Trying to find dispersion relation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on deriving the dispersion relation \( w(k) \) for the partial differential equation \( \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} + \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} = 0 \). The user attempts to express the solution \( u(x,t) \) using Fourier transforms, specifically \( u(x,t) = \frac{1}{2\pi}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty} e^{\imath(kx - wt)} dk \). The user concludes that the dispersion relation is \( w = k^2 \), indicating a quadratic relationship between frequency and wave number.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier transforms and their applications in solving PDEs.
  • Familiarity with the concept of dispersion relations in wave mechanics.
  • Knowledge of partial differential equations, specifically the heat equation.
  • Basic skills in complex analysis, particularly with exponential functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of dispersion relations in wave equations.
  • Learn about the application of Fourier transforms in solving the heat equation.
  • Explore the implications of the dispersion relation \( w = k^2 \) in physical systems.
  • Investigate numerical methods for solving PDEs involving dispersion relations.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in applied mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working on wave phenomena, particularly those interested in the mathematical foundations of dispersion relations in partial differential equations.

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Homework Statement


[itex]\imath\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} + \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2}=0[/itex]

[itex]\left(x,t\right) = \int^{\infty}_{-\infty}A\left(k\right)e^{\imath\left(kx-wt\right)}dk[/itex]

[itex]u\left(x,0\right)=\delta\left(x\right)[/itex]


Homework Equations


Not sure how to get w(k)



The Attempt at a Solution


[itex]A\left(k\right) = \frac{1}{2\pi}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}\delta\left(x\right)e^{-\imath\left(kx\right)}dx = \frac{1}{2\pi}[/itex]

plugging this into u(x,t) do I work with


[itex]u\left(x,t\right) =\frac{1}{2\pi}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}e^{\imath\left(kx-wt\right)}dk[/itex]

This is where I am stuck. I know w(k) is the dispersion relation. If I put in the pde do I just deal with

[itex]\imath \left(-\imath w\right) + \frac{d^{2}u}{dt^{2}} = w +\frac{d^{2}u}{dt^{2}}=0[/itex]

?

Not sure if this is what I even want to do. Any guidance would be appreciated.
 
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I was making the problem too hard on myself. I got

[itex]w=k^2[/itex]
 
Last edited:

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