Solve Heat Equation PDE with Boundary Conditions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the heat equation, a partial differential equation (PDE), with specified boundary conditions and an initial condition involving a product of sine and cosine functions. Participants explore the implications of the boundary conditions and the Fourier series representation of the initial condition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of separation of variables and the computation of Fourier coefficients. There are questions about the integration process for determining the coefficients and the validity of results obtained, particularly regarding why some coefficients appear to be zero.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided numerical solutions and explored analytical approaches, while others have questioned the methods used for integration and coefficient calculation. There is a mix of numerical and analytical strategies being considered, with no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants express challenges with Fourier analysis and the implications of the boundary conditions on the solution. There are indications of confusion regarding the integration limits and the behavior of the sine function at specific points.

saxen
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Homework Statement


u_{t}=3u_{xx} x=[0,pi]
u(0,t)=u(pi,t)=0
u(x,0)=sinx*cos4x

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



with separation of variables and boundary conditions I get:

u(x,t)= \sumB_{n}e^-3n^{2)}}*sinnx

u(x,0)=sinx*cos4x

f(x)=sinx*cos4x=\sumB_{n}*sinnx

And here is where I am stuck! I tried computing B_{n} by computing it like a Fourier coeff. of f(x) but all I got was zero... I don&#039;t really know where to go from here.<br /> <br /> I&#039;m having a hard time with Fourier analysis, that&#039;s why I have bombarded this forums with question these last couple of days. I really appreciate the help I get.
 
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Hey,
It might help to consult the literature on this; Try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_equation#equation_6".

And as for your case, in particular, can you please show us how did you integrate the Coefficient? It should be something along the lines of:
<br /> B_n \propto \int_{0}^{\pi}f(x)\sin(nx\pi)<br />
as per your statement, certainly not zero!

Daniel
 
Last edited by a moderator:
danielakkerma said:
Hey,
It might help to consult the literature on this; Try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_equation#equation_6".

And as for your case, in particular, can you please show us how did you integrate the Coefficient? It should be something along the lines of:
<br /> B_n \propto \int_{0}^{\pi}f(x)\sin(nx\pi)<br />
as per your statement, certainly not zero!

Daniel

Bn= 2/L *integral sinx*cos4x*sinnpix/L

L should be pi since my intervall is 0 to pi, or have I misunderstood something? Then integral becomes:

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=integrate+sinx*cos4x*sin(n*x)

sin(n+5)pi should be zero for all n?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks dude, this problem is driving me insane.
 
Okay,
Firstly I solved your problem numerically, and received the following graph, tested it using two schemes, and it's mighty accurate!(Pat on the back here :)).
Since we're getting zero here, one naturally inclines to use a Taylor expansion of the series, around Pi.
In the case of Sin(n*x), we'll get, up to the second order:
That the expansion of the integral, at large, gives:
B_n = \frac{(15 + n^2) \sin(n \pi)}{((-5 + n) (-3 + n) (3 + n) (5 + n))}
This resolves, for most N, as:
B_n = \frac{-n(x-\pi)^3}{3}
I would advise you to plot the resulting function using this expansion, and see whether it matches the attached diagram.
Lets hope it works!
Daniel
 

Attachments

Thanks! Pat on back is well deserved =). Will try this. Do you think there is a way to solve this analytical?
 
Last edited:
The Fourier solution method is very discreet and is only effective for particular cases. I would advise you to use, in such PDEs and those beyond these(i.e Hyperbolic ones etc.) Numerical methods..
Daniel
 
I tried this problem again this morning and solved after 5 minutes. I am sooooo stupid.

sinx*cos4x = 1/2*(sin3x+sin5x)

So: ∑Bn∗sinnx = 1/2(sin3x+sin5x)

---> Bn1sinn1x+Bn2+sinn2=1/2(sin3x+sin5x)

Bn1=Bn2=1/2

n1=3
n2=5

And its solved. That is all.
 
  • #10
Well done!
I had a feeling this had to sit with reducing your compound expression with the cosines and sines...
Congratulations, and kudos!
Daniel
 
  • #11
saxen said:

Homework Statement


u_{t}=3u_{xx} x=[0,pi]
u(0,t)=u(pi,t)=0
u(x,0)=sinx*cos4x

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



with separation of variables and boundary conditions I get:

u(x,t)= \sumB_{n}e^-3n^{2)}}*sinnx

u(x,0)=sinx*cos4x

f(x)=sinx*cos4x=\sumB_{n}*sinnx

And here is where I am stuck! I tried computing B_{n} by computing it like a Fourier coeff. of f(x) but all I got was zero... I don&#039;t really know where to go from here.<br /> <br /> I&#039;m having a hard time with Fourier analysis, that&#039;s why I have bombarded this forums with question these last couple of days. I really appreciate the help I get.
<br /> <br /> Why does your summation formula for u(x,t) not have t in it anywhere?<br /> <br /> RGV
 

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