How to Solve a PDE using Laplace Transform?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a partial differential equation (PDE) using the Laplace Transform. The specific PDE is given with initial and boundary conditions, and participants are exploring the transformation process and subsequent steps.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the Laplace Transform to the PDE and the resulting ordinary differential equation (ODE). There are attempts to determine the integrating factor and to solve for an unknown function A(s). Questions arise regarding the implications of boundary conditions and the process of finding the inverse Laplace Transform.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the transformation and integration steps, while others express uncertainty about the next steps, particularly regarding the inverse Laplace Transform. There is a mix of interpretations and approaches being explored, with no explicit consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note challenges related to boundary conditions leading to undefined expressions, as well as the need for partial fraction decomposition in the context of the Laplace Transform.

freesnow
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Homework Statement



Use the Laplace Transform to solve the PDE for u(x,t) with x>0 and t>0:
x(du/dx) + du/dt = xt
with IC: u(x,0) = 0 and BC: u(0,t) = 0

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



After taking LT of the PDE wrt t, the PDE becomes
x(dU/dx) + sU = x/(s2)

Integrating factor :
I = exp(\int(s/x)dx) = xs

ODE becomes
d/dx(Uxs) = xs/s2

Integrating both sides:
U = x/(s3+s) + A(s)/xs

then I don't know how to find A(s), if I use BC, the factor 1/0 will come out...or is there some other way to calculate the PDE with LT?

thanks
 
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freesnow said:
Integrating both sides:
U = x/(s3+s) + A(s)/xs

then I don't know how to find A(s), if I use BC, the factor 1/0 will come out...

Unless A(s)=0 :wink:
 
Thanks!
 
so U(x,s) = x/(s3+s2)

but then I don't know how to do the inverse LT to get u(x,t) such that it fits the PDE...

thanks
 
freesnow said:
so U(x,s) = x/(s3+s2)

but then I don't know how to do the inverse LT to get u(x,t) such that it fits the PDE...

thanks

Just use partial fractions:

\frac{1}{s^3+s}=\frac{1}{s(s^2+1)}=\frac{A}{s}+\frac{Bs}{s^2+1}+\frac{C}{s^2+1}

Solve for A,B and C
 
I finally solved it! Thanks very much!
 

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