Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around solving the diffusion equation with time-dependent boundary conditions, specifically the equation U=U(x,t) governed by Ut=DUxx, with initial and boundary conditions provided. Participants explore various methods for addressing the complexities introduced by the time-dependent boundary condition U(0,t)=a(t) and the zero flux condition at U(L,t).
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- One participant notes difficulties in applying the standard method of separation of variables due to the boundary conditions, suggesting that methods for solving inhomogeneous heat equations using Green's functions also fail because they require knowledge of U(L,t).
- Another participant proposes transforming the PDE for U with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions into a new PDE for V with homogeneous boundary conditions.
- A different participant argues that separation of variables should still be a viable approach, providing a specific form of the solution and suggesting that it could lead to an answer involving Laplace transforms.
- Concerns are raised about the time-dependent boundary condition leading to integration constants that are functions of time, which complicates the solution process.
- Several participants discuss the use of Laplace transforms, with one noting that they obtained a specific form for V(x,s) but faced challenges with boundary conditions.
- Another participant offers a set of solutions to the heat equation that satisfy two of the three boundary conditions and suggests a method to express the final boundary condition as an integral equation.
- Despite flaws in some proposed approaches, there is acknowledgment that they may still hold promise for future attempts at solving similar equations.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing opinions on the effectiveness of various methods, including separation of variables and Laplace transforms. There is no consensus on a single approach, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to apply given the specific boundary conditions.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight limitations related to the time-dependent boundary condition, the need for specific forms of solutions, and the challenges of integrating constants that depend on time. These factors contribute to the complexity of finding a satisfactory solution.