PDE Separation of Variables: Solving utt = uxx with Boundary Conditions

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The discussion focuses on solving the partial differential equation utt = uxx with specified boundary and initial conditions. The user attempts to apply the method of separation of variables, expressing the solution as a product of spatial and temporal functions, leading to the equations T''(t) = λT(t) and X''(x) = λX(x). The user explores different cases for the eigenvalue λ, determining specific forms for X(x) based on boundary conditions. Feedback suggests the need to adjust the approach to accommodate the initial conditions, particularly by using a series solution to satisfy both u(x,0) and ut(x,0). The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying boundary conditions and the potential necessity of a summation approach for the solution.
walter9459
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Homework Statement


Solve the problem.
utt = uxx 0 < x < 1, t > 0
u(x,0) = x, ut(x,0) = x(1-x), u(0,t) = 0, u(1,t) = 1


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Here is what I have so far but I'm not sure if I am on the right path or not.

u(x,t) = X(x)T(t)
ut(x,t) = X(x)T'(t) ux(x,t) = X'(x)T(t)
utt(x,t) = X(x)T"(t) uxx(x,t) = X"(x)T(t)
X(x)T"(t) = X"(x)T(t)
T"(t)/T(T) = X"(x)/X(x) = λ
T"(t) = λT(t) X"(x) = λX(x)

λ = 0 -----> X(x) = Ax + B
b.c. u(0,t) = A(0) + B = 0 --------> B = 0
u(1,t) = A(1) + B = 1 --------> A = 1

λ > 0 --------> λ = ω2
X(x) = Acosh ωx + Bsinh ωx
X(0) = Acosh ω(0) + Bsinh ω(0) = 0
= Bsinh ω(0) = 0 ------> B = 0

λ < 0 ---------> λ = -ω2
X"(x) = λX(x) --------> X"(x) = -ω2X(x)
X(x) = Acosωx + Bsinωx
X(0) = Acosω(0) + Bsinω(0) = 0 --------> A = 0
X(1) = Acosω(1) + Bsinω(1) = 1
X(1) = Bsinω = 1 B ≠ 0
ω = ∏/2 + 2m∏ for any interger m

T"(t) = ω2T(t)
T"(t) = C cosωt + Dsinωt

u = (C cosωt + Dsinωt)sinux

Okay this is all I have. Am I on the right path and where do I go from here?
Thanks!
 
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walter9459 said:

Homework Statement


Solve the problem.
utt = uxx 0 < x < 1, t > 0
u(x,0) = x, ut(x,0) = x(1-x), u(0,t) = 0, u(1,t) = 1


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Here is what I have so far but I'm not sure if I am on the right path or not.

u(x,t) = X(x)T(t)
ut(x,t) = X(x)T'(t) ux(x,t) = X'(x)T(t)
utt(x,t) = X(x)T"(t) uxx(x,t) = X"(x)T(t)
X(x)T"(t) = X"(x)T(t)
T"(t)/T(T) = X"(x)/X(x) = λ
T"(t) = λT(t) X"(x) = λX(x)

λ = 0 -----> X(x) = Ax + B
b.c. u(0,t) = A(0) + B = 0 --------> B = 0
u(1,t) = A(1) + B = 1 --------> A = 1

λ > 0 --------> λ = ω2
X(x) = Acosh ωx + Bsinh ωx
X(0) = Acosh ω(0) + Bsinh ω(0) = 0
= Bsinh ω(0) = 0 ------> B = 0

λ < 0 ---------> λ = -ω2
X"(x) = λX(x) --------> X"(x) = -ω2X(x)
X(x) = Acosωx + Bsinωx
X(0) = Acosω(0) + Bsinω(0) = 0 --------> A = 0
X(1) = Acosω(1) + Bsinω(1) = 1
X(1) = Bsinω = 1 B ≠ 0
ω = ∏/2 + 2m∏ for any interger m

T"(t) = ω2T(t)
T"(t) = C cosωt + Dsinωt

u = (C cosωt + Dsinωt)sinux

Okay this is all I have. Am I on the right path and where do I go from here?
Thanks!
Other than the fact that you mean "sin ωx", not "sin ux", that's good. Now you have to try to make that fit the "initial vaue conditions", u(x,0)= 0 and u_t(x, 0)= x(1- x).

You won't be able to do that with just a single "ω" so since this is a linear equation try, instead, a sum:
u(x,t)= \sum_{m=0}^\infty (cos(\pi/2 + 2m\pi)t + Dsin(\pi/2 + 2m\pi)t)sin(\pi/2 + 2\pi)x
 
Sorry to be so dense, but I get lost at this point.

I think I am then suppose to do

ut=X(x)[-C(∏/2 + 2m∏)sin(∏/2 + 2m∏)t + D(∏/2 + 2m∏)cos(∏/2 + 2m∏)t)
ut(x,0) = D(∏/2 + 2m∏)cos(∏/2 + 2m∏) = x(1-x) ----> D ≠ 0

t = 0 f(x) = ∑ Dsin (∏/2 + 2m∏)t

u(x,t) = ∑ D sin ((∏/2 + 2m∏)t sin (∏/2 + 2m∏)x

Am I on the doing this correctly? Do I then do the integral from 0 to m∏?

Thanks!
 
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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