Solving the Heat Equation for $u(x,t)$

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the heat equation represented by the partial differential equation \(\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} - k \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} = 0\) with boundary conditions \(u(0,t) = u(\pi,t) = 0\) and initial condition \(u(x,0) = x(\pi - x)\). The solution approach involves separation of variables, leading to the infinite series representation \(u(x,t) = X(x)T(t)\). The coefficients \(c_n\) are derived using integration, specifically \(c_n = \frac{4}{\pi} \frac{1}{2n-1} \sin(nx)\), where \(n\) must be odd. The discussion highlights the complexity of integrating the initial condition with respect to the sine functions.

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\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} - k \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} = 0
for 0 <x < pi, t> 0

u(0,t) = u(\pi,t) = 0
u(x,0) = x (\pi - x)

OK i know the boring part of getting u(x,t) = X(x) T(t)
the infinite series part is hard part
the coefficient c_{n} = \frac{2}{\pi} \int_{0}^{\pi} \sin(n(\pi -x)) \sin(nx) = \frac{-2}{\pi} \left(\frac{-1 + (-1)^n}{n}\right) \sin(nx)
the -1^n is from the Cos n pi term taht would coem from the integration

thus n must be odd
c_{n} = \frac{4}{\pi} \frac{1}{2n-1} \sin(nx)
is this good so far?
 
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I am confused with your IC's. Is it u(x,0) = x(pi - x) or sin(n(pi - x))?
 
x(pi -x ) is the initial condition
and i think i have mistaken this for X(pi -x)
which is not the same thing
 
Ok, so if x(pi -x) is your IC, then you will have to integrals to do. xpi* sin(nx)
and x^2 sin (nx). Its a bit more involved than the last one.

- harsh
 

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