Steady state temperature

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the steady state temperature of a laterally insulated rod and analyzing the vertical displacements of a membrane described by a specific function. Participants explore boundary value conditions, the formulation of solutions, and the application of partial differential equations (PDEs) in these contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the problem is asking for boundary value conditions or a function for the steady state temperature of the rod.
  • One participant suggests that the solution can be expressed as the sum of steady state and transient solutions, leading to the equation \(\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}=0\) for the steady state solution.
  • Another participant asserts that the steady state solution must be a constant due to insulation, concluding \(v(x)=100\) for the entire bar.
  • A participant challenges the conclusion that \(v(x)=100\), arguing that integrating \(v''\) should yield a linear function rather than a constant.
  • Responses clarify that the boundary conditions dictate \(A=0\) and \(B=100\), leading to a constant solution for the insulated end.
  • There is confusion regarding the application of boundary conditions, particularly the meaning of \(u_x\) in different contexts, such as insulated versus non-insulated boundaries.
  • One participant explains the law of Fourier of conductivity to clarify the implications of zero heat flux at insulated boundaries.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of boundary conditions and the resulting steady state solution. While some agree on the necessity of a constant solution due to insulation, others question the reasoning and seek clarification on the application of boundary conditions in various scenarios. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications of \(u_x\) in different contexts.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings of boundary conditions, dependence on the definitions of terms like \(u_x\), and unresolved mathematical steps in deriving solutions.

jc2009
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Problem 1 : Find the steady state temperature of a laterally insulated rod subject to the following conditions. Length of the rod 20, left end insulated and right end held at 100

I am not sure if i fully understand this problem, is this asking me to list the Boundary value conditions ? like , u(x,0) = 10 , u(x,20) = 100, u_x (0) = 0 ?
or a function ?

Problem 2 : The vertical displacements of a membrane were found to be given by the function u(x,y,t) = cos(15t) sin(3x) cos(4y) , What is the corresponding wave's speed c ?

for this problem first i need to take the derivative u'(x,y,t) but with respect to what?
 
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jc2009 said:
Problem 1 : Find the steady state temperature of a laterally insulated rod subject to the following conditions. Length of the rod 20, left end insulated and right end held at 100

I am not sure if i fully understand this problem, is this asking me to list the Boundary value conditions ? like , u(x,0) = 10 , u(x,20) = 100, u_x (0) = 0 ?
or a function ?

You need to assume that the solution can be written as the sum of the steady state and the transient solution. This can be written as:
u(x,t)=v(x)+w(x,t)
In which v the steady state solution and w the transient is. Putting this in the PDE of heat you get two equations, one of which is a function of v and this can be easily solved. The equation is now:
\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}=0
Using the boundary conditions gives you for the steady state solution:
v(x)=100
A constant for the whole bar, which is correct because no heat can be added or extracted due to the insulation. A constant must arrise.

jc2009 said:
Problem 2 : The vertical displacements of a membrane were found to be given by the function u(x,y,t) = cos(15t) sin(3x) cos(4y) , What is the corresponding wave's speed c ?

for this problem first i need to take the derivative u'(x,y,t) but with respect to what?

Substitute the solution in the wave equation:
\frac{\partial^2u}{\partial t^2}=c^2 \cdot<br /> \left[\frac{\partial^2u}{\partial x^2}+\frac{\partial^2u}{\partial y^2}<br /> \right]
You can extract the velocity c from this.

coomast
 
coomast said:
You need to assume that the solution can be written as the sum of the steady state and the transient solution. This can be written as:
u(x,t)=v(x)+w(x,t)
In which v the steady state solution and w the transient is. Putting this in the PDE of heat you get two equations, one of which is a function of v and this can be easily solved. The equation is now:
\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}=0
Using the boundary conditions gives you for the steady state solution:
v(x)=100
A constant for the whole bar, which is correct because no heat can be added or extracted due to the insulation. A constant must arrise.

coomast

My question is how come v(x) = 100, if you integrate v'' , you'll have to get a constant times x + constant , why just 100 ?
 
Hello jc2009,

Indeed the solution is v(x)=A*x+B. The two boundary conditions are on the left side (x=0)
\frac{dv}{dx}=0
and on the right hand side (x=20)
v=100

This gives you v=100 for the complete bar after applying these conditions.

best regards,

coomast
 
coomast said:
Hello jc2009,

Indeed the solution is v(x)=A*x+B. The two boundary conditions are on the left side (x=0)
\frac{dv}{dx}=0
and on the right hand side (x=20)
v=100

This gives you v=100 for the complete bar after applying these conditions.

best regards,

coomast

if you solve B=0 then
v(20)=A20+b =100
A=5

then v(x) = 5x

how did you get 100?
 
Hello jc2009,

You are not applying the boundary conditions right. The left hand side is insulated, thus the derivative is 0. This is:
\frac{dv}{dx}=0=\frac{d}{dx}(Ax+B)=A
Thus A=0 and the other boundary condition gives you
v=100=B

best regards,

coomast
 
coomast said:
Hello jc2009,

You are not applying the boundary conditions right. The left hand side is insulated, thus the derivative is 0. This is:
\frac{dv}{dx}=0=\frac{d}{dx}(Ax+B)=A
Thus A=0 and the other boundary condition gives you
v=100=B

best regards,

coomast

\frac{dv}{dx}=0= , is u_{x} right
so whenever an end is insulated u_{x} is the correct format of that boundary
THis has always caused me problems in this PDE class I am taking, in this problem u_{x} is used because it is insulated , but in other problems where insulation is not present they anyways use u_{x}(0,t)=0 for a vertical side , so besides using u_{x} in a rod what does exactly u_{x} means for other problems , for example : a 10 X 20 plate ? why do they use u_{x} for a side of a plate even when there is no insulation? why not just use u(x,t)
 
jc2009 said:
\frac{dv}{dx}=0= , is u_{x} right
so whenever an end is insulated u_{x} is the correct format of that boundary
THis has always caused me problems in this PDE class I am taking, in this problem u_{x} is used because it is insulated , but in other problems where insulation is not present they anyways use u_{x}(0,t)=0 for a vertical side , so besides using u_{x} in a rod what does exactly u_{x} means for other problems , for example : a 10 X 20 plate ? why do they use u_{x} for a side of a plate even when there is no insulation? why not just use u(x,t)

Yes, u_x=\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}. Now stating that this is zero is indeed what is required for an insulated boundary. This comes from the law of Fourier of conductivity. What does this means? Consider a wall with a thickness d, area A, conductivity k and a temperature T1 and T2 at the two sides. Now the heat flux going through the wall is descibed by the law of Fourier as:
f=-k\cdot A \cdot \frac{T_1-T_2}{d}
or for a very thin wall, which can then be used to integrate for different situations:
f=-k\cdot A \cdot \frac{\partial T}{\partial x}
In which x the direction of heat flow, thus perpendicular to the wall sides. Looking at this equation you immediately see the influences of the different parameters. The larger the area A, the larger the flux and the thicker the wall, the smaller the flux. Also the higher the conductivity, the higher the flux as is with a higher temperature difference.

If the flux f is zero due to insulation you get:
0=f=-k\cdot A \cdot \frac{\partial T}{\partial x}=\frac{\partial T}{\partial x}
This is the boundary condition you need to use in your problems.

More info at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_conduction

hope this clears some problems.

coomast
 

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