Trying to get exact solution for a nonlinear DE

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a nonlinear differential equation given by r' = r(1-r^2). Participants are exploring methods for integration and expressing the solution, while addressing errors in the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using partial fraction expansion and integration to solve the equation, leading to an expression that seems difficult to solve explicitly for r(t).
  • Another participant points out that the initial integral setup is incorrect, specifically noting that r is missing in the second fraction of the integration.
  • A later reply corrects the integration method, suggesting a different approach using the correct partial fraction decomposition.
  • Despite the corrections, the original poster expresses continued difficulty in arriving at an explicit solution for r(t).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants disagree on the correctness of the initial integration approach, with some asserting it is incorrect while others attempt to clarify the proper method. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the explicit solution for r(t).

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the initial misapplication of partial fraction expansion and the subsequent corrections, which may affect the clarity of the integration steps and the final solution.

Paalfaal
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Ok, this should be quite simple. I've been looking at this problem for quite some time now, and I'm tired.. Please help me!

The equation to solve is [itex]r'[/itex] = [itex]r(1-r^2)[/itex]

The obvious thing to do is to do partial fraction expansion and integrate(from r[itex]_{0}[/itex] to r):

[itex]∫ (\frac{1}{r} + \frac{1}{1-r^2})dr = t[/itex]

After some trig substitution: [itex]ln[r\sqrt{\frac{r+1}{1-r}}] = t[/itex] (evaluated from r[itex]_{0}[/itex] to r). Then take the exponential on both sides.

[itex]r\sqrt{\frac{r+1}{1-r}} = r_{0}\sqrt{\frac{r_{0}+1}{1-r_{0}}}e^{t}[/itex]

This leads to kind of a nasty expression which can't be solved explicitly for [itex]r(t)[/itex] (at least it seems that it can't be solved explicitly).. So this is where I'm stuck.

The solution to this ploblem is: [itex]r(t) = \frac{r_{0}e^{t}}{\sqrt{1+r_{0}(e^{2t}-1)}}[/itex]

Again, this should be fairly simple, but I'm stuck.. Please help me!
 
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[itex]∫ (\frac{1}{r} + \frac{1}{1-r^2})dr = t[/itex] is false. r is missing on the second fraction.
 
Thank you! Got it now :)
 
Paalfaal said:
Ok, this should be quite simple. I've been looking at this problem for quite some time now, and I'm tired.. Please help me!

The equation to solve is [itex]r'[/itex] = [itex]r(1-r^2)[/itex]

The obvious thing to do is to do partial fraction expansion and integrate(from r[itex]_{0}[/itex] to r):

[itex]∫ (\frac{1}{r} + \frac{1}{1-r^2})dr = t[/itex]
That's an incorrect "partial fraction expansion". [itex]1- x^2= (1- x)(1+ x)[/itex] so
[tex]\frac{1}{r(1- r^2)}= \frac{1}{r}- \frac{1}{r- 1}- \frac{1}{r+ 1}[/tex]
There is no "trig substitution" involved in integrating that. the integral is
[tex]ln(r)- ln(r-1)- ln(r+1)+ C= ln\left(\frac{r}{r^2-1}\right)+ C[/tex]

After some trig substitution: [itex]ln[r\sqrt{\frac{r+1}{1-r}}] = t[/itex] (evaluated from r[itex]_{0}[/itex] to r). Then take the exponential on both sides.

[itex]r\sqrt{\frac{r+1}{1-r}} = r_{0}\sqrt{\frac{r_{0}+1}{1-r_{0}}}e^{t}[/itex]

This leads to kind of a nasty expression which can't be solved explicitly for [itex]r(t)[/itex] (at least it seems that it can't be solved explicitly).. So this is where I'm stuck.

The solution to this ploblem is: [itex]r(t) = \frac{r_{0}e^{t}}{\sqrt{1+r_{0}(e^{2t}-1)}}[/itex]

Again, this should be fairly simple, but I'm stuck.. Please help me!
You have integrated incorrectly.
 

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