Deriving and Proving the Heat Equation's Integral Product

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving and proving the integral product of solutions to the heat equation, specifically for the temperature function u of a rod defined by the equation ut = uxx with boundary conditions ux(0,t) = 0 and u(1,t) = 0. The derived function Xn(x) = cos((n+1/2)πx) is examined for its orthogonality properties, leading to the conclusion that ∫₀¹ Xn(x)Xm(x) dx equals 1/2 when m = n and 0 when m ≠ n. The participants confirm the use of the product-to-sum formula and suggest integrating cos²(θ) to resolve the integral.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of partial differential equations, specifically the heat equation.
  • Familiarity with boundary value problems and separation of variables technique.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities, particularly product-to-sum formulas.
  • Basic integration techniques for trigonometric functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and properties of orthogonal functions in the context of Fourier series.
  • Learn about the application of boundary conditions in solving partial differential equations.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques for trigonometric functions, including integration by parts.
  • Investigate the implications of the heat equation in physical systems and its applications in engineering.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineering students focusing on heat transfer, as well as anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of partial differential equations and their solutions.

squenshl
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Consider a heat equation for the temperature u of a rod of length 1:
ut = uxx, 0 < x < 1, t > 0 with boundary conditions ux(0,t) = 0 & u(1,t) = 0. I derived Xn(x) = cos((n+1/2)[tex]\pi[/tex]x) using separation of variables.
How do I show that [tex]\int_{0}^1[/tex] Xn(x)Xm(x) dx = 1/2 if m = n and 0 if m [tex]\neq[/tex] n.
I used the product to sum formula: cos(A)cos(B) = cos(A+B)/2 + cos(A-B)/2 to get 1/2cos((n+m+1)[tex]\pi[/tex]x) 1/2cos((n-m)[tex]\pi[/tex]x) but I am stuck after that. Someone help, am I even on the right track.
 
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Yes, you are on the right track. When m = n use the formula

[tex]\cos^2(\theta) = \frac {1 + \cos(2\theta)}{2}[/tex]

which is easy to integrate. I'm not sure why you are stuck on the others.

[tex]\frac 1 2 \cos((n+m+1)\pi x)[/tex]

is just as easy to integrate is [itex]\cos(kx)[/itex].

n and m are integers, you know.
 

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