Solving 2nd Order PDE: u_{xx} - u_{tt} - au_{t} - bu = 0

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    2nd order Pde
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the second-order partial differential equation (PDE) given by \( u_{xx} - u_{tt} - au_{t} - bu = 0 \). Participants explore various manipulations of the equation, including multiplying by \( 2u_{t} \) and applying the chain rule to derive expressions involving derivatives with respect to both \( x \) and \( t \). The focus is on the mathematical reasoning and techniques involved in transforming the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a transformation of the original PDE by multiplying it by \( 2u_{t} \) and derives a new equation involving derivatives of \( u \).
  • Another participant humorously interjects with a comment about the variable \( b \) in the equation.
  • A subsequent post seeks to demonstrate a relationship involving the time derivative of the squared terms and expresses confusion about missing terms in their derivation.
  • Another participant suggests using the chain rule for composite differentials and provides guidance on how to explicitly write out terms to simplify the expression correctly.
  • A final post acknowledges the oversight and thanks the participant for the clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to manipulate the equation, and there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the correct application of mathematical techniques. Some participants express confusion about specific terms and their derivations.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made in the transformations and the dependence on the correct application of the chain rule. Some mathematical steps remain unresolved, particularly concerning the handling of specific terms in the equation.

Somefantastik
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the book gives

u_{xx} - u_{tt} - au_{t} - bu = 0; 0<x<L, t>0

says if you multiply it by

2u_{t}

you can get

\left( 2u_{t}u_{x}\right)_{x} - \left( u^{2}_{x} + u^{2}_{t} + bu^{2}\right)_{t} -2au^{2}_{t} = 0

or

\frac{\partial}{\partial x} \left( 2 \frac{\partial u}{\partial t}\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} \right) - \frac{\partial}{\partial t} \left[ \left( \frac{\partial u}{\partial x} \right) ^{2} + \left( \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \right) ^{2} + bu^{2} \right] - 2a\left(\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \right)^{2} =0;

So far I have:

2 \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \left( \frac{\partial^{2} u}{\partial x^{2}} - \frac{\partial^{2}u}{\partial t^{2}} - a\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} - b\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \right) = 0;

2\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \ \frac{\partial^{2}u}{\partial x^{2}} \ - \ 2 \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \ \frac{\partial^{2}u}{\partial t^{2}} \ - \ 2a\left( \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \right)^{2} - 2b\left(\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \right)^2 = 0;

I can pull a d/dx out of the first term, to get \frac{\partial}{\partial x}\left(2\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \ \frac{\partial u }{\partial x}\right), and the - \ 2a\left( \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \right)^{2} is already there. How can I get the rest of it?
 
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Somefantastik said:
2 \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \left( \frac{\partial^{2} u}{\partial x^{2}} - \frac{\partial^{2}u}{\partial t^{2}} - a\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} - b\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \right) = 0;

Hi Somefantastik! :smile:

I'm not swearing, but …

b u! :eek:
 
<br /> 2 \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \left( \frac{\partial^{2} u}{\partial x^{2}} - \frac{\partial^{2}u}{\partial t^{2}} - a\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} - bu\right) = 0; <br />

so now I need to show somehow that

<br /> - \frac{\partial}{\partial t} \left[ \left( \frac{\partial u}{\partial x} \right) ^{2} + \left( \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \right) ^{2} + bu^{2} \right] \ = \ -2\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \frac{\partial^{2}u}{\partial t^{2}} \ - \ 2bu\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} <br />

<br /> -2\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \frac{\partial^{2}u}{\partial t^{2}} \ - \ 2bu\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \ = \ -\frac{\partial}{\partial t} \left(2\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} + 2bu^{2} \right) \ = \ -\frac{\partial}{\partial t} \left[2\left(\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}\right)^{2} + 2bu^{2} \right]

I'm still missing the (du/dx)^2 term? And that 2 hanging out in there is wrong too.
 
You should use chain rule for composite differentials, you can't pull out that d/dx term like that in the first post.The best way is, write out all the terms of the end result. Simplify and try to collect to get the first expression.Its pretty straightforward.You know chain rule right?

<br /> (AB)_{x}=A(B)_{x}+B(A)_{x}<br />

Write out the squares explicitly, like (A*A),and use the chain rule.For example first term

<br /> \left( 2u_{t}u_{x}\right)_{x}=2(u_{t}u_{xx}+u_{xt}u_{x})<br />

Second term

<br /> (u_{x}^2)_{t}=2(u_{xt}u_{x})<br />

etc, etc
As you see, some of the terms will cancel out.you can do the rest.
 
DUH, of course. I should know better. Thank you.
 

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