How Can Separation of Variables Solve This Partial Differential Equation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a partial differential equation (PDE) of the form utt = uxx - (25/4)cos((5/2)x) with specified boundary and initial conditions. The subject area includes concepts from PDEs, particularly the method of separation of variables and the handling of non-homogeneous terms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the separation of variables approach by expressing the solution as u(x,t) = v(x) + w(x,t). There are attempts to derive the functions v(x) and w(x,t) based on the given PDE and boundary conditions. Questions arise regarding the implications of large t on the solution and the correct handling of initial conditions. Some participants suggest verifying the eigenvalue problem and the conditions for v(x) and w(x,t).

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and corrections to each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the setup of the functions and the treatment of boundary conditions. There is an emphasis on ensuring that the initial conditions are correctly applied to the derived functions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need to clarify the role of the non-homogeneous term and the implications of the boundary conditions on the functions v(x) and w(x,t). There is also mention of the necessity to check for zero eigenvalues and the correct formulation of the eigenvalue problem.

sarahqwert
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Homework Statement



utt = uxx -(25/4)cos((5/2)x)
ux(0,t) =1
u(pi,t)= pi
u(x,0)=x
ut(x,0)=0

Homework Equations



u(x,t)=v(x) + w(x,t)

The Attempt at a Solution



This is what I did so far:

u(x,t)=v(x) + w(x,t)
u(x,0) = v(x) +w(x,0)

when t is large:
vxx - (25/4)cos((5/2)x) = 0
vx = (5/2)sin((5/2)x)
v(x) = -cos((5/2)x) +x

when t is not large
wtt = wxx
w(x,t)= x-v(x) = cos((5/2)x)

and I'm not sure what to do after this

Maybe: X''+ λX = 0
X'(0) = 1 and X(pi)= pi
 
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sarahqwert said:

Homework Statement



utt = uxx -(25/4)cos((5/2)x)
ux(0,t) =1
u(pi,t)= pi
u(x,0)=x
ut(x,0)=0

Homework Equations



u(x,t)=v(x) + w(x,t)

The Attempt at a Solution



This is what I did so far:

u(x,t)=v(x) + w(x,t)
u(x,0) = v(x) +w(x,0)

when t is large:
vxx - (25/4)cos((5/2)x) = 0
vx = (5/2)sin((5/2)x)
v(x) = -cos((5/2)x) +x

when t is not large
wtt = wxx
w(x,t)= x-v(x) = cos((5/2)x)

What does ##t## being large have to do with anything?

and I'm not sure what to do after this

Maybe: X''+ λX = 0
X'(0) = 1 and X(pi)= pi

No. The point of your original substitution is to let ##v(x)## take care of the non-homogeneous terms. I will call ##f(x) = \frac {25}4\cos(\frac 5 2 x)## to save typing. What you want to do is substitute ##u(x,t) = v(x) + w(x,t)## into the equation ##u_{tt}=u_{xx}-f(x)## and its boundary conditions:

##u_{tt}=u_{xx}-f(x)## becomes ##w_{tt} = w_{xx}+v''(x) -f(x)## That will be satisfied if we take ##v''(x) = f(x)## and ##w_{tt} = w_{xx}##

Now ##u_x(0,t) = 1## becomes ##w_x(0,t) + v'(0) = 1##. That will be satisfied if we take ##v'(0)=1## and ##w_x(0,t)=0##.

##u(\pi,t)=\pi## becomes ##w(\pi,t) +v(\pi)=1##. That will be satisfied if we take ##v(\pi)=\pi## and ##w(\pi,t) = 0##.

Now with those conditions on ##v(x)## you should be able to solve for ##v(x)## and you have a homogeneous equation and boundary conditions in ##w##. Try to take it from there.
 
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Thank you for your help, I m almost done solving this problem and got:

u(x,0)= Ʃ (cos((2n+1)/2)x)*Dn = x

sigma from 0 to infinity and Dn is a constant.

How do I find Dn?
 
sarahqwert said:
Thank you for your help, I m almost done solving this problem and got:

u(x,0)= Ʃ (cos((2n+1)/2)x)*Dn = x

sigma from 0 to infinity and Dn is a constant.

How do I find Dn?

That isn't correct. You need to show your work so I can see where you fell off the tracks.

Remember, when you substitute in the initial condition you get$$
x=u(x,0) = v(x) + w(x,0)$$so your initial condition for ##w(x,t)## is ##w(x,0)=x - v(x)##. What did you get for ##v(x)##?

Also, did you remember to check whether the eigenvalue zero works?

[Edit: Added] Your focus should be on solving the ##w(x,t)## system completely. That's where I need to see your work. Once you have figured that out, all you have to do to solve the ##u## system is write ##u(x,t) = v(x) + w(x,t)## because you know both ##v## and ##w##.
 
Last edited:
Sorry that was supposed to be w(x,t) not u(x,t). So:

Xn=C*cos((2n+1)/2)x
Tn=D*cos((2n+1)/2)t)+(B*sin((2n+1)/2)t)

w(x,t) = Ʃ Xn * Tn

w(x,t) = Ʃcos((2n+1)/2)x)*((D*cos((2n+1)/2)t)+(B*sin((2n+1)/2)t))

so

w(x,0)=Ʃcos((2n+1)/2)x)*D

and

w(x,0) = cos(5/2)x
 
Last edited:
sarahqwert said:
Sorry that was supposed to be w(x,t) not u(x,t). So:

Xn=C*cos((2n+1)/2)x
Tn=D*cos((2n+1)/2)t)+(B*sin((2n+1)/2)t)

w(x,t) = Ʃ Xn * Tn

w(x,t) = Ʃcos((2n+1)/2)x)*((D*cos((2n+1)/2)t)+(B*sin((2n+1)/2)t))

so

w(x,0)=Ʃcos((2n+1)/2)x)*D

You need subscripts on the constants, as ##D_n## and ##B_n##. You didn't answer some of my questions in post #4. What did you get for ##v(x)##? Did you check for zero eigenvalues? (This matters as to whether there is a constant term). What does the initial condition for ##w(x,0)## become?

[Edit: added] Also you need to show what your T(t) eigenvalue problem becomes, with boundary condition, and how you got ##T_n(t)##, because what you have isn't correct.
 
Last edited:

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