Optimizing Euler Method for Differential Equations with Large Coefficients

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on using Euler's Method to approximate solutions for a second-order differential equation related to forces affecting an object's velocity and position. The user is attempting to calculate the new velocity and position based on initial values and a specified time step but is experiencing unexpected results. Key points include confirming the correct application of the method and ensuring that the coefficients in the equations are appropriate for the chosen time step. The response suggests that the user is on the right track with their calculations but may need to adjust the time step due to potentially large coefficients. Proper adjustments and careful application of the method are crucial for accurate results.
BeeKay
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Homework Statement


Hello,

I have a question about using Eulers Method to approximate a solution to a differential equation. The problem lists forces that would be applied on an object and influences its velocity and therefore its position. I believe I am doing the Euler method correct to approximate what the "new velocity" would be, but based on somewhat wonky results I want to confirm if I am making an error using the Euler Method ( or in the Fortran code, but I feel like that is fine).

Homework Equations


m \frac{d^ {2}y}{dt^2} + b \frac{dy} {dt} + ky = F_{o} sin(νt), y(0) = y_{o}, \frac{dy} {dt} = ˙y_{o}. when t=0

\frac{dy} {dt} = v, y(0) = y_{o},

\frac{dv} {dt} = \frac{− k} {m} y − \frac {b} {m} v + \frac {F_{o}} {m} sin(νt), v(0) = ˙y_{o}

\frac {y_{n+1} − y_{n}} {∆t} = v_{n},

\frac{v_{n+1} − v_{n}} {∆t} = \frac {− k }{m} y_{n} − \frac {b} {m} v_{n} + \frac {Fo} {m} sin(νt_{n}),

t_{n+1} = t_{n + ∆t}

The Attempt at a Solution


The way I interpreted it was to first find \frac{v_{n+1} − v_{n}} {∆t} by find it at the initial values. If I use 0.02 as the timestep, I solved by substituting in the initial given y value and v value. Some other parameters were given, but they would not be changing. I multiplied this entire solution by the time step to find how much the velocity changed in that time. I then added this change to the original velocity. From there, I am a little confused as to how it applies to the position estimation. If \frac {y_{n+1} − y_{n}} {∆t} = v_{n},, then shouldn't I just take the solution to \frac{v_{n+1} − v_{n}} {∆t} = \frac {− k }{m} y_{n} − \frac {b} {m} v_{n} + \frac {Fo} {m} sin(νt_{n}), multiply it by the timestep, and then add it to the previous y value? Thanks in advance and sorry if I messed up LaTeX. If you need more information about the problem or my process, let me know.
 
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Hello BK,

You have a second order differential equation and have worked it around to two expressions for ##v_{n+1}## and ##y_{n+1}## in terms of the known ##v_n## and ##y_n##. I think that's correct. So "do the step"!

If the results are wonky, perhaps the coefficients are a bit big for the time step ?
 
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