Solving time dependent differential equation and plotting

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a time-dependent differential equation of the form \(\frac{d^{2}}{dt^{2}}X(t) +(A+B\frac{sin^{2}(mt)}{mt})X(t) = 0\) and plotting the function \(X(t)\) against time \(t\). Participants explore both analytical and numerical approaches to finding a solution, as well as the implications of the equation's complexity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks help in solving the differential equation and plotting \(X(t)\) using Maple, noting its relation to Mathieu equations.
  • Another participant suggests that a numerical solution using the Runge-Kutta method may be more appropriate than seeking an analytic solution.
  • A participant clarifies the equation's form and discusses the integration process, indicating a transition to a mixed differential-integral equation that poses challenges for approximation.
  • One participant asserts that the solutions cannot be expressed as a finite combination of usual functions and mentions the existence of special functions for similar equations, suggesting that an exact analytical solution for this specific equation may not be available.
  • It is proposed that numerical computation methods can still yield a solution that can be plotted, and that approximations may allow for simpler equations to be used in modeling physical phenomena.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of obtaining an analytical solution, with some asserting it is not possible while others suggest numerical methods as a viable alternative. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact nature of the solutions and the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the equation's solvability and the dependence on specific mathematical techniques. The discussion highlights the complexity of the equation and the potential need for approximations in certain scenarios.

pleasehelpmeno
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Hi i have the differential equation

[itex]\frac{d^{2}}{dt^{2}}X(t) +(A+B\frac{sin^{2}(mt)}{mt})X(t)[/itex] I have tried by hnd to solve this and am getting knowhere does anyone know how to solve it and then plot X against t (where the constants A, B and m will be arbitrarily added), possibly using maple? I know that it is related to the mathieua equations and have found this.

Thanks
 
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Do you need an "analytic" solution? If you just want to graph the solution, I would recommend a "Runge-Kutta" numerical solution.
 
I just want to get a X= f(t) equation that i can then plot, for t values
 
I guess you mean:

[tex]\frac{d^{2}}{dt^{2}}X(t) +(A+B\frac{sin^{2}(mt)}{mt})X(t)=0[/tex]

In which case as always multiply by dX/dt

[tex]1/2 \frac{d}{dt}(\frac{dX(t)}{dt})^2 + (A+B\frac{sin^{2}(mt)}{mt})/2 \frac{d}{dt}(X^2(t)) = 0[/tex]

Now there's a problem, you need to integrate by parts to get the next equation:

[tex]1/2 (\frac{dX(t)}{dt})^2 + (A+B\frac{sin^{2}(mt)}{mt})/2 X^2(t) - \int X^2(t)/2 (B\frac{d}{dt}( \frac{sin^{2}(mt)}{mt}) dt = E[/tex]

So now we get a mixed differentail-integral equation, which I am not sure how to approxiamte.
 
pleasehelpmeno said:
I just want to get a X= f(t) equation that i can then plot, for t values

You can't on the way you are thinking of.
The solutions cannot be expressed as a combination of a finite number of usual functions. In similar cases, some special functions were defined in order to represent the solutions on a closed form (see the example below, in case of a simpler equation). As far as I know, it was not done in the case of your equation. So, do not expect to find an exact analytical equation X=f(t).
Of course, this ODE can be solved and the result can be plot, thanks to numerical computation methods.
Another way for Physicians is to replace the equation by another simpler one which can be analyticaly solved, if the physical phenomena can be modeled with some approximations on some limited ranges of the parameters.
 

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