Fourier sine transform for Wave Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the wave equation \( u_{tt} - c^{2}u_{xx} = 0 \) using Fourier sine and cosine transforms. Initial conditions and boundary conditions are provided, including \( u(x,0) = u_{t}(x,0) = 0 \) and \( u_{x}(0,t) = g(t) \), with the requirement that \( u(x,t) \) remains bounded as \( x \rightarrow \infty \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss taking the Fourier transform of the PDE and the implications of the resulting ordinary differential equation in time. There are concerns about arriving at a trivial solution \( u = 0 \) and whether the setup of the problem is correct. Some participants express confusion regarding the application of the Fourier cosine transform versus the regular Fourier transform.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and questioning the correctness of their approaches. Some have provided references to external resources that discuss the use of Fourier transforms in solving PDEs, while others are attempting to clarify the role of boundary conditions in their solutions.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential error in the original problem setup, specifically regarding a minus sign in the equations. Additionally, participants are grappling with the implications of the boundary conditions and initial conditions on their solutions.

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Homework Statement


Find the solution u, via the Fourier sine/cosine transform, given:
u_{tt}-c^{2}u_{xx}=0
IC: u(x,0) = u_{t}(x,0)=0
BC: u(x,t) bounded as x\rightarrow \infty , u_{x}(0,t) = g(t)

2. The attempt at a solution
Taking the Fourier transform of the PDE, IC and BC:

U_{tt}-c^{2}(i\lambda)^{2}U=0
U_{tt}+c^{2}\lambda^{2}U=0

which is an ODE in t, so two linearly independent solutions of the homogeneous equation are sin(\lambda ct) and cos(\lambda ct).

If I take a linear combination of these two solutions, I get zero constants, which eventually leaves me with u = 0 as a solution, or at least one that's only x-dependent.

But if u is x-dependent, U_{tt} = 0 \Rightarrow c^{2}\lambda^{2}U=0 \Rightarrow U = 0

which still leaves me with u = 0 as a solution, and, no offense, for a homework problem, that's kind of lame. That's why I'm suspicious, and asking to see if I'm doing it right.
 
Last edited:
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compliant said:

Homework Statement


Find the solution u, via the Fourier sine/cosine transform, given:
u_{tt}=c^{2}u_{xx}=0
IC: u(x,0) = u_{t}(x,0)=0
BC: u(x,t) bounded as x\rightarrow \infty , u_{x}(0,t) = g(t)

2. The attempt at a solution
Taking the Fourier transform of the PDE, IC and BC:

U_{tt}-c^{2}(i\lambda)^{2}U=0
U_{tt}+c^{2}\lambda^{2}U=0

which is an ODE in t, so two linearly independent solutions of the homogeneous equation are sin(\lambda ct) and cos(\lambda ct).

If I take a linear combination of these two solutions, I get zero constants, which eventually leaves me with u = 0 as a solution, or at least one that's only x-dependent.

But if u is x-dependent, U_{tt} = 0 \Rightarrow c^{2}\lambda^{2}U=0 \Rightarrow U = 0

which still leaves me with u = 0 as a solution, and, no offense, for a homework problem, that's kind of lame. That's why I'm suspicious, and asking to see if I'm doing it right.

Solving just PDE and IC without Fourier (and without BC) yields u(x,t)=0.

Are you sure you have the right equations in your problem?
 
[PLAIN]http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/9894/fourier5313.png

there was a minus sign. oops.

In any case, relevant equations:
F_{c}(f(x,t)) = \sqrt{\frac{2}{\pi}} \int^{\infty}_{0} cos (\lambda x) f(x,t) dx
F_{c}(f''(x,t)) = -\sqrt{\frac{2}{\pi}} f'(0,t) - \lambda^{2} F_{c}(f(x,t))

which gives me

U_{tt}-c^{2}\left[-\sqrt{\frac{2}{\pi}}U_{x}(0,t)-\lambda^{2}U \right] = 0
U_{tt}+c^{2}\sqrt{\frac{2}{\pi}}g(t)+c^{2}\lambda^{2}U = 0

Which, by the method of Green's Functions, gives me:

U(\lambda,t) = \int^{t}_{0} -c^{2}sin (\lambda c (\tau-t))\sqrt{\frac{2}{\pi}}g(\lambda,\tau) d\tau

Taking the Inverse Fourier Cosine Transform,

u(x,t) = \sqrt{\frac{2}{\pi}} \int^{\infty}_{0} cos(\lambda x) \left[\int^{t}_{0} -c^{2}sin (\lambda c (\tau-t)) \sqrt{\frac{2}{\pi}}g(\lambda,\tau) d\tau \right] d\lambda
= -c^{2}{\frac{2}{\pi}} \int^{\infty}_{0} cos(\lambda x) \left[\int^{t}_{0} sin (\lambda c (\tau-t))}g(\lambda,\tau) d\tau \right] d\lambda

and this is where I am stuck.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
But that only makes use of the regular Fourier Transform, and not the Fourier Cosine Transform.
 
with the answer please ?

1) u(t-2)*δ(1-t)

2) X(w)=e^-2|w| / (1-jw)
x1(t)=x(2-t)
X1(w)= ?3) x[n]=u[n] ; x(0) = ?4)Θ = -aw
x(t) = cos100 πt
Y(t) = sin100 πt
a=?

5) one side laplase
Y(s)=[1+x(s)] / [s+3]

6) Θ = -3w
y(t)=?
 
Last edited:

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