Solving PDF by using Fourier transform

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on solving the heat equation $u_t - u_{xx} = 0$ with the initial condition $u(x,0) = e^{-x^2}$. The application of the Fourier transform leads to the equation $\frac{\partial }{\partial t}F(u) + \omega^2 F(u) = 0$, resulting in the solution $F(u)(\omega,t) = e^{-x^2} e^{-\omega^2 t}$. However, the correct approach requires finding the Fourier transform of $e^{-x^2}$ to establish new initial conditions, ultimately leading to the solution $u(x,t) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{4\pi t}} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \exp\left(-\frac{x^2}{4t}\right) e^{-i\omega x}~dx = e^{-\omega^2 t}$.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier transforms, specifically in the context of differential equations.
  • Knowledge of the heat equation and its properties.
  • Familiarity with convolution properties in Fourier analysis.
  • Ability to compute integrals involving Gaussian functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to compute the Fourier transform of Gaussian functions, specifically $e^{-x^2}$.
  • Study the properties of the heat equation and its solutions using Fourier methods.
  • Explore convolution in the context of Fourier transforms and its applications in solving PDEs.
  • Investigate the derivation and application of the heat kernel in solving initial value problems.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers working on partial differential equations, particularly those interested in heat transfer and diffusion processes.

Markov2
Messages
149
Reaction score
0
$u_t-u_{xx}=0,$ $x\in\mathbb R,$ $t>0$ and $u(x,0)=e^{-x^2}.$

By applying Fourier transform on $t$ I have $\dfrac{\partial }{\partial t}F(u)+{{\omega }^{2}}F(u)=0,$ the solution of the latter equation is $F(u)(\omega,t)=ce^{-\omega^2t},$ now by applying the initial condition I have $F(u)(x,0)=c=e^{-x^2},$ so $F(u)(\omega,t)=e^{-x^2}e^{-\omega^2t}.$ So I use the convolution property to get $u(x,t)=\dfrac1{\sqrt{2\pi}}(e^{-x^2}*e^{-\omega^2t}).$

Is this correct?
Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
インテグラルキラー;438 said:
$u_t-u_{xx}=0,$ $x\in\mathbb R,$ $t>0$ and $u(x,0)=e^{-x^2}.$

By applying Fourier transform on $t$ I have $\frac{\partial }{\partial t}F(u)+{{\omega }^{2}}F(u)=0,$ the solution of the latter equation is $F(u)(\omega,t)=ce^{-\omega^2t},$ now by applying the initial condition I have $F(u)(x,0)=c=e^{-x^2},$ so $F(u)(\omega,t)=e^{-x^2}e^{-\omega^2t}.$ So I use the convolution property to get $u(x,t)=\frac1{\sqrt{2\pi}}(e^{-x^2}*e^{-\omega^2t}).$

Is this correct?
Thanks!

No this is not correct.

You need to find the Fourier transform of $e^{-x^2}$ and that becomes your new initial conditions that you substitute.
 
Okay, so the solution is actually $u(x,t)=\dfrac1{\sqrt{2\pi}}(F^{-1}(e^{-x^2})*e^{-\omega^2t}),$ or is still incorrect? How to do it then?
 
Last edited:
You should check that,
$$ \frac{1}{\sqrt{4\pi t}} \int \limits_{-\infty}^{\infty} \exp \left( - \frac{x^2}{4t} \right) e^{-i\omega x}~ dx = e^{-\omega^2 t} $$

Can you write down the solution now?
 
Okay, I'm sorry, I'm a bit confused, on my post #3, does make sense the thing I wrote? I think it's not correct.
I suppose to use $F(f*g)(\xi)=\sqrt{2\pi}F(f )(\xi)\cdot F(g)(\xi).$

Thanks!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
10K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
11K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K