PDE with oscillating boundary conditions

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a partial differential equation (PDE) with oscillating boundary conditions, specifically the equation u_t = αu_{xx} with boundary conditions u(0,t) = sin(t) + sin(2t) and u(L,t) = 0. The participants confirm that the complete solution can be expressed as the sum of two separate solutions, v(x,t) and w(x,t), each corresponding to the individual sine boundary conditions. The linearity of the PDE allows for the addition of these solutions, validating the approach taken by the original poster.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of partial differential equations (PDEs)
  • Familiarity with boundary value problems
  • Knowledge of linearity in differential equations
  • Basic concepts of Fourier series and oscillatory functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of separation of variables for PDEs
  • Learn about Fourier series and their applications in solving boundary value problems
  • Explore the linearity of differential operators in PDEs
  • Investigate oscillating boundary conditions in more complex PDE scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers working with partial differential equations, particularly those dealing with boundary value problems and oscillatory systems.

robl123
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi,

Say I have this pde:

u_t=\alpha u_{xx}
u(0,t)=\sin{x}+\sin{2x}
u(L,t)=0

I know the solution for the pde below is v(x,t):

v_t=\alpha v_{xx}
v(0,t)=\sin{x}
v(L,t)=0

And I know the solution for the pde below is w(x,t)

w_t=\alpha w_{xx}
w(0,t)=\sin{2x}
w(L,t)=0

Would the complete solution be u(x,t)=v(x,t)+w(x,t)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your first boundary conditions are screwed up: the left side is a function of t and the right side is a function of x. Assuming you fix that, then yes, functions satisfying pieces of the boundary conditions can be added together just as you've done. You can confirm thus just by substituting u into the original PDE and using the linearity of differentiation.
 
Thanks!

I was worried I was doing it wrong. I meant to write u(0,t)=\sin{t}+\sin{2t} , ...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K