Differential Equation with Bessel Function

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation \(y''(x) + e^{2x}y(x) = 0\) using Bessel function solutions and the substitution \(z = e^x\). The user derives a new equation \(w'' - w' + z^4w = 0\) and identifies parameters \(a = 1\), \(b = \frac{1}{3}\), \(c = 3\), and \(p = \frac{1}{3}\) for the solution \(w = z^a Z_p(bz^c)\). However, discrepancies arise when comparing the derived solution with that obtained from a computer system, leading to questions about the correctness of the method and the need for further resources on solving differential equations with Bessel functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically second-order linear equations.
  • Familiarity with Bessel functions and their properties.
  • Knowledge of substitution methods in solving differential equations.
  • Basic skills in using mathematical software for solving equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of Bessel functions in differential equations.
  • Learn about the method of Frobenius for solving differential equations with singular points.
  • Explore numerical methods for solving differential equations using software like MATLAB or Mathematica.
  • Investigate the relationship between different forms of solutions for differential equations involving Bessel functions.
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Students and researchers in mathematics and physics, particularly those working with differential equations and Bessel functions, will benefit from this discussion.

PatsyTy
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<<Moderator note: Missing template due to move from other forum.>>

Good afternoon. I'm trying to solve a differential equation with bessel function solutions. I am trying to solve

\begin{equation*}
y''(x)+e^{2x}y(x)=0
\end{equation*}

using the substitution ##z=e^x##. The textbook this problem is from (Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences, Third Edition) also includes that a differential equation in the form

\begin{equation}
y''+\frac{1-2a}{x}y'+\Big[(bcx^{c-1})^2+ \frac{a^2-p^2c^2}{x^2}\Big]y=0
\end{equation}

has a the solution

\begin{equation}
y=x^aZ_p(bx^c)
\end{equation}

I believe that I need to use this to solve the problem.

Using this substitution suggested in the problem I then have ##x=ln(z)## and I solve the derivatives of the functions of ##y(x)## in terms of a new function ##y(x)=w(ln(z))##.

\begin{equation*}
y(x)=w(ln(z)) \\
y'(x)=\frac{w'(ln(z))}{z} \\
y''(x)=\frac{w''(ln(z))-w'(ln(z))}{z^2}
\end{equation*}

Doing the substitution I get

\begin{equation*}
\frac{w''}{z^2}-\frac{w'}{z^2}+z^2w=0
\end{equation*}

multiplying through by ##z^2## to get rid of the denominators gives me

\begin{equation*}
w''-w'+z^4w=0
\end{equation*}

I then compare this to the differential equation of form

\begin{equation}
w''+\frac{1-2a}{z}w'+\Big[(bcz^{c-1})^2+ \frac{a^2-p^2c^2}{z^2}\Big]w=0
\end{equation}

and by inspection get the values for ##a##, ##b##, ##c## and ##p##

\begin{equation*}
1-2a=-1 \rightarrow a=1 \\
(bc)^2=1 \rightarrow b= \frac{1}{c} = \frac{1}{3} \\
2c-2 = 4 \rightarrow c=3 \\
a^2-p^2c^2=0 \rightarrow p= \frac{1}{3}
\end{equation*}

I then go ahead and put these values into the solution ##w=z^aZ_p(bz^c)## and then substitute ##z=e^x## back in and yet a solution of

\begin{equation*}
y=e^xZ_{1/3}\Big(\frac{1}{3}e^{3x}\Big)=e^x\Big(AJ_{1/3}\big(\frac{1}{3}e^{3x}\big)+BN_{1/3}\big(\frac{1}{3}e^{3x}\big)\Big)
\end{equation*}

where ##A## and ##B## are arbitrary constants.

If however I use a computer system to solve the D.E it gives a solution of

\begin{equation*}
y(x)=A J_0\left(\sqrt{e^{2 x}}\right)+B N_0\left(\sqrt{e^{2 x}}\right)
\end{equation*}

I do not believe these are equal and am unsure how to check. Also I am unsure if this is even the correct method for solving D.E with Bessel function solutions as I haven't seen an example using substitution and am having a hard time finding other resources on the method given in the text. Is there another method for solving D.Es with Bessel function solutions? Also is there a name for the method used above so I can try to find more resources on it?

Thanks for any help you can offer, I do appreciate it!

Edit: Also I just realized this is a homework question and is posted in the wrong forum. Miscellaneous question is how can I get this post switched to the correct form? Sorry about this!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Everywhere in your equations, you have ##w## and its derivatives as a function of ##\ln x##. This means it does not satisfy the equation you found as ##w'(f(x)) \neq w'(x)##. You need to have ##w## as a function of the same argument variable as you have in your equation, i.e., ##w(z) = y(\ln z)## or, equivalently, ##w(e^x) = y(x)##.
 
Last edited:
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Thank you, my prof mentioned the same when I handed it in. I'll be redoing it with the correct variables to make sure I understand it.
 

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