How Can Variable Transformation Solve a Non-Homogeneous PDE?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a non-homogeneous partial differential equation (PDE) of the form utt - uxx = sin(πx) within the interval 0 < x < 1, subject to specific initial and boundary conditions. Participants are exploring methods to approach the problem, particularly focusing on variable transformations and the separation of variables technique.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for a change of variables to convert the non-homogeneous PDE into a homogeneous one. There is mention of finding a particular solution that satisfies the PDE without necessarily meeting boundary conditions, followed by a complementary solution that does satisfy those conditions. Questions arise regarding the formulation of the solution and the role of initial and boundary conditions in determining the function f(t).

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants sharing their thoughts on the structure of the solution and the implications of the boundary and initial conditions. Some guidance has been provided regarding the formulation of the solution, but there remains uncertainty about the specific steps to take in applying variable transformations versus separation of variables.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the given initial and boundary conditions, which are essential for determining the function f(t) in the proposed solution. There is an ongoing exploration of how these conditions influence the overall approach to solving the PDE.

kgal
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Homework Statement



Find the solution of:

utt-uxx = sin(∏x) for 0<x<1
u(x,0)=0 for 0<=x<=1
ut(x,0)=0 for 0<=x<=1
u(0,t)=0
u(1,t)=0

Homework Equations



utt-uxx = sin(∏x) for 0<x<1
u(x,0)=0 for 0≤x≤1
ut(x,0)=0 for 0≤x≤1
u(0,t)=0
u(1,t)=0

The Attempt at a Solution



I was thinking that I would need to somehow make a change of variables, converting the PDE to a homogenous PDE and continuing from there. I don't really know how I can do this or solve it at all without some assistance!
 
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kgal said:

Homework Statement



Find the solution of:

utt-uxx = sin(∏x) for 0<x<1
u(x,0)=0 for 0<=x<=1
ut(x,0)=0 for 0<=x<=1
u(0,t)=0
u(1,t)=0


Homework Equations



utt-uxx = sin(∏x) for 0<x<1
u(x,0)=0 for 0≤x≤1
ut(x,0)=0 for 0≤x≤1
u(0,t)=0
u(1,t)=0

The Attempt at a Solution



I was thinking that I would need to somehow make a change of variables, converting the PDE to a homogenous PDE and continuing from there. I don't really know how I can do this or solve it at all without some assistance!

The strategy is the same as for linear ODEs with constant coefficients: Find a particular solution which satisfies the PDE but not necessarily the boundary conditions. Then add a complementary solution (a solution of u_{tt} - u_{xx} = 0) in order to satisfy the boundary conditions.
 
pasmith said:
The strategy is the same as for linear ODEs with constant coefficients: Find a particular solution which satisfies the PDE but not necessarily the boundary conditions. Then add a complementary solution (a solution of u_{tt} - u_{xx} = 0) in order to satisfy the boundary conditions.

So basically something like Autt-Bxx= sin∏x and Cutt-Duxx=0 and then sum the up into a solution u(x,t)?
 
kgal said:
So basically something like Autt-Bxx= sin∏x and Cutt-Duxx=0 and then sum the up into a solution u(x,t)?

No. You have u(x,t) = u_p(x,t) + u_c(x,t) where u_p is any solution of
<br /> u_{tt} - u_{xx} = \sin \pi x<br />
and u_c is the solution of
<br /> u_{tt} - u_{xx} = 0<br />
subject to u_c(x,t) = -u_p(x,t) on the boundary.

But here it is actually simplest to try a solution of the form u(x,t) = f(t)\sin \pi x, given that (\sin(\pi x))&#039;&#039; = -\pi^2 \sin(\pi x). This reduces the problem to an ODE for f(t).
 
pasmith said:
No. You have u(x,t) = u_p(x,t) + u_c(x,t) where u_p is any solution of
<br /> u_{tt} - u_{xx} = \sin \pi x<br />
and u_c is the solution of
<br /> u_{tt} - u_{xx} = 0<br />
subject to u_c(x,t) = -u_p(x,t) on the boundary.

But here it is actually simplest to try a solution of the form u(x,t) = f(t)\sin \pi x, given that (\sin(\pi x))&#039;&#039; = -\pi^2 \sin(\pi x). This reduces the problem to an ODE for f(t).

So you're saying that I need to set u(x,t)= u_tt-u_xx = f(t)sin(∏x)?
How do I find the function f(t)?

What I did was this:
found u_xx, u_tt and plugged them into u_tt - u_xx = sin(∏x). What do I do with the boundary conditions and the initial conditions (how do they factor in)?
 
kgal said:
So you're saying that I need to set u(x,t)= u_tt-u_xx = f(t)sin(∏x)?
How do I find the function f(t)?

What I did was this:
found u_xx, u_tt and plugged them into u_tt - u_xx = sin(∏x).

What do I do with the boundary conditions and the initial conditions (how do they factor in)?

The conditions u(0,t) = f(t) \sin 0 = 0 and u(1,t) = f(t) \sin \pi = 0 are satisfied automatically.

The remaining two conditions require that
u(x,0) = f(0) \sin\pi x = 0
for all 0 &lt; x &lt; 1 and
u_t(x,0) = f&#039;(0) \sin \pi x = 0
for all 0 &lt; x &lt; 1. This gives you initial conditions for f and f&#039;.
 
Great! I got it!
How would I solve this problem using a technique like changing variables instead of separation of variables?
 

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