Heat conduction (Fourier complex integral)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a heat conduction problem in a semi-infinite bar using Fourier transforms. The governing equation is given by \(\frac{\partial U}{\partial t}=\frac{\partial^2 U}{\partial x^2}+\delta (x-1)\), where \(U(x,t)\) represents temperature. The solution derived is \(U(1,t)=\frac{(1+e^{-1/t})\sqrt{t}}{\sqrt{\pi }}+erf(\frac{1}{\sqrt{t}})-1\). The main challenge faced by the participants is manipulating the error function and confirming the validity of their solutions involving Dirac delta functions.

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  • Understanding of Fourier transforms and their applications in solving partial differential equations.
  • Familiarity with the Dirac delta function and its properties in mathematical physics.
  • Knowledge of the error function and its relation to integrals in heat conduction problems.
  • Basic skills in solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs) related to heat transfer.
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  • Study the properties and applications of the Dirac delta function in mathematical modeling.
  • Learn about the error function and its derivation from Gaussian integrals.
  • Explore advanced techniques in solving partial differential equations using Fourier transforms.
  • Investigate numerical methods for approximating solutions to heat conduction problems.
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Homework Statement



A semi-infinite bar (0 < x < 1) with unit thermal conductivity is fully insulated
at x = 0, and is constantly heated at x = 1 over such a narrow interval that the
heating may be represented by a delta function:

\frac{\partial U}{\partial t}=\frac{\partial^2 U}{\partial x^2}+\delta (x-1)

where U(x,t) is the temperature. Assuming the initial temperature is zero through-
out, and that U -> 0 as x ->\infty 1, find U(x,t) using the appropriate Fourier trans-
form in x. In particular, show that

U(1,t)=\frac{(1+e^{-1/t})\sqrt{t}}{\sqrt{\pi }}+erf(\frac{1}{\sqrt{t}})-1

My main problem is that this is the first time I am solving this type of problem and every example I have tried to compare mine with never involves the dirac function so I can't be certain or not if I have the right solution.. Also I've never worked with the error function and have no idea how one would manipulate my final answer so that I can show U(1,t)

Homework Equations



If : f(\lambda )=\int_{-\infty }^{\infty }e^{-i\lambda x}F(u)du

Then : F(x)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\int_{-\infty }^{\infty }e^{i\lambda x}f(\lambda)d\lambda

Also : \int_{0}^{\infty }\delta (x-a)f(x)dx=f(a)

And for the final bit : \int_{0}^{\infty }\frac{cos\lambda x}{\lambda^2 }(1-e^{-\lambda^2 t})d\lambda =\sqrt{\pi t}e^{\frac{-x^2}{4t}}+\frac{\pi }{2}(xerf(\frac{x}{2\sqrt{t}}-\left | x \right |)

The Attempt at a Solution



I begin by definining:

u(\lambda ,t)=\int_{0}^{\infty }e^{-i\lambda x}U(x,t)d\lambda \\

Then taking the Fourier transform with respect to x:

F[\frac{\partial U}{\partial t}]=F[\frac{\partial^2 U}{\partial x^2}+\delta (x-1)]\\

\frac{\partial U}{\partial t}=\int_{0}^{\infty }\frac{\partial^2 U}{\partial x^2}e^{-i\lambda x}dx+\int_{0}^{\infty}\delta (x-1)e^{-i\lambda x}dx\\

\frac{\partial U}{\partial t}=\int_{0}^{\infty }\frac{\partial^2 U}{\partial x^2}e^{-i\lambda x}dx+e^{-i\lambda }\\

Then using integration by parts:

\frac{\partial U}{\partial t}=\left [ \frac{\partial U}{\partial x}e^{-i\lambda x} \right ]_{0}^{\infty }+i\lambda \int_{0}^{\infty }\frac{\partial U}{\partial x}e^{-i\lambda x}dx+e^{-i\lambda }\\

Here I used the fact that at x=0 the rod is "fully insulated" thus I believe the heat transfer here will remain 0?

\frac{\partial U}{\partial t}=i\lambda \int_{0}^{\infty }\frac{\partial U}{\partial x}e^{-i\lambda x}dx+e^{-i\lambda }\\

Using integration by parts again:

\frac{\partial U}{\partial t}=\left [ U(x,t)e^{-i\lambda x} \right ]_{0}^{\infty }+i^2\lambda^2 \int_{0}^{\infty }U(x,t)e^{-i\lambda x}dx+e^{-i\lambda }\\*

And again by the fact that at x=0 no heat should be exchanged:

\frac{\partial U}{\partial t}=-\lambda^2 \int_{0}^{\infty }U(x,t)e^{-i\lambda x}dx+e^{-i\lambda }\\

\frac{\partial U}{\partial t}=-\lambda^2 u(\lambda ,t)+e^{-i\lambda }\\

Solving this simple ODE with the initial conditions I obtain:

U(x,t)=\frac{e^{-i\lambda} (1-e^{-\lambda^2 t})}{\lambda^2 }\\

U(x,t)=\frac{1}{2\pi }\int_{0}^{\infty }e^{i\lambda x}\frac{e^{-i\lambda} (1-e^{-\lambda^2 t})}{\lambda^2 }d\lambda

Now I have absolutely NO idea how to get this into the integral they have given me for the final bit or if I have even done this right. Actually I also tried to expand this as an even series and you get exactly what they have given me.

A little bit more work I've done.. again have no idea if its right because I don't know if this solution is correct but:

U(1,t)=\frac{1}{2\pi }\int_{0}^{\infty }\frac{1-e^{-\lambda^2 t}}{\lambda^2 }d\lambda \\

U(1,t)=\frac{1}{2\pi }\int_{0}^{\infty }\frac{1}{\lambda^2 }d\lambda-\frac{1}{2\pi }\int_{0}^{\infty }\frac{e^{-\lambda^2 t}}{\lambda^2 }d\lambda \\

The integral on the left causes some problems, and I can see that the integral on the right is related to the error function but not sure what to do with the denominator in there..
 
Last edited:
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Nobody? :(

It would help just to even know that I have come to the right final solution!
 

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