FT to solve 2nd order ODE; only one solution

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter bdforbes
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    2nd order Ode
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) using the Fourier transform method. The specific equation analyzed is \(\frac{d^2f}{dx^2}=\delta\), leading to the solution \(\tilde{f}=\frac{1}{(2\pi ik)^2}\) and \(f = \frac{1}{2}xsgn(x)\). The participants highlight that while the general solution includes terms \(Cx + D\), these terms vanish upon differentiation, resulting in the Fourier transform yielding only the particular solution. This indicates that the Fourier transform method inherently focuses on the homogeneous solution, neglecting the contributions from the constants \(C\) and \(D\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of second-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with Fourier transform techniques
  • Knowledge of distribution theory, particularly the Dirac delta function
  • Basic calculus, specifically differentiation and integration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the Dirac delta function in the context of distributions
  • Learn about the implications of boundary conditions on ODE solutions
  • Explore the relationship between Fourier transforms and general solutions of differential equations
  • Investigate the role of constants in solutions of differential equations and their impact on Fourier transforms
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineering students interested in differential equations, particularly those utilizing Fourier transforms for solving ODEs.

bdforbes
Messages
149
Reaction score
0
If I solve a simple 2nd order ODE using a Fourier transform, I only get one solution. E.g.:
\frac{d^2f}{dx^2}=\delta
(2\pi ik)^2\tilde{f}=1
\tilde{f}=\frac{1}{(2\pi ik)^2}
f = \frac{1}{2}xsgn(x)

However, the general solution is

f = \frac{1}{2}xsgn(x) + Cx + D

Why do I only get one of the solutions? Are the solutions with C and D non-zero not also valid distributions whose second derivatives are the delta distribution?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
My current thinking on this is that we could start with
f=\frac{1}{2}xsgn(x) + x + 1
but as soon as we take the derivatives, we lose the last two terms, and the Fourier transform is then effectively operating on the C=D=0 solution. So it's not really surprising that we only get one solution from the Fourier transform method.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K