Non linear ODE: y'' = a y + b y^3

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE) of the form y'' = a y + b y^3, with specified boundary conditions. Participants explore analytical solutions, integration techniques, and the involvement of elliptic functions in the solution process.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks an analytical solution to the nonlinear ODE with boundary conditions f(0) = 0 and f(+∞) = f0.
  • Another participant suggests integrating the equation by transforming it into a first-order form, indicating that the integration leads to expressions involving elliptic functions, which complicate inverting to obtain y(x).
  • A correction is made regarding the order of the differential equation, clarifying that it is indeed a second-order ODE.
  • One participant proposes simplifying the problem by first considering the case where a and b are set to 1, leading to the equation y'' = y + y^3, and suggests finding an analytical expression for x(y) in terms of constants.
  • Concerns are raised about the analytical complexity of the problem, particularly due to the boundary condition at infinity, which may affect the validity of proposed solutions.
  • Another participant mentions that under certain complementary conditions, y(x) can be expressed using Jacobi elliptic functions.
  • Participants express appreciation for contributions made in the discussion, indicating a collaborative atmosphere.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the analytical solvability of the ODE, with some suggesting specific methods while others highlight the difficulties involved. There is no consensus on a definitive solution or approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion acknowledges the complexity introduced by elliptic functions and the specific boundary conditions, which may limit the applicability of certain methods. The exact nature of the constants and their influence on the solution remains unresolved.

galuoises
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I would like to solve the non linear ODE
\frac{d}{dx}f(x)=a f(x)+ b f^3 (x)
with the boundary
f(0)=0\quad f(+\infty)=f_0

How to find analitical solution?
 
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If it is f ' = a f+b f^3 then integrate dx = df/(a f+b f^3)
If it is y'' = a y+b y^3 then the first step is the integration of :
y'' y' = (a y+b y^3) y'
y'² = a y² + b (y^4)/2 +c
dx = dy/sqrt(a y² + b (y^4)/2 +c)
The integration will lead to x(y) on the form of elliptic functions. Very complicated to invert in order to obtain y(x)
 
Last edited:
Pardon me, I write the uncorrect differential equation: the problem is at the second order

\frac{d^2}{dx^2}f(x)=a f(x) + b f^3 (x)
with the boundary
f(0)=0,\ f(+\infty)=f_0
 
In my opinion, x(y)=g(y,c_1,c_2) is an analytical expression for the solution but I think first, just scrap the a and b and look at:

y''=y+y^3

then do what Jacq said and get the expression in terms of:

x(y)=g(y,c_1,c_2)

then try and solve simultaneously the expressions:

0=g(0,c_1,c_2)

g(f_0,c_1,c_2)\to+\infty

for the constants c_1,c_2 and if need be, do so numerically for them just for starters.
 
Hello !

It is a difficult problem on the analytical viewpoint.
A difficulty is that elliptic functions are involved. But the major difficulty is due to the condition f(x=+infinity)=finite constant.
I am not quite sure that the solution given in attachment is a correct answer to the problem, so it should be carefully verified.
 

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In case of some complementary conditions specified in attachment, y(x) can be fully explicited thanks to a Jacobi elliptic function.
 

Attachments

  • Result.JPG
    Result.JPG
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:approve:Nicely done Jacquelin and beautiful too. Thanks.
 
Thank you so much!
 

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