Solution of Periodic ODE with Floquet Theory

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the solution of a scalar linear ordinary differential equation (ODE) with periodic coefficients using Floquet Theory. Participants explore the form of the solution, the derivation of periodic functions, and the implications of various assumptions regarding the coefficients of the ODE.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the solution can be expressed as \( x(t) = x_0 e^{\mu t} p(t) \), where \( p(t) \) is a \( T \)-periodic function, and questions how to derive \( x_0 \) and \( \mu \).
  • Another participant proposes using separation of variables to derive \( x(t) = x_0 e^{\int a(t) dt} \) and discusses expanding \( a(t) \) in a power series, leading to periodicity in \( p(t) \).
  • Several participants express uncertainty about the generality of their approaches, particularly regarding the assumptions made about the function \( a(t) \).
  • There is discussion about the relationship between the periodicity of \( p(t) \) and the derivative \( p'(t) \), with some participants questioning the necessity of taking derivatives to establish periodicity.
  • Some participants express confusion about the transition from \( \exp[a(t + T)] \) to the proposed form involving \( e^{a(T)t} \) and the series expansion.
  • A later post introduces a request for documentation and research help on Floquet Theory, indicating a broader interest in the topic beyond the immediate mathematical discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the generality of their methods or the assumptions required for the solution. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the derivation and implications of the periodicity of \( p(t) \).

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the periodicity of \( a(t) \) and the assumptions made about its expansion. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and comfort with the application of Floquet Theory to the problem.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and researchers interested in differential equations, particularly those studying periodic solutions and Floquet Theory in mathematical and applied contexts.

Dustinsfl
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For the scalar linear ODE with periodic coefficients,
$$
x' = a(t)x,\quad\quad a(t + T) = a(t),
$$
show that the solution is of the form
$$
x(t) = x_0e^{\mu t}p(t),
$$
where $\mu$ and $x_0$ are constants, and $p(t)$ is a $T$-periodic function.

How can I show the solution is of the form mentioned? Can I just say by Floquet Theory, the solution is of the form $X(t) = \sum\limits_{n=1}^{n}c_nx_n(t)$ where $x_n(t) = e^{\mu_nt}p_n(t)$ but then how do I get the $x_0$ for $c_1$?
By Floquet Theory, we can define $X_k = X(t)v_k$.Suppose $Bv_k = \lambda_kv_k$.
$$
X_k(t + T) = X(t + T)v_k = X(t)Bv_k = X(t)\lambda_kv_k = \lambda_kX(t)v_k = \lambda_kX_k(t)
$$
Let $\underbrace{\lambda_k}_{\text{characteristic multipliers}} = \text{exp}\left[\overbrace{\rho_k}^{\text{characteristic exponents}}T\right]$.
Define $p_k(t) = \frac{X_k(t)}{e^{\rho_k t}}$.
Then
\begin{alignat*}{3}
p_k(t + T) & = & \frac{X_k(t + T)}{\text{exp}\left[\rho_k(t + T)\right]}\\
& = & \frac{\lambda_kX_k(t)}{\text{exp}\left[\rho_k(t + T)\right]}\\
& = & \frac{\lambda_kX_k(t)}{\lambda_k\text{exp}\left[\rho_kt\right]}\\
& = & \frac{X_k(t)}{\text{exp}\left[\rho_kt\right]}\\
& = & p_k(t)
\end{alignat*}
Thus $p(t)$ is T periodic.

Since $x_0 = x(0)$ is an initial condition, can I just say that is why it is constant. What about $\mu$?
 
Last edited:
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If x is one dimensional then by separation of variables you get:

x(t)=x_0 e^{\int a(t) dt}

Now if you can expand a(t) to power series around 0 (which is not given in your premise), then

a(t) = a(0)+ a'(0)t + a''(0)t^2/2!+...

a(T)=a(0)=\mu

you'll get one part of exp(\mu t) and the other part is
p(t)=e^{a'(0)t^2/2+a''(0)t^3/6+...}

p'(t)=p(t) (a(t)-a(0))=p(t)(a(t)-a(T))

plug t-> t+T to get:
p'(t+T)=0
i.e p(t+T)=const

And this I believe finishes the proof, but it's not general without assuming something on our 'a'.
 
Alan said:
If x is one dimensional then by separation of variables you get:

x(t)=x_0 e^{\int a(t) dt}

Now if you can expand a(t) to power series around 0 (which is not given in your premise), then

a(t) = a(0)+ a'(0)t + a''(0)t^2/2!+...

a(T)=a(0)=\mu

you'll get one part of exp(\mu t) and the other part is
p(t)=e^{a'(0)t^2/2+a''(0)t^3/6+...}

p'(t)=p(t) (a(t)-a(0))=p(t)(a(t)-a(T))

plug t-> t+T to get:
p'(t+T)=0
i.e p(t+T)=const

And this I believe finishes the proof, but it's not general without assuming something on our 'a'.

By separation of variables, we have that $\int\frac{\dot{x}}{x}dx = \int a(t)dt$.
Solving the integral leads too
$$
x = C\exp\left[\int a(t)dt\right].
$$
Let's expand the the Taylor series of $a(t)$ about 0.
$$
a(0) = a(0) + a'(0)t + \frac{a''(0)t^2}{2} + \cdots
$$
Since $a(t)$ is periodic with period $T$, we have $a(T) = a(0) = \mu$.
By substitution, we have
\begin{alignat*}{3}
x(0) & = & C\exp\left[\int \mu dt\right]\\
& = & Ce^{\mu t}
& = & C = x_0
\end{alignat*}
Therefore, we have $x(t) = x_0e^{\mu t}$

But why is p(t) multiplied by x? How do we go from the x above to saying it is $x(t) = x_0e^{\mu t}p(t)$
 
The solution is
x(t)=x_0 e^{a(T)t} e^{a'(0)t^2/2+a''(0)t^3/6+...}

Denote by p(t) the third factor, you can see that it satisfies:

p'(t)=p(t)(a(t)-a(0))
So you get that p'(T)=0, and this is true for any m integer that p'(mT)=0, thus p(t+T)=p(t).
 
Alan said:
The solution is
x(t)=x_0 e^{a(T)t} e^{a'(0)t^2/2+a''(0)t^3/6+...}

Denote by p(t) the third factor, you can see that it satisfies:

p'(t)=p(t)(a(t)-a(0))
So you get that p'(T)=0, and this is true for any m integer that p'(mT)=0, thus p(t+T)=p(t).

How do you go from
$$
\exp\left[a(t + T)\right]
$$
to
$$
e^{a(T)t} e^{a'(0)t^2/2+a''(0)t^3/6+...}
$$
 
You have x(t)=x_0 e^{\int a(t)dt}

I assumed that I can expand a(t) by a power series (I don't see how to show this otherwise), so a(t)=a(0)+a'(0)t+a''(0)t^2/2!+... and a(0)=a(T) from T-periodicity of a(t), plug back to the integral to get what I wrote.

If I can't expand a(t) with a powers series then I am not sure how to solve this.
 
Alan said:
You have x(t)=x_0 e^{\int a(t)dt}

I assumed that I can expand a(t) by a power series (I don't see how to show this otherwise), so a(t)=a(0)+a'(0)t+a''(0)t^2/2!+... and a(0)=a(T) from T-periodicity of a(t), plug back to the integral to get what I wrote.

If I can't expand a(t) with a powers series then I am not sure how to solve this.

So $p(t) = \exp\left[\int\left(a'(0)t + \frac{a''(0)t^2}{2} + \cdots\right)dt\right]$ is defined this way?
 
Alan said:
p'(t)=p(t)(a(t)-a(0))
So you get that p'(T)=0, and this is true for any m integer that p'(mT)=0, thus p(t+T)=p(t).

Ok so I understand p(t) now. Why are you taking the derivative of p(t) to show it is T-periodic?
 
Alan said:
p'(t)=p(t) (a(t)-a(0))=p(t)(a(t)-a(T))

plug t-> t+T to get:
p'(t+T)=0
i.e p(t+T)=const

I don't get this part.
 
  • #10
This is all wrong. Is there another way to do this?
What I wrote original comes from Floquet. Is it enough to just say what I was doing in post 1?
 
  • #11
Hello, I am a phd student in Romania and I have to study Floquet Theory. I need some help with documentation and research. Do you have any? Appreciate your help
 
  • #13
do you think i could apply this floquet theory in economics?
 
  • #14
Raluca said:
do you think i could apply this floquet theory in economics?

This is just the mathematics about it so you should be able to since the ecnomic version is probably built off of the math.
 

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