How to Approach Solving a 2D Damped Wave Equation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the 2D damped wave equation given by the formula \(\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial t^2} + 2 \beta \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} -c^2\nabla^2u=0\). The equation features a damping factor \(2\beta\) and wave speed \(c\), posing challenges for users unfamiliar with partial differential equations (PDEs). The closest known equation is the Helmholtz equation, which lacks the time derivative component. Participants suggest using separation of variables to convert the PDE into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) for easier handling, and recommend tools like Mathematica and Matlab for computational assistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of partial differential equations (PDEs)
  • Familiarity with separation of variables technique
  • Basic knowledge of Mathematica or Matlab for numerical solutions
  • Concept of damping in wave equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of separation of variables in PDEs
  • Learn how to implement numerical solutions in Mathematica
  • Explore the characteristics of damped wave equations
  • Investigate the differences between Helmholtz and wave equations
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers dealing with wave phenomena, as well as students and researchers looking to deepen their understanding of damped wave equations and numerical methods for solving PDEs.

igor_b
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Hi to all!

I need to solve following equation:
<br /> \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial t^2} + 2 \beta \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} -c^2\nabla^2u=0<br />

It describes a damped wave on a x-y plane. 2\beta is damping factor and c is wave speed.

I haven't had any luck finding a PDE class that looks like this. Closest match is Helmholtz equation but it doesn't have \frac{\partial}{\partial t} element.

Tried to solve it using Mathematica but didn't have any luck (but that is maybe because of the fact that I don't really know how to use Mathematica).

Any hints on how to proceed would be appreciated either on manual solving or by using Mathematica (or Matlab, for that matter).

Igor
 
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separation of variables to turn it into ordinary differential equations. It looks like __ equation for spatial part, and __ for time part, but I won't fill in the blanks, that's cheating :)
 

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