Solving the Bessel Function Equation with Series Solution Method

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on solving the equation xy'' - y' + (4x^3)y = 0 using a series solution method related to Bessel functions. The initial approach involves expressing the solution in a power series and comparing it to known forms of Bessel functions. A participant identifies that the equation can be transformed and solved using trigonometric functions, specifically yielding y(x) = x[c1J(1/2)(x^2) + c2J(-1/2)(x^2)], which simplifies to y(x) = C1cos(x^2) + C2sin(x^2). The conversation also clarifies a typographical error regarding coefficients in the equation. Overall, the thread provides insights into alternative methods for solving the given ordinary differential equation.
dats13
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
I am trying to solve this equation in terms of Bessel functions.

xy"-y'+(4x^3)y=0

I am sure how to do this. The first thing that comes to mind is to solve for a series solution. This solution can then be compared to the bessel function and from that I can determine the first solution and thus get the second linearly independent solution.

Would this be the correct approach or is there any other way to solve for the general solution in terms of Bessel functions?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That doesn't look like Bessel's equation but in any case x = 0 is a regular singular point so you would look for a solution

y = x^r\sum_{n=0}^\infty a_nx^n
 
I figured out how to solve this. By comparing the given ODE to the following:

x^{2}\frac{d^{2}y}{d^{2}x}+x(z+2bx^{r})\frac{dy}{dx}+[c+dx^{2s}-b(1-a-r)x^{r}+b^{2}x^{2r}]y=0

I can then determine a, b, c, d, r and s. From this, the solution is given by:

y(x)=x^{\frac{1-a}{2}}e^{-\frac{b}{r}x^{r}}Z_{p}(\frac{\sqrt{d}}{s}x^{s})

where

p=\frac{1}{s}\sqrt{(\frac{1-a}{2})^{2}-c}
 
Hmm...

I find it a bit odd that the question asks you to solve this in terms of Bessel functions, because it has a simple solution in terms of trigonometric functions. Try transforming the independent variable to u = x^2.
 
Ben, I agree with what you're saying.

Determining a, b, c, d, r and s, gives me the solution

y(x)=xZ_{\frac{1}{2}}(x^{2})

Now since p=1/2

Z_{\frac{1}{2}}(x^{2})=c_{1}J_{\frac{1}{2}}(x^{2})+c_{2}J_{-\frac{1}{2}}(x^{2})

Thus the solution is

y(x)=x[c_{1}J_{\frac{1}{2}}(x^{2})+c_{2}J_{-\frac{1}{2}}(x^{2})]=C_{1}cos(x^{2})+C_{2}sin(x^{2})
 
dats13 said:
I figured out how to solve this. By comparing the given ODE to the following:

x^{2}\frac{d^{2}y}{d^{2}x}+x(z+2bx^{r})\frac{dy}{dx}+[c+dx^{2s}-b(1-a-r)x^{r}+b^{2}x^{2r}]y=0

I can then determine a, b, c, d, r and s.
What is the z in the coefficient of y'? Is that a typo?
 
It is a typo. It is suppose to be "a" not "z". Thanks for pointing that out.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K