Solving the 'modified diffusion equation' using fourier transform

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving a modified diffusion equation for the density of a gas, expressed in terms of its 2D Fourier transform. Participants are tasked with expressing the equation and its components using Fourier transforms and exploring the implications of their findings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss expressing the density in terms of its Fourier transform and the right-hand side as a Fourier type integral. There are attempts to manipulate the equation by substituting results from one part into another, and questions arise about the implications of the similarity between both sides of the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered initial thoughts on potential forms for the Fourier transform and have raised concerns about the validity of those forms. Others have suggested considering the operation of derivatives on both sides of the equation, though there is uncertainty about the effectiveness of this approach. The discussion reflects a mix of exploration and attempts to clarify the mathematical structure of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the convention for the Fourier transform as recommended in lectures and express uncertainty about the assumptions made regarding the function involved in the transform.

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Homework Statement



A the density of a gas \rho obeys the modified diffusion equation

\frac{\partial \rho(x,t)}{\partial t}-D\frac{\partial^2 \rho(x,t)}{\partial x^2}=K\delta(x)\delta(t)

A) Express \rho in terms of its 2D Fourier transform \widetilde{\rho}(p,\omega) and express the right hand side as a Fourier type integral.

B) Find the function \widetilde{\rho}(p,\omega)
[Note: It might occur to you that this function could contain a term of the form f(p)\delta(Dp^2-i\omega ), where f(p) is an arbitrary function. If so, you should assume that f(p)=0. If this doesn't occur to you, then don't worry about it!]

The Attempt at a Solution



A) I'm pretty sure I can do this:

\rho(x,t)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\iint_{-\infty}^{\infty}dp\; d\omega\; \left [e^{i(px-\omega t)}\widetilde{\rho}(p,\omega) \right ]

and

\delta(x)\delta(t)=\frac{1}{4\pi^2}\iint_{-\infty}^{\infty}dp\; d\omega\; \left [e^{i(px-\omega t)} \right]

B) Sticking the results from A) into the diffusion equation, taking the derivatives and rearranging:

\iint_{-\infty}^{\infty}dp\; d\omega\; \left [e^{i(px-\omega t)}\widetilde{\rho}(p,\omega) \right]=\frac{K}{2\pi(Dp^2-i\omega)}\iint_{-\infty}^{\infty}dp\; d\omega\; \left [e^{i(px-\omega t)} \right]

...and here i get stuck. how do i solve this? I have noticed that the two sides are conspicuously similar, but I'm not sure what conclusions I can make from that.

Edit: the choice of exponentials for the transform (negative for the time) is the convention that was recomended in lectures.
 
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I'm tempted to simply say \widetilde{\rho}(p,\omega)=1, and \frac{K}{2\pi (Dp^2-i\omega)}=1, but that wouldn't give much diffusion, so I assume that's not the answer...

I have also considered taking \frac{\partial^2 }{\partial p \partial \omega} to both sides to get a partial differential equation, but i don't think that will work, since it's a definite integral, and you would still have an integral on the r.h.s from the chain rule.
 
i'm sorry, this is nought but a shameless bump, can't diguise it as anything else. Any hint would be appreciated.
 
You can't take the term (Dp^2-i\omega) out of the integral on the left since both variables are operated on by the integrals. Then maybe the hint can be used.
 
I stared at this for so long, can't believe I didn't realize that...
 

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