Please help this is toughest Differential equation I have had to work

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a complex differential equation involving second derivatives and nonlinear terms. Participants explore potential methods for solving the equation, including analytical and numerical approaches, while addressing the challenges posed by its structure.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation and expresses difficulty in progressing with the solution.
  • Another participant suggests using quadrature to simplify the equation by letting v = dy/dt, leading to a first-order equation for v in terms of y.
  • A different participant notes that the equation derived is a Riccati ODE, which can be transformed into a second-order linear ODE, but indicates that it may not be solvable analytically in general cases.
  • Concerns are raised about the transformation steps and the introduction of new variables, specifically questioning the role of w in the new ODE.
  • Clarifications are provided regarding the relationship between the original and transformed variables, emphasizing the goal of eliminating quadratic terms to achieve linearity.
  • A participant humorously acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding variable notation, leading to a reevaluation of the problem as simpler than initially thought.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the solvability of the equation, with some suggesting it cannot be solved analytically in general, while others explore transformations that may simplify the problem. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that specific values of coefficients may allow for analytical solutions, but the general case appears to require numerical methods. The discussion also highlights the complexity of transforming nonlinear ODEs into linear forms.

diffEQult
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Hit a wall on this one...can anyone help with the next step?

A(d2y/dt2)+B*(dy/dt)^2*(C*y^2+D*y+E)+F*y^-2=0

Thanks!
 
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Because t does not expicitely appear in that equation, you can simplify a little by "quadrature". Let v= dy/dt. The [itex]d^2y/dt^2= dv/dt= (dv/dx)(dx/dt)= v(dv/dt)[/itex] so your equation becomes a first order equation for v in terms of y:
[tex]VA\frac{dv}{dy}+ Bv^2(Cy^2+ Dy+ E)= -Fy^{-2}[/tex]
I don't know that that equation is solvable but if you can find v then you solve v= dy/dt.
 
Yea that's how far I could get before getting stuck. The equation isn't really separable.

Is there a way to do this analytically or numerically?
 
Hi !
The equation derived by HallsofIvy is a Riccati ODE which can be transformed to a second order linear ODE (attachment).
Since this linear ODE is much too complicated to be analytically solved in terms of a finite combination of standard functions, we can conclude that the problem raised by DiffEQlt cannot be analytically solved (except in case of some particular values of the coefficients). So, in the general case, numerical process is required.
 

Attachments

  • RiccatiODE.JPG
    RiccatiODE.JPG
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I don't see how you made the jump to your second line in the attached jpg? Where does the w come from and what does it represent.

In the end, what would you solve the equation for if you have w, y, and v's throughout it?

Also, V should be v in Halls equation.
 
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diffEQult said:
I don't see how you made the jump to your second line in the attached jpg? Where does the w come from and what does it represent.

v is the unknown function in the previous ODE.
w is the unknown function in the new ODE after the change of function.
Of course, one have to define a relationship between the previous unknown function and the new unknown function. The second line in the attached jpg is the chosen relationship.
This relationship was chosen so that the quadratic term in the previous ODE be eliminated and that the new ODE be linear.
It is not always possible to do that. A convenient relationship can be found only for few kind of non-linear ODEs in order turn them to linear ODEs. In is possible in the case of the Riccati equations.

diffEQult said:
In the end, what would you solve the equation for if you have w, y, and v's throughout it?

If it is possible to analytically solve the linear ODE, one obtains the literal expression for the function w, which becomes known. Then, one have to express w' and bring back w and w' into the relationship which leads to the function v(y). Since v=dy/dt, the integration of dt=dy/v(y) leads to t as a function of y. Then, if possible, the inverse of the function t(y) gives y as a function of t.

diffEQult said:
Also, V should be v in Halls equation.

Ha! ha! ha! I didn't check the Halls equation. So, I thought that V was a constant.
You are right: V is not a constant, but V=v. As a consequence all that was done is of no use. There is NO Riccati equation at all !
It's much simpler : You just have to let z=v² and the EDO directly becomes a first order linear ODE with the unknown function z.
 
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