Solving Second Order Differential Equations using Runge Kutta

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order differential equation, specifically Airy’s equations in the context of aerodynamics. The initial value problem presented is y''(x) + xy = 0, with given initial conditions y(0) = 1 and y'(0) = 0. Participants are exploring the application of the Runge-Kutta method to numerically solve this problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of converting the second-order ODE into a system of first-order ODEs to apply the Runge-Kutta method. There are attempts to define the system with dy/dx = z and dz/dx = -xy. Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their transformations and the next steps in the process.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the problem, with some participants confirming the validity of the approach to reduce the order of the differential equation. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of simultaneous calculations for both y and z in the Runge-Kutta method. However, there remains a lack of consensus on the complete method and further steps.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention using MATLAB for implementation, while others inquire about the implications of boundary conditions in similar problems. There is a noted complexity in defining conditions at infinity for certain cases.

narayanjr
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Homework Statement


In aerodynamics, one encounters the following initial value problem for Airy’s equations:

y''(x) + xy = 0, y(0) = 1, y'(0) = 0

Using the Runge-Kutta method with h=0.005 and determine values between x=0 and x=10 sufficient to sketch the relationship.



Homework Equations


y''(x) + xy = 0, y(0) = 1, y'(0) = 0
I think,
k1 = h*f(Xn, Yn)
k2 = h*f(Xn+h/2, Yn+k1/2)
k3 = h*f(Xn+h/2, Yn+k2/2)
k4 = h*f(Xn + h, Yn + k3)

The Attempt at a Solution


From what I have read you can't do second order ODE using runge kutta without breaking it into a system of first order ODEs so that's what I tried.

I tried:
d2y/dx2 + xy = 0

dy/dx = z, y(0) = 1

dz/dx + xy = 0

dz/dx = -xy, z(0) = 0

I don't know if that is right or not and if it is I have no idea where to go from here.

Thanks for any help.
 
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Have you ever used mathcad? It has a very easy to use RK function. First, however, you do need to reduce the order and define your system of DE's.
 
narayanjr said:

Homework Statement


In aerodynamics, one encounters the following initial value problem for Airy’s equations:

y''(x) + xy = 0, y(0) = 1, y'(0) = 0

Using the Runge-Kutta method with h=0.005 and determine values between x=0 and x=10 sufficient to sketch the relationship.



Homework Equations


y''(x) + xy = 0, y(0) = 1, y'(0) = 0
I think,
k1 = h*f(Xn, Yn)
k2 = h*f(Xn+h/2, Yn+k1/2)
k3 = h*f(Xn+h/2, Yn+k2/2)
k4 = h*f(Xn + h, Yn + k3)

The Attempt at a Solution


From what I have read you can't do second order ODE using runge kutta without breaking it into a system of first order ODEs so that's what I tried.

I tried:
d2y/dx2 + xy = 0

dy/dx = z, y(0) = 1

dz/dx + xy = 0

dz/dx = -xy, z(0) = 0
Yes, that's correct. Now use two simultaneous Runge-Kutta calculations where, at each step, you calculate the values for both y and z and use both in the calculations for the next step.

I don't know if that is right or not and if it is I have no idea where to go from here.

Thanks for any help.
 
narayanjr said:
From what I have read you can't do second order ODE using runge kutta without breaking it into a system of first order ODEs so that's what I tried.

I tried:
d2y/dx2 + xy = 0

dy/dx = z, y(0) = 1

dz/dx + xy = 0

dz/dx = -xy, z(0) = 0

I don't know if that is right or not and if it is I have no idea where to go from here.

Thanks for any help.
There is nothing in the Runge Kutta formalism that precludes using on a vector as opposed to a scalar. For example (note well: This is not your problem), suppose

\frac{d\vec x}{dt} = A \vec x\,, \quad\vec x(0) = \vec x_0

where \vec x is some n-vector, A is a constant n-by-n matrix, and x0 is the initial (vectorial) value.

The Runge Kutta equations can be used to numerically this problem.

Back to your problem: Create a 2-vector, I'll call it u, that comprises your y and its derivative:

\begin{aligned}<br /> z &amp;\equiv \frac{dy}{dx} \\[6 pt]<br /> \vec u &amp;= \bmatrix y \\ z\endbmatrix<br /> \end{aligned}

You have already derived that dy/dx = z, y(0) = 1 and dz/dx = -xy, z(0) = 0. From these, can you come up with an expression for the initial value of the vector u and the derivative of the vector u with respect to x?
 
I am doing this all in MATLAB, This is what I have come up with but I am not sure if this is correct or not.

Attached are my MATLAB code, a Graph of the results, and an excel sheet of all results.
It is zipped because it was to big otherwise. the MATLAB code can be opened in notepad.

Thanks for any help.
 

Attachments

Yes, your approach is right.

d2y/dx2 + xy = 0

dy/dx = z -------------------(1)

dz/dx = -xy -----------------(2)


y' = z, then define
y(n+1) = y(n) + (h/6)*(k1 + 2*k2 + 2*k3 +k4)

and for,
z' = -xy, define,
z(n+1) = z(n) + (h/6)*(j1 + 2*j2 + 2*j3 +j4)

now define k1 , k2 , k3 , k4 and j1 , j2 , j3 , j4

k1 = z
j1 = -x*y

k2 = z + 0.5 * j1
j2 = -( x + 0 .5 * h ) *(y + 0.5 * k1)

k3 = z + 0.5 * j2
j3 = -( x + 0 .5 * h ) *(y + 0.5 * k2)

k4 = z + j2
j4 = -( x + h ) *(y + k2)
 
I have a similar problem with Runge Kutta with y''+2xy'=0 given boundary conditions are y=1 at x=0 and y=0 at x=infinity. I am not able to understand how to transform the second boundary condition (i.e.y=0 at x=infinity) to find a definitive value of y' at x=0.
 

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