Example of Maximum Principle for Heat Equation PDEs

In summary, the maximum principle of the heat equation is illustrated through a trivial example where it reduces to the Laplace equation and every solution to the Laplace equation satisfies the maximum principle. Additionally, there are plenty of real-life and mathematical problems available to demonstrate the maximum principle, such as the diffusion equation with boundary and initial conditions, which show that the solution remains bounded between 0 and 1 and is symmetric about the point (1/2, t). The energy method also proves that the integral of the solution squared is a strictly decreasing function of time.
  • #1
aa1174
3
0
can you please help me give an example of an illustration of the maximum principle of the heat equation (using partial differential equations)

thank you..
 
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  • #2
em..how about a trivial example that the heat equation reduces to the Laplace equation, and as we know every solution to Laplace equation satisfies maximum principle.
 
  • #3
thank you. how about other examples?
 
  • #4
do you want a real-life example or an actual math problem that uses the maximum principle?
 
  • #5
an actual math problem.. thank you..
 
  • #6
aa1174 said:
an actual math problem.. thank you..

Check it out: http://www.math.ucsb.edu/~grigoryan/124A/lecs/lec8.pdf

It's great. It has the proof of the maximum principle (its weaker form) in detail. I think you should find it useful.
Honestly, there are plenty of problems online and in textbooks (you can use google books). Here is one I found in mine:

Consider the diffusion equation [tex] u_t = u_{xx} [/tex] in (0 < x < 1, 0 < t < [tex] \infty[/tex]) with u(0, t) =u(1, t) =0 and u(x, 0) =4x(1 - x).

(a) Show that 0 < u(x,t) < 1 for all t>0 and 0<x< 1.

(b) Show that u(x, t) = u(1 - x, t) for all t [tex]\geq[/tex] 0 and 0 [tex]\leq[/tex] X [tex]\leq[/tex] 1.

(c) Use the energy method to show that [tex] \int u^2 dx [/tex] is a strictly decreasing function of t.

parts a and b emphasize more on the maximum principle.
 

1. What is the maximum principle for heat equation PDEs?

The maximum principle for heat equation PDEs states that the maximum value of the solution of a heat equation occurs on the boundary of the domain or at the initial condition.

2. How is the maximum principle for heat equation PDEs useful in solving problems?

The maximum principle helps in determining the behavior of the solution of a heat equation, as it allows us to understand the location and magnitude of the maximum values of the solution.

3. Can the maximum principle be applied to other types of PDEs?

Yes, the maximum principle can be applied to other types of PDEs, such as the wave equation and the Laplace equation.

4. How does the maximum principle for heat equation PDEs differ from the maximum principle for other types of PDEs?

The maximum principle for heat equation PDEs is specific to the behavior of solutions for heat equations, while the maximum principle for other types of PDEs may have different conditions or restrictions.

5. Are there any limitations to the maximum principle for heat equation PDEs?

The maximum principle is limited to linear heat equations with constant coefficients and homogeneous boundary conditions. It may not be applicable to non-linear or time-dependent heat equations.

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