How to Solve a System of Non-Linear ODEs in Physics?

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    Non-linear Ode System
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in a physics context. Participants explore methods for approaching the problem, including analytical and approximate solutions, as well as the use of mathematical notation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a system of equations involving second derivatives and constants, seeking assistance in solving it.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of an analytical solution, suggesting that the problem may be too complex for the context of "Physics I."
  • A different participant expresses a desire for an approximate solution using a power series method rather than an exact one.
  • One participant proposes considering the limit where |y| is much less than 1 and asks about the Taylor expansion of e^y in that context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the approach to solving the system, with differing opinions on the feasibility of an analytical solution and the appropriateness of the problem for the stated educational level.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions about the setup of the equations and the applicability of certain methods, such as the Taylor expansion, which may depend on the specific values of y.

metamathphys
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Hello everybody. Solving a problem in Physics I run into a system of equations that I do not know how to solve, I would appreciate some help. Here is the system:


\ddot{x}+4\dot{x}^2=C_1e^{y}

\dot{y}^2=C_2\ddot{x}


The dependent variables are x,y. C_1 and C_2 are some constants. I try to play with the equations to obtain one equation in one unknown but I don't get anywhere...

If someone could tell me where I can learn to write the equations so that they appear in math style that would be awesome as well.

Thank you in advance!
 
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Are you sure you've done everything correctly so far and you're indeed meant to solve this analytically? I put the system in Maple, and the solution is quite ugly. I don't know what "Physics I" consists of, but it sounds like something where you wouldn't need to solve something like this.

You can use [ tex] and [ itex] tags (without the spaces, itex for inline text) to write in LaTeX.
 
Hi Deldeal thanks for your reply.

I am almost sure the system is setup correctly. I do not need an exact solution but an approximate one i.e. the first few terms in a power series method.

Best
 
[itex]\ddot{x}+4\dot{x}^2=C_1e^{y}[/itex]

[itex]\dot{y}^2=C_2\ddot{x}[/itex]


What happens if you assume that [itex]|y| \ll 1[/itex] ?

In this limit what is the Taylor expansion of [itex]e^{y}[/itex] ?
 

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