How to Solve the Heat Problem in the Disk using Fourier Series?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the heat problem in a disk using Fourier series, specifically with the function $f(\theta) = |\theta|$ for $-\pi < \theta < \pi$. The formal series solution is derived as $u(r,\theta) = \frac{\pi}{2} - \frac{4}{\pi}\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\frac{r^{2n - 1}}{(2n - 1)^2}\cos(2n - 1)\theta$. To achieve an error of less than 0.1 throughout the disk, a specific number of terms in the series must be evaluated. The value of $u\left(\frac{1}{2},\pi\right)$ is to be calculated to two decimal places, and it is established that $u\left(r,\pm\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = \frac{\pi}{2}$.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier series and their applications in solving partial differential equations.
  • Knowledge of polar coordinates and their representation in heat equations.
  • Familiarity with convergence criteria for series, particularly in the context of error estimation.
  • Basic calculus, including the ability to evaluate infinite series and integrals.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the convergence of Fourier series and how to apply the integral test for convergence.
  • Learn about error analysis in series solutions, focusing on how to determine the number of terms needed for a specified accuracy.
  • Explore the application of Fourier series in solving heat equations in different geometries, such as disks and rectangles.
  • Investigate the properties of the cosine function in Fourier series and its implications for boundary conditions in heat problems.
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Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers interested in applied mathematics, particularly those working on heat transfer problems and Fourier analysis in circular domains.

Dustinsfl
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Suppose $f(\theta) = |\theta|$ for $-\pi < \theta < \pi$.
Find the formal series solution of the corresponding heat problem in the disk.
How many terms of the series will give $u(r,\theta)$ with an error $< 0.1$ throughout the disk?
Evaluate $u\left(\frac{1}{2},\pi\right)$ to two decimals.
Show that $u\left(r,\pm\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = \frac{\pi}{2}$.
\smallskipI know from previous that
$$
f(\theta) = \frac{\pi}{2} - \frac{4}{\pi}\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{(2n - 1)^2}\cos (2n - 1)\theta.
$$

I am not sure what I am supposed to do though.
 
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We know from previous that
$$
f(\theta) = \frac{\pi}{2} - \frac{4}{\pi}\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{(2n - 1)^2}\cos (2n - 1)\theta.
$$
The polar form of $f$ is
$$
u(r,\theta) = \frac{\pi}{2} - \frac{4}{\pi}\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\frac{r^{2n - 1}}{(2n - 1)^2}\cos(2n - 1)\theta.
$$
Take $r < 1$ and evaluate the partial sum to $k$.
Then $\frac{\pi}{2} - \frac{4}{\pi}\sum\limits_{n = 1}^k\frac{r^{2k - 1}}{(2k - 1)^2}\cos(2k - 1)\theta$.

How can I use the integral test now?
 
Last edited:

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