Sturm Liouville ODE Bessel Functions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the Sturm-Liouville ordinary differential equation (ODE) represented by the equation x d²y(x)/dx² + dy(x)/dx + 1/4 y(x) using Bessel functions J0. Participants explored the substitution u = x^a to transform the equation into a solvable form. The solution involves recognizing that the transformed equation can be expressed in terms of Bessel functions, specifically J0, with the aid of tools like Mathematica to verify the solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Sturm-Liouville theory
  • Familiarity with Bessel functions, particularly J0
  • Knowledge of differential equations and their transformations
  • Experience with computational tools like Mathematica
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties and applications of Bessel functions J0 in differential equations
  • Learn about Sturm-Liouville problems and their significance in mathematical physics
  • Explore the method of Frobenius for solving differential equations near singular points
  • Investigate the use of Mathematica for solving complex differential equations
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with differential equations, particularly those involving Bessel functions and Sturm-Liouville theory.

jborcher
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Homework Statement



x d2y(x)/dx2 + dy(x)/dx + 1/4 y(x)

Show that the solution can be obtained in terms of Bessel functions J0.

Homework Equations


Hint: set u = xa where a is not necessarily an integer. Judiciously select a to get y(u).


The Attempt at a Solution



I tried just straight pluggin in x=u1/a and ended up with the following form for the diff eq:

u2 d2y(u)/du2 + (1-a)/a u1-a-1 dy(u)/du + (1-a)/4a2 y(u) = 0

I've hit a wall here, this doesn't match the Bessel Equation (though I am pretty sure it is not supposed to). I am unsure how to select a in order to get a solution with J0.

I tried another approach where I followed the various differentiation rules for Bessel functions and obtained the following:

-x J0(x) + 1/4 J0(x) = 0

Again I have hit a wall and am not sure how I should proceed.
 
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jborcher said:

Homework Statement



x d2y(x)/dx2 + dy(x)/dx + 1/4 y(x)

Show that the solution can be obtained in terms of Bessel functions J0.

Homework Equations


Hint: set u = xa where a is not necessarily an integer. Judiciously select a to get y(u).


The Attempt at a Solution



I tried just straight pluggin in x=u1/a and ended up with the following form for the diff eq:

u2 d2y(u)/du2 + (1-a)/a u1-a-1 dy(u)/du + (1-a)/4a2 y(u) = 0

I've hit a wall here, this doesn't match the Bessel Equation (though I am pretty sure it is not supposed to). I am unsure how to select a in order to get a solution with J0.

I tried another approach where I followed the various differentiation rules for Bessel functions and obtained the following:

-x J0(x) + 1/4 J0(x) = 0

Again I have hit a wall and am not sure how I should proceed.

Best way to learn this in my opinion is to just get the answer first and then work towards it so that you have practice for the next one. So the Bessel DE is:

v^2 \frac{d^2y}{dv^2}+v \frac{dy}{dv}+(v^2+a^2)y=0

and Mathematica gives the solution in terms of J(0,\sqrt{x}). So then let's just let u=x^{1/2}. No that's not cheating. Do you want to just eat fish or learn how to fish? Ok, can we just get the solution with that substitution and then if you want to, solve it using u=x^{n/m} to see why 1/2 works for more practice.

You can do all those chained-derivatives right?

\frac{dy}{du}=2u\frac{dy}{dx}

\frac{d^2y}{du^2}=\frac{1}{u}\frac{dy}{du}+4u^2 \frac{d^2 y}{dx^2}

and you can finish it to arrive at the Bessel form of the DE.
 

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