Determining the dimension of a given PDE

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the dimension of a given partial differential equation (PDE), focusing on the interpretation of dimensions in relation to independent variables, specifically time and space. Participants explore how dimensions can be categorized and the implications of different interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the dimension of a PDE can be considered as 2 when both time (t) and space (x) are treated as independent variables, while others argue it could be viewed as 1 if a clear distinction between time and space is made.
  • There is a question regarding the notation ##uxxx##, with some participants seeking clarification on whether it refers to ##ux^3## or ##u_{xxx}##.
  • One participant mentions that all variables (u, t, x) could be considered dimensionless in a physical sense, as the right-hand side of the equations is dimensionless.
  • Another participant points out that the definition of dimension may vary depending on context, particularly in relation to spatial components of the PDE.
  • A participant challenges the notion that the only independent variables are t and x, arguing that the function u depends solely on these two variables, suggesting that u(t, x) represents a surface in three dimensions with a two-dimensional domain.
  • There is a reference to the KdV equation, noting that it describes a function of two dimensionless real variables, which raises questions about the interpretation of dimensions in relation to the equations discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to define the dimension of the PDEs, with no consensus reached on whether dimensions should include time or be limited to spatial variables. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the interpretation of dimensions in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that definitions of dimension may depend on specific contexts and interpretations, and there are unresolved questions about the implications of treating time and space variables differently.

chwala
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TL;DR
Let me have the pde equation below as our point of reference;

##u_t+u_{xx} + u_{xxx} = 1##
Now in my understanding from text ...just to clarify with you guys; the pde is of dimension 2 as ##t## and ##x## are the indepedent variables or it may also be considered to be of dimension 1, that is if there is a clear distinction between time and space variables.

Your insight on this is appreciated.
 
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Just to clarify, does ##uxxx## means ##ux^3## or ##u_{xxx}## ?
Dimension you mean is space-time, physical dimension L,T,M or number of variables ?
 
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anuttarasammyak said:
Just to clarify, does ##uxxx## means ##ux^3## or ##u_{xxx}## ?
Dimension you mean is space-time, physical dimension L,T,M or number of variables ?
Amended. Dimension as it relates to pde's ...
 
chwala said:
TL;DR Summary: Let me have the two pde equations below as our point of reference;

##u_t+uu_{xx} + u{xxx} = 1## and ##u_t+u_{xx} + u{xxx} = 1##

Now in my understanding from text ...just to clarify with you guys; the first pde is of dimension 2 as there is no clear distinction between time and space variables whereas the second pde would be of dimension 1.
To answer @anuttarasammyak's question, I believe the third term in both equations is ##u_{xxx}##, but was missing the underscore following u. If we categorize these equations by their domains, since the independent variables are t and x, the domain is two-dimensional.
 
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chwala said:
Amended. Dimension as it relates to pde's ...
Thanks, I got it. As for dimension, I would say all u, t and x are are dimensionless in the sense of physical dimension because 1 in RHS is dimensionless.
 
Mark44 said:
To answer @anuttarasammyak's question, I believe the third term in both equations is ##u_{xxx}##, but was missing the underscore following u. If we categorize these equations by their domains, since the independent variables are t and x, the domain is two-dimensional.
The definition may vary depending on the context...dimension may also be in reference to the spatial part of the pde...if there is a clear distinction between time and the space variables.
 
chwala said:
The definition may vary depending on the context...dimension may also be in reference to the spatial part of the pde...if there is a clear distinction between time and the space variables.
That doesn't make sense to me. The only independent variables are t and x. The function u evidently depends only on these two variables, so u(t, x) is a surface in three dimensions with a two-dimensional domain.
 
Here is the text page...
 

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The page you uploaded reserves the term "dimension" solely for spacial variables, but not a temporal one. That seems a bit artificial to me, but whatever...
 
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From Wikipedia KdV equation:
-------------------------
Definition
The KdV equation is a nonlinear, dispersive partial differential equation for a function ##{\displaystyle \phi }## of two dimensionless real variables,
##{\displaystyle x} ## and ## {\displaystyle t} ## which are proportional to space and time respectively:[5]
------------------------
It says "a function ##{\displaystyle \phi }## of two dimensionless real variables" .
I have not been falimiar with KdV equation form of RHS 1.
 
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