How Do I Solve a Heat Equation with Unknown Forcing Term p(x, t)?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the heat equation vt(x,t)=vxx(x,t) + p(x,t) with Neumann boundary conditions and an initial condition v(x,0)=cos(∏x). The user expresses difficulty due to the unknown forcing term p(x,t) and seeks guidance on how to proceed. The derived solution includes an exponential decay term and a summation involving the forcing function, but the user is unable to advance without specific information about p(x,t). The discussion highlights the necessity of knowing p(x,t) to determine the conditions under which the temperature stabilizes.

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Homework Statement



vt(x,t)=vxx(x,t) + p(x,t),
Neumann boundary conditions,
v(x,0)=cos(∏x)

Homework Equations



Assume v(x,t)=X(x)T(t)

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm stuck. We aren't given a p(x,t) and I'm not sure what to do. Where do I go from here?

Attempt so far:

screen-capture-10-3.png
 
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So I got a little farther ...

The full solution is

e-n22tcos(∏x) + Ʃe-n22t(∫[0,t]pn(t)en22tdt)cos(n∏x).

But I still can't figure out any more information without knowing what exactly p(x,t) is. (Right?) I'm asked to solve the equation and then explain "For what forcing does the temperature eventually settle down to a constant." Thoughts?


EDIT: Also, I know that pn(t)=∫[0,1]p(y,t)cos(n∏y)dy, though I can't figure this out (Can I?) unless I'm explicitly told what p(y,t) is.
 

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