Inverse laplace transform for unique diffusion type problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the inverse Laplace transform of a specific function related to advection-diffusion problems. Participants explore various approaches to tackle the inverse transform, particularly in the context of unique solutions and the challenges posed by the parameters involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a specific inverse Laplace transform function and references classic texts that address similar problems, noting the absence of solutions for the case when β is non-zero.
  • Another participant highlights the complexity of performing the inverse transform using integration in the complex plane, particularly regarding the integral along the branch cut.
  • A third participant expresses uncertainty about their ability to solve the inverse Laplace transform, indicating a reliance on tabulated transforms and suggesting a need to adjust boundary conditions.
  • Another suggestion is made to split the function into two terms to facilitate the inverse Laplace transform, with a note on the complications arising from complex parameters and the potential involvement of Erfc functions.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of β being positive or negative and how that affects the parameters used in the inverse transform.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to solve the inverse Laplace transform, and multiple competing views and methods are presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific solutions and techniques applicable to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various mathematical challenges, including the need for integration along branch cuts and the implications of complex parameters. There are also references to the limitations of existing tables and the necessity of potentially returning to first principles.

Groundwater
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Hi all

I have been working on some unique solutions to advection-diffusion type problems.

One inverse Laplace transform that I seem to continue to encounter is the following:


Inverse Laplace[F(s)] where F(s)=[(1/(((s-α)^2)+β)*exp(-x*sqrt(s/D))]

In their classic 1959 text, Carslaw and Jaeger gave an inverse solution to F(s) for the case when β=0. It is an erfc based solution (as the exp(-x*sqrt(s/D)) would indicate).

If anyone has seen anything like this, please let me know. I have checked the following:

1. The Laplace Transform by Widder
2. Laplace Transforms and Applications by Watson
3. CRC Handbook of Tables for Mathematics, 4th edition
4. Table of Laplace Transforms by Roberts and Kaufman
5. Conduction of Heat in Solids by Carslaw and Jaeger
6. Analytical Solution to the one-dimensional advective-dispersive solute transport equation by van Genuchten and Alves
7...and a pile of elementary PDE Books

It may have to go back to first principles on this one..
 
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The most difficult part if you try to do the inverse transform with integration in the complex plane will be this integral along the branch cut

\int_0^{\infty } \frac{e^{-t \rho } \left(e^{-i x \sqrt{\frac{\rho }{d}}}-e^{i x \sqrt{\frac{\rho }{d}}}\right)}{\beta +(-\alpha -\rho )^2} \, d\rho

Maybe you can find that in a table somewhere. I couldn't even find/figure out the case where \beta = 0. If you can't find the one with non-zero beta, but perhaps can find

\int_0^{\infty } \frac{e^{-t \rho } \left(e^{-i x \sqrt{\frac{\rho }{d}}}-e^{i x \sqrt{\frac{\rho }{d}}}\right)}{(-\alpha -\rho )^4} \, d\rho

Then if beta is small maybe you could expand as a series in beta?
 
Thanks...I think I am a bit out of my league here. I once took an introductory course in ODE that introduced me to Laplace transforms. I have slowly figured out how to apply the technique in the solution of PDE. However, at my level, I am doing well if I can solve a solution using tabulated inverse Laplace transforms.

I did try to solve the inverse Laplace, but I am sure that I didn't even get as far as you. I may have to adjust my boundary condition.
 
Hi !

May be, you could try this :
Split the function into two terms, thanks to
1/(((s-α)^2)+B²) = c/(s-a -i B) - c/(s-a +i B)
c = 1/(2 i B)
The inverse Laplace of (1/(s-A))*exp(-C*sqrt(s)) can be found in tables.
But, there is a major difficulty, since A is complex : A=-a-i B or A=-a+i B
The formal result will involves Erfc functions in the complex range. The theoretical proof of validity should be rather ardous. Instead of doing it directly, I suggest to compute the Laplace transform of the result and check if it is consistent with the initial function F(s)

I suppose that beta>0 , so beta=B². If beta<0, then beta=-B² and there is no difficulty since A=-a-B or A=-a+B which are reals.
 
Last edited:

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