Exploring Orders of Differential Equations in Physics & Maths

[Kurret]

Im just curious, what is the highest order DE that has come up in physics, or other areas of applied mathematics? So far I have only encounter second orders in physics...

 

[lurflurf]

Very high order equations come up, but forth order are particularly common.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Differential Equations in elasticity, bending of elastic materials typically involves fourth order equations.

 

[karaali]

Using some mathematical manipulations and phsycal assumptions you can reach a sixth order differential equation governs the free vibration of a curved beam.