Final condition instead of initial condition

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SUMMARY

This discussion addresses the conditions under which a second order differential equation, represented as f(x, \dot x, \ddot x, t) = 0, can yield solutions when provided with initial and final conditions, specifically x(t_0) = x_0 and x(t_1) = x_1. It is established that the existence of solutions is contingent upon the nature of the function f, with uniqueness not guaranteed. The conversation highlights the importance of the Cauchy Theorem in determining solution existence and uniqueness, emphasizing that certain forms of f can lead to non-unique solutions despite satisfying initial conditions.

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  • Research specific examples of non-unique solutions in second order differential equations
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Petr Mugver
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Let's consider a second order differential equation

f(x,\dot x,\ddot x,t)=0

and let's suppose that f satisfies all the conditions of the Cauchy Theorem, i.e. f is such that the equation above with the initial conditions

x(t_0)=x_0\qquad\dot x(t_0)=v_0

has an unique solution in a certain neighbourhood of t_0, for every t_0.

My question is, if instead of the two initial conditions above I have an initial and a final condition

x(t_0)=x_0\qquad x(t_1)=x_1

under what further conditions on f the solution exists for all x_0 and x_1?
 
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The existence depends crucially on the nature of the equation. The solution is, in general, not unique.
 
Eynstone said:
The existence depends crucially on the nature of the equation. The solution is, in general, not unique.

Can you give me some examples? (of a f that satisfies the conditions of my first post but whose solution is not unique for some choice of initial and final conditions)
 

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