Solving Diffusion equation with Convection

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the diffusion equation with convection, specifically the partial differential equation involving both diffusion and convection terms. Participants explore methods for finding solutions using Fourier transforms, addressing boundary conditions, and the implications of variable coefficients.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the diffusion-convection equation and attempts to apply the Fourier transform, leading to a differential equation for the transformed function.
  • Another participant notes that while finding particular solutions is straightforward, fitting the general solution to unspecified boundary conditions complicates the problem.
  • A third participant shares their experience with a similar equation with variable coefficients, suggesting that significant progress can be made using Fourier transforms when coefficients are constants.
  • This participant provides a derived expression for the transformed solution and discusses the importance of determining the initial condition function.
  • There is a request for feedback on potential mistakes in the presented solutions, indicating uncertainty about the correctness of the approaches taken.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the solvability of the problem based on the boundary conditions and the nature of the coefficients. There is no consensus on the correctness of the proposed solutions, and uncertainty remains regarding the initial condition function.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to unspecified boundary conditions and the challenges posed by variable coefficients in similar equations. The assumptions made in the Fourier transform approach are not fully explored.

PiRho31416
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The problem is as follows:
\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}=k\frac{\partial^{2}u}{\partial x^{2}}+c\frac{\partial u}{\partial x},

-\infty<x<\infty

u(x,0)=f(x)

Fourier Transform is defined as:

F(\omega)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f(x)e^{i\omega x}dx

So, I took the Fourier Transform which brought me to

\frac{\partial F}{\partial t}=-\omega^{2}F-ci\omega F=-F(\omega^{2}+ci\omega)

Solving the first order differential equation brought me to

F(\omega)=e^{-\frac{1}{6}(3ic+2\omega)\omega^{2}}

When I try to integrate using the inverse Fourier transform

f(x)=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}F(\omega)e^{-i\omega x}\, d\omega

I get stuck. Did I do the steps right?
 
Last edited:
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As usual, it is not dificult to find particular solutions and more general solution of the PDE.
The real difficulty is encountered when we have to fit the general solution to the boundary conditions so that the solution of the problem should be derived.
In the present wording, the bondary condition is specified by a function f(x) which is not explicit. So, we cannot say if the problem can be analytically solved.
 

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I had a similar equation which I would like to solve but with variable coefficients; I have produced a solution which I feel is wrong and have posted it - twice - but nobody seemed to be willing to offer their insight.

Anyway, significant progress can be made for your problem with Fourier transforms, since c and k are constants.

Given the original equation

<br /> \frac{\partial{u(x,t)}}{\partial{t}}=k\frac{\partial^2{u(x,t)}}{\partial{x^2}}+c\frac{\partial{u(x,t)}}{\partial{x}}<br />

taking the f.t. in the space dimension and canceling out any shared factors you obtain

<br /> \frac{\partial{U(\omega,t)}}{\partial{t}}=-k\omega^2U(\omega,t)+ic\omega U(\omega,t)<br />

which when solved results to

<br /> U(\omega,t)=U(\omega,0)e^{-(k\omega^2-ic\omega)t}<br />

so, assuming you can determine

<br /> U(\omega,0)=\int{u(x,0)e^{-i\omega x}dx} <br />

the solution will be given by

<br /> u(x,t)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\int{U(\omega,0) e^{-kt(\omega^2-\frac{i(c+x)\omega}{k})} d\omega}<br />

I believe this is correct. What is your f(x)? If you can expand U(w,0) in powers of w then you can complete the square in the exponential and solve the resulting gaussian integrals.
If anyone can spot any horrible mistakes in the above, please shout
 
If anyone can spot any horrible mistakes in the above, please shout
Only a very, very small shout for a mistake at the end.
 

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Last edited:

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