Solving the Wave Equation in semi-infinite domain with easy ICs

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the wave equation \(u_{xx} = u_{tt}\) in a semi-infinite domain with initial conditions \(u(x,0) = u_t(x,0) = 0\) and boundary condition \(u(0,t) = \sin(wt)\). The user initially struggled with traditional methods such as Green's Functions and Fourier Transforms, resulting in a trivial solution of \(u=0\). The breakthrough came from recognizing that waves propagate at speed 1, leading to the solution \(u(x,t) = H(t-x)\sin(w(t-x))\), where \(H\) is the Heaviside step function.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave equations and their properties
  • Familiarity with initial and boundary value problems
  • Knowledge of Green's Functions and Fourier Transforms
  • Basic concepts of the Heaviside step function
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Green's Functions in solving wave equations
  • Explore Fourier Transform techniques for boundary value problems
  • Learn about D'Alembert's solution for wave equations
  • Investigate the properties and applications of the Heaviside step function
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers working on wave propagation problems, particularly those dealing with semi-infinite domains and initial boundary value problems.

Gengar
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Hi, so the problem is this:

I am trying to solve (analytically) the wave equation with c=1:

u_{xx}=u_{tt}

on x,t>0 given the initial conditions

u(x,0)=u_{t}(x,0)=0, u(0,t)=sin(wt)

I know how to solve on semi-infinite domains for quite a few cases using Green's Functions, Fourier Transforms, D'Alembert's solution and separation of variables. But I keep getting u=0 with these familiar methods due to the initial conditions of u being 0 and unmoving at t=0.

I feel like this is easier than I'm making it! Anyway, any help would be appreciated!
 
Last edited:
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Yeh... After solving numerically I realized that I just hadn't thought about the fact that the waves must propagate at speed 1 and u=0 for all x>t. So a quick bit of algebra gives:

u(x,t)=H(t-x)sin(w(t-x))

simples
 

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