Solving a PDE with Characteristic Curves and Initial Conditions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a partial differential equation (PDE) involving characteristic curves and initial conditions. The equation presented is sin(y)∂u/∂x + ∂u/∂y = (xcos(y) - sin²(y))u, with a specific initial condition given for u at y = π/2. Participants are exploring the determination of characteristic curves, general and particular solutions, and the region of influence of the initial conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivation of characteristic curves and their graphical representation. There are attempts to derive the general solution and questions about the correctness of the approach taken. Some participants express confusion regarding integration constants and the implications of initial conditions on the solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with multiple participants contributing various approaches to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the integration process and the use of initial conditions, though there is no explicit consensus on the correct method or solution at this point.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available and the methods they can use. There are ongoing questions about the interpretation of initial conditions and the integration process, indicating potential gaps in understanding that are being explored.

gtfitzpatrick
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Homework Statement



sin(y)\frac{ \partial u}{ \partial x} + \frac{ \partial u}{ \partial y} = (xcos(y)-sin^2(y))u

where ln(u(x,\frac{\pi}{2})) = x^2 + x - \frac{\pi}{2} for -1 \leq x \leq 3

determine the characteristic curves in the xy plane and draw 3 of them
determine the general solution of this pde
determine the particular solution and show that u(0,0) = e
sketch the region of influence of the initial conditions

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



dy/dx = 1/siny this gives K = x + cosy
if i draw this out is it a cos wave along the y-axis and to draw 3 of them i let k = 0,1,2?
what happens as i add k?
 
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to get the general solution \frac{ du}{ dx} = \frac{xcos(y) - sin^2(y))u}{ sin y}

for which i get ln(u) = x^2 \frac{cosy}{2siny} -xsiny +F(x-cosy)

so then i transferred in the given valuey= \pi/2 just to check if it works out but it doesnt. what am i doing wrong here. Am i even going about this the right way...
 
Last edited:
Write the PDE as:
<br /> \dot{x}=\sin y,\quad\dot{y}=1,\quad\dot{u}=(x\cos y-\sin^{2}y)u<br />
Integrate the y equation to obtain y=s+\pi /2, substitute this into the equation for x and integrate to obtain x=\sin s+r, where we parametrised the initial data as x=r, and u(r)=r^{2}+r-\pi /2, insert this into the final equation and integrate as a function of s, the characteristic variable. This will be your general solution.
 
hunt_mat said:
Write the PDE as:
<br /> Integrate the y equation to obtain y=s+\pi /2,
<br /> <br /> Hi Mat,<br /> Thanks a million.<br /> I don&#039;t understand where the pi/2 came from?the constant of integration..
 
If s is the characteristic variable, then y(0)=\pi /2.

Do you have my notes on first order PDEs?
 
Thanks, that makes sense.

are your notes online?
 
As the initial conditions (at s=0) are paramatrised by x=r, y=\pi /2 and \log u=r^{2}+r-\pi /2.

My notes are on this site somewhere, but if you can't find them, drop me a PM a with you e-mail and I will e-mail them to you.

I have noticed that you do ask quite a few questions about 1st order PDEs.
 
we use t as s here so I'm just going to leave it as t

\frac{dx}{dt} = sin(y)

\frac{dy}{dt} = 1
y=t+k
@t=0 y=\frac{\pi}{2}
=>y=t+\frac{\pi}{2}

then
\frac{dx}{dt} = sin(t+ \frac{\pi}{2})
Simplifies to \frac{dx}{dt} = cos(t)
so x = sint + k

you parameterised x=r and subed into eq 3.

do i sub in the values I've got for x and y into eq3? no mater what i sub in it doesn't work out.
 
You have dx/dt=sin(t-pi/2) and using the initial values you also have x+sin(y)=r. So what you do is substitute x and y for their respective functions and integrate.
 
  • #10
hunt_mat said:
You have dx/dt=sin(t-pi/2)

should that be dx/dt=sin(t+pi/2)
 
  • #11
Sorry, you're right.
 
  • #12
\frac{du}{dt} = xcos(t+\frac{\pi}{2}) -sin^2(t+\frac{\pi}{2})

\frac{du}{dt} = -xsin(t) -sin^2(t+\frac{\pi}{2})

\frac{du}{dt} = -(sin(t) + k)sin(t) -sin^2(t+\frac{\pi}{2})

\frac{du}{dt} = -(sin^2(t) + ksin(t) -sin^2(t+\frac{\pi}{2})

and then integrate?
 
  • #13
sorry there should be a u at the end of all them eqs
 
  • #14
Expand the trig function and then integrate.
 
  • #15
i do it all out and i get ln(u) = t-ksin(t)
 
  • #16
We have y=t+\pi /2 and x=\sin t+k, inserting these in the equation for u to obtain:
<br /> \frac{\dot{u}}{u}=(\sin t+k)(-\sin t)-\sin^{2}t<br />
Now to integrate this.
 
  • #17
is that not the same as \frac{\dot{u}}{u}=(-2sin^2 t + ksin t)

for which i get -(t-\frac{1}{2}Sin 2t) + kcos t and then i throw in the values for k and t but...
 
  • #18
That is, you should get the solution:
<br /> \log u=\frac{1}{2}\sin 2t-t-k\cos t+k^{2}+k-\frac{\pi}{2}<br />
Upon using the initial condition for u. Now insert t=y-\pi /2 and k=x+\cos y and you have your solution.
 
  • #19
is the intregral of -2sin^2 t not \frac{1}{2}(t-\frac{1}{2}sin(2t) and ksin(t) =kcos(t)...i don't follow where you got the k^2 from...
 
  • #20
Oh yes, you're correct my mistake. The k^2 term comes from the initial condition for u which is:
<br /> u\left( k,\frac{\pi}{2}\right) =k^{2}+k-\frac{\pi}{2}<br />
 
  • #21
right so we've integrated but i still don't get why you just added k^2+k-pi/2 on to the end of the integral...
 
  • #22
oh feck, sorry its obvious. Thanks a million
 
  • #23
From here it should be easy to compute u(0,0) to get the answer required. My notes have notes of examples like this.
 
  • #24
u(0,0) is grand, no bothers there.
The region of influence though, is there anything in your notes about it?
 
  • #25
Sadly no, you will have to do a bit of googling for that.
 

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