PDE with non-constant coefficient

In summary, the PDE given by A * d2w/dy2 + B * 1/x * d2w/dx2 + C * w = 0 can be solved using the Laplace transform. The general solution involves two arbitrary functions, F1 and F2, and includes the AiryAi and AiryBi functions. Finite difference is not suitable for solving this PDE.
  • #1
FrankST
24
0
Dear All,

I have a PDE like:

A * d2w/dy2 + B * 1/x * d2w/dx2 + C * w = 0

where , w = w(x,y), A & B & C are constants.

Is there any analytical solution for this PDE?

If not, is finite difference is the right numerical tools to solve it?

Thanks,

Frank
 
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  • #2
Your PDE

[tex]A\frac{\partial^2 w(x,y)}{\partial y^2}+\frac{B}{x}\frac{\partial^2 w(x,y)}{\partial y^2}+Cw(x,y) = 0[/tex]

can be solved by the Laplace transform. The general solution is as follows

[tex]w(x,y)=\int_{-\infty}^{-\infty} F_1 (\omega) AiryAi [-((A\omega^2+C)/B)^{1/3}x]+F_2 (\omega) AiryBi [-((A\omega^2+C)/B)^{1/3}x]\exp(y\omega)d\omega ,[/tex]

where [tex]F_1 (\omega) , F_2 (\omega) [/tex] are arbitrary functions.
 
  • #3
I'm sorry for misprint. The right answer is

[tex]w(x,y)=\int_{-\infty}^{-\infty} \{F_1 (\omega) AiryAi [-((A\omega^2+C)/B)^{1/3}x]+F_2 (\omega) AiryBi [-((A\omega^2+C)/B)^{1/3}x]\}\exp(y\omega)d\omega ,[/tex]
 

1. What is a PDE with non-constant coefficient?

A PDE with non-constant coefficient is a partial differential equation where the coefficients of the terms containing the highest order derivatives are not constant. This means that the coefficients can vary in space and time, making the equation more complex to solve.

2. How does a PDE with non-constant coefficient differ from a PDE with constant coefficient?

In a PDE with constant coefficient, the coefficients of the terms containing the highest order derivatives are fixed and do not vary in space or time. This makes the equation easier to solve, as the coefficients can be factored out and the equation can be reduced to a simpler form. However, in a PDE with non-constant coefficient, the coefficients cannot be factored out and the equation remains in its original form, making it more challenging to solve.

3. What are some common examples of PDEs with non-constant coefficient?

Some common examples of PDEs with non-constant coefficient include the heat equation, wave equation, and Schrödinger equation. These equations are widely used in physics, engineering, and other fields to model various phenomena, such as heat transfer, wave propagation, and quantum mechanics.

4. What techniques can be used to solve PDEs with non-constant coefficient?

There are various techniques that can be used to solve PDEs with non-constant coefficient, including separation of variables, method of characteristics, and numerical methods such as finite difference and finite element methods. The choice of technique depends on the specific equation and its boundary conditions.

5. Why are PDEs with non-constant coefficient important in scientific research?

PDEs with non-constant coefficient are important in scientific research because they allow for more realistic and accurate modeling of physical systems. Many real-world problems involve varying coefficients, and using PDEs with non-constant coefficient allows scientists to model these systems more accurately and obtain more meaningful results.

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