Solve PDE w/ Comsol 5.3: Numerical Solution & Time Evolution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the numerical solution of a partial differential equation (PDE) using Comsol 5.3, specifically addressing the equation involving temperature evolution over time and space, with a parameter that varies. Participants are exploring the validity of the equation and its formulation, as well as alternative approaches for solving it.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for the best numerical method to solve a specific PDE in Comsol 5.3, detailing the equation and initial/boundary conditions.
  • Some participants assert that the equation presented is not a valid PDE, suggesting that the coefficients should not depend on the unknown function, only on independent variables.
  • There is a discussion about the term involving the derivative of temperature at a boundary, with participants questioning its appropriateness in the context of PDE formulation.
  • One participant suggests that writing a finite difference code might be a simpler approach than using Comsol for this problem, particularly for handling the nonlinear aspects of the equation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the classification of the equation as a PDE, with some asserting it is not valid while others seek clarification on its correctness. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the validity of the equation and the best approach to solve it.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations regarding the formulation of the equation, particularly the dependence of coefficients on the unknown function, which may affect its classification as a PDE. There are also unresolved questions about the correctness of the problem setup.

umby
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TL;DR
Numerical solution of a partial differential equation containing the derivative of the unknown at a point
What is the best way to solve numerically the following equation using Comsol 5.3.

##\frac{\partial T}{\partial t}=\frac{\partial ^2T}{\partial x^2}+\text{St}\left[1+\left(\frac{\partial T}{\partial x}\right)_{x=0}\right]\frac{\partial T}{\partial x}##
##T(0,t)=1##
##T(\infty ,t)=0##
##T(x,0)=\exp \left(-\frac{x^2}{\pi }\right)-x \text{erfc}\left(\frac{x}{\sqrt{\pi }}\right)##

where ##\text{St}## is a parameter which can varies from 0.01 to 100.
I am particularly interested in following the evolution of ##\text{St}\left[1+\left(\frac{\partial T}{\partial x}\right)_{x=0}\right]## with time.
Thanks in advance.
 
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Be care. This is not a PDE at all. Even the correctness of such a problem needs for a separate study.
 
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wrobel said:
Be care. This is not a PDE at all. Even the correctness of such a problem needs for a separate study.
You mean because of the coefficient of the derivative of ##T## with respect to ##x##? Maybe differential relation is better? Can you help me please in determining the correctness of this problem?
 
Last edited:
I mean the term
$$\frac{\partial T}{\partial x}\Big|_{x=0}$$
 
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Exsactly what I was mentioning, thank you for point it out. Coefficients cannot be function of the unknown, only of the indipendent variables, in my case ##x## and ##t##.
Can you please tell me more about the matter of its correctness?
 
You can probably write a finite difference code easier than using comsol. Then you can insert the nonlinear part of the PDE with ease.
 
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