/dt=I^5(t,z)+I(t,z)*n(t,z)

dI(t,z)/dz=I^5(t,z)-α(n(t,z))*I(t,z)

where I(t,0)=I0*exp(-4ln2(t/Δt)^2) and n(t,0)=0 and n(-certrain time,z)=0. Some constant parameters I did not show here.
α(n(t,z)) is just a parameter which depends linear on n(t,z)

I tried to solve it with Mathematica and NDsolve.. since it works fine if I just solve the first equation without the z dependence. But Mathematica seems to be unhappy with the boundary conditions.

Thanks!

Thomas

This is why mathematica is not solving thsi.

"where I(t,0)=I0*exp(-4ln2(t/Δt)^2)"

are you sure this is so, what if Δt=0? then what?
 
yus310 said:
This is why mathematica is not solving thsi.

"where I(t,0)=I0*exp(-4ln2(t/Δt)^2)"

are you sure this is so, what if Δt=0? then what?

Δt is not zero. so I is just a gaussian distribution around Δt
 
Can't the method of characteristics be used here?
 

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