Solve Laplace Transform ODE: $\sin t, 0<t<\infty$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a partial differential equation (PDE) using the Laplace transform. The specific PDE is the heat equation with boundary and initial conditions involving the sine function. Participants explore the application of the Laplace transform, the formulation of the solution, and the process of finding the inverse transform.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines the application of the Laplace transform to the PDE, leading to a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) and proposes a solution form involving exponential functions.
  • Another participant questions the method of inserting additional terms and emphasizes the need to use the convolution theorem for the inverse Laplace transform.
  • A later reply provides the inverse Laplace transform of a specific term and suggests a convolution with the sine function.
  • There is a discussion about the correctness of applying the Laplace transform to the boundary condition and whether the steps taken align with previous experiences in a different context.
  • Participants clarify the meaning of convolution in the context of their proposed solutions and express agreement on the need for integral formulation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of the Laplace transform and the correctness of specific steps in the solution process. Some participants agree on the need for convolution while others question the validity of earlier steps. Overall, the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference previous experiences with Fourier transforms, indicating potential confusion or differences in methodology between Laplace and Fourier transforms. There are also mentions of specific conditions and assumptions that may not have been fully addressed.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the application of Laplace transforms to PDEs, particularly in the context of boundary value problems and convolution techniques, may find this discussion beneficial.

Markov2
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Solve

$\begin{eqnarray*}
{{u}_{t}}&=&{{u}_{xx}},\text{ }0<x<\infty ,\text{ }0<t<\infty \\
u(0,t)&=&\sin t,\text{ }0<t<\infty \\
u(x,0)&=&0,\text{ }0\le x<\infty .
\end{eqnarray*}$

I need to apply the Laplace transform to solve this, so by applying it I get $su(x,s)-u(x,0)=u_{xx}(x,s)$ and $u(0,s)=\frac1{1+s^2}.$ I need to treat the first equation as a second order ODE right? Then the solution would be $u(x,s)=c_1e^{x\sqrt s}+c_2e^{-x\sqrt s},$ here's where I'm getting stuck, I've been told that I must found bounded solutions, so in order to get it bounded I should consider $u(x,s)=c_2e^{-x\sqrt s},$ by applying the initial conditions I get $u(0,s)=c_2=\frac1{1+s^2}$ so we have $u(x,s)=\frac1{1+s^2}e^{-x\sqrt s},$ now I must apply the inverse Laplace transform, so first $u(x,s)=\frac s{1+s^2}\frac{e^{-x\sqrt s}}s=\mathcal L(\cos t)\mathcal L^{-1}\left(\frac{e^{-x\sqrt s}}s\right)$
I can't find the inverse of the remaining function.

Is this correct?
Thanks!
 
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Markov said:
Solve

$\begin{eqnarray*}
{{u}_{t}}&=&{{u}_{xx}},\text{ }0<x<\infty ,\text{ }0<t<\infty \\
u(0,t)&=&\sin t,\text{ }0<t<\infty \\
u(x,0)&=&0,\text{ }0\le x<\infty .
\end{eqnarray*}$

I need to apply the Laplace transform to solve this, so by applying it I get $su(x,s)-u(x,0)=u_{xx}(x,s)$ and $u(0,s)=\frac1{1+s^2}.$ I need to treat the first equation as a second order ODE right? Then the solution would be $u(x,s)=c_1e^{x\sqrt s}+c_2e^{-x\sqrt s},$ here's where I'm getting stuck, I've been told that I must found bounded solutions, so in order to get it bounded I should consider $u(x,s)=c_2e^{-x\sqrt s},$ by applying the initial conditions I get $u(0,s)=c_2=\frac1{1+s^2}$ so we have $u(x,s)=\frac1{1+s^2}e^{-x\sqrt s},$ now I must apply the inverse Laplace transform, so first $u(x,s)=\frac s{1+s^2}\frac{e^{-x\sqrt s}}s=\mathcal L(\cos t)\mathcal L^{-1}\left(\frac{e^{-x\sqrt s}}s\right)$

There are two problems with this approach.

1. Why insert the additional s's? You already know the inverse LT of $1/(s^{2}+1)$.
2. Second of all, the inverse LT of a product is NOT the product of the inverse LT's. Instead, you must use the convolution theorem, which says that

$$\mathcal{L}^{-1}\{F(s)\cdot G(s)\}=\int_{0}^{t}f(\tau)g(t-\tau)\,d\tau\equiv(f* g)(t).$$

As it turns out, the inverse LT of the remaining piece is

$$\mathcal{L}^{-1}\{e^{-x\sqrt{s}}\}=\frac{xe^{-\frac{x^{2}}{4t}}}{2\sqrt{\pi}\,t^{3/2}}.$$

Can you finish from here?
 
Oh yes, so it's actually $\mathcal L(\sin t)\mathcal L\left( {\frac{{x{e^{ - \frac{{{x^2}}}{{4t}}}}}}{{2\sqrt \pi {t^{\frac{3}{2}}}}}} \right),$ so the solution is $u(x,t)=(\sin (t) *{\frac{{x{e^{ - \frac{{{x^2}}}{{4t}}}}}}{{2\sqrt \pi {t^{\frac{3}{2}}}}}}),$ is it correct now?
 
Markov said:
Oh yes, so it's actually $\mathcal L(\sin t)\mathcal L\left( {\frac{{x{e^{ - \frac{{{x^2}}}{{4t}}}}}}{{2\sqrt \pi {t^{\frac{3}{2}}}}}} \right),$ so the solution is $u(x,t)=(\sin (t) *{\frac{{x{e^{ - \frac{{{x^2}}}{{4t}}}}}}{{2\sqrt \pi {t^{\frac{3}{2}}}}}}),$ is it correct now?

If by
$$\sin (t) *{\frac{{x{e^{ - \frac{{{x^2}}}{{4t}}}}}}{{2\sqrt \pi {t^{\frac{3}{2}}}}}}$$
you mean $\sin(t)$ convolved with
$${\frac{{x{e^{ - \frac{{{x^2}}}{{4t}}}}}}{{2\sqrt \pi {t^{\frac{3}{2}}}}}},$$
I would agree. You might want to write out what that is in terms of the integral. If the integral is tractable, you might even compute it.
 
Yes, I meant the convolution, thanks!
 
You're welcome. Have a good one!
 
Markov said:
I get $u(0,s)=c_2=\frac1{1+s^2}$ so we have $u(x,s)=\frac1{1+s^2}e^{-x\sqrt s},$
Wait a sec, is this step correct? I remember I applied the Laplace transform to $u(0,t),$ and substitute in the solution which I applied the Laplace transform? Is it correct? I'm not sure, because when dealing with Fourier transform, in this post: http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?85-Solving-PDF-by-using-Fourier-transform&p=446&viewfull=1#post446

It wasn't correct, can you verify?
 
Markov said:
Wait a sec, is this step correct?

It's correct. You took the LT correctly, applied the initial conditions correctly.
 
I did the same on http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?85-Solving-PDF-by-using-Fourier-transform&p=446&viewfull=1#post446

So why it wasn't correct there?
 
  • #10
Markov said:
I did the same on http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?85-Solving-PDF-by-using-Fourier-transform&p=446&viewfull=1#post446

So why it wasn't correct there?

Because you didn't do the same thing in the other thread. You didn't take the FT of the initial condition, you just took the initial condition straight up and applied that. ThePerfectHacker pointed out that you needed to take the FT of the initial condition.
 

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