Integration and hyperbolic function problem

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The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation related to cosmology, specifically the equation governing the expansion of the universe. The equation presented is linked to the Hubble parameter and involves parameters for matter density and dark energy. Participants suggest making a change of variables to simplify the equation, leading to a separable form that can be integrated. The solution ultimately involves hyperbolic functions, specifically the hyperbolic sine function, to express the scale factor as a function of time. The conversation highlights the importance of transforming complex equations into simpler forms for easier analysis.
JD_PM
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Homework Statement
While studying Cosmology I came across a particular differential equation I do not see how to solve. Please read below for details
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This question arose while studying Cosmology (section 38.2 in Lecture Notes in GR) but it is purely mathematical, that is why I ask it here.

I do not see why the equation

$$H^2 = H_0^2 \left[\left( \frac{a_0}{a}\right)^3 (\Omega_M)_0 + (\Omega_{\Lambda})_0 \right] \tag{1}$$

Has the following solution

$$a(t) = a_0 \left( \frac{(\Omega_M)_0}{(\Omega_{\Lambda})_0}\right)^{1/3} \left(\sinh \left[(3/2)\sqrt{(\Omega_{\Lambda})_0}H_0t\right]\right)^{2/3}$$

Where (and ##\dot a## represents the derivative of ##a## wrt time)

$$H:=\left( \frac{\dot a}{a}\right)^2, \ \ \ \ H_0:=\left( \frac{\dot a_0}{a_0}\right)^2$$I found a similar problem here. I suspect that, to start off, we should find a smart change of variables but which one?

Might you please guide me towards the solution?

Any help is appreciated.

Thank you :biggrin:
 
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Perhaps I can offer a suggestion you may find useful as you study DEs: They're difficult in and of themselves so sometimes it is helpful to strip them of unnecessary trappings and just study the underlying pure, clean and simpler-looking equation. With that in mind, is your equation basically:

$$\left(\frac{y'}{y}\right)^4=d\left[b\left(\frac{a}{y}\right)^3+c\right]$$
for ##a,b,c,d## some constants?
 
aheight said:
With that in mind, is your equation basically:

$$\left(\frac{y'}{y}\right)^4=d\left[b\left(\frac{a}{y}\right)^3+c\right]$$
for ##a,b,c,d## some constants?

Alright, I realized I made a typo here

JD_PM said:
$$H:=\left( \frac{\dot a}{a}\right)^2, \ \ \ \ H_0:=\left( \frac{\dot a_0}{a_0}\right)^2$$

It should be

$$H:=\left( \frac{\dot a}{a}\right), \ \ \ \ H_0:=\left( \frac{\dot a_0}{a_0}\right)$$So the DE we want to solve is

$$\left(\frac{y'}{y}\right)^2=d\left[b\left(\frac{a}{y}\right)^3+c\right]$$

OK at this point.

Should we start off by introducing a change of variables? Maybe it is a good idea (just guessing) to rewrite it a bit, by multiplying by ##y^2## both sides

$$y\left(y'\right)^2=d\left[ba^3+cy^3\right]$$
 
JD_PM said:
So the DE we want to solve is

$$\left(\frac{y'}{y}\right)^2=d\left[b\left(\frac{a}{y}\right)^3+c\right]$$

Isn't that then a separable equation?
 
I have the following suggestions. First, for economy of notation, define the constants,
$$
\Gamma_0=H_0^2a_0^3(\Omega_{M})_0
$$
$$
\beta_0=H_0^2(\Omega_{\Lambda})_0
$$
We then have the DE,
$$
(\frac{\dot a}{a})^2=\frac{1}{a^3}[\Gamma_0 + a^3\beta_0]
$$
$$
\dot a=\frac{1}{\sqrt a}[\Gamma_0 + a^3\beta_0]^{\frac{1}{2}}
$$
which leads to,
$$
\frac{1}{\sqrt{\Gamma_0}}\int \frac{\sqrt a da}{\sqrt {1 + a^3(\frac{\beta_0}{\Gamma_0}})}=t
$$
We make the substitution,
$$
u^2=a^3(\frac{\beta_0}{\Gamma_0})
$$
$$
da=\frac{2}{3}(\frac{\Gamma_0}{\beta_0})^{\frac{1}{3}}\frac{du}{u^{\frac{1}{3}}}
$$
thus,
$$
\frac{2}{3}\frac{1}{\sqrt {\beta_0}}\int \frac{du}{\sqrt {1+u^2}}=t
$$
$$
\sinh^{-1}(u)=\frac{3}{2}\sqrt{\beta_0}t
$$
$$
u=\sinh (\frac{3}{2}\sqrt{\beta_0}t)
$$
$$
a^{\frac{3}{2}}(\frac{\beta_0}{\Gamma_0})^{\frac{1}{2}}=\sinh (\frac{3}{2}\sqrt{\beta_0}t)
$$
$$
a=(\frac{\Gamma_0}{\beta_0})^{\frac{1}{3}}[\sinh (\frac{3}{2}\sqrt{\beta_0}t)]^{\frac{2}{3}}

$$
 
@aheight @Fred Wright thank you very much for your help.

aheight said:
Isn't that then a separable equation?

Yes (let me use ##e## as constant instead ;))

$$\frac{y'}{y}=\left(e\left[b\left(\frac{a}{y}\right)^3+c\right]\right)^{1/2} \Rightarrow \frac{dy}{y\left(e\left[b\left(\frac{a}{y}\right)^3+c\right]\right)^{1/2}} = dt$$
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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