Understanding Duhamel's Principle: A Grad Math Survival Guide

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SUMMARY

Duhamel's Principle is a method used to solve non-homogeneous linear partial differential equations, particularly in the context of wave equations. The discussion highlights the application of Duhamel's Principle to the equation Ux1x1 + Ux2x2 + ... + Uxnxn - Utt = f(x,t), with initial conditions of zero displacement and zero velocity. The solution is expressed as u(x,t) = ∫ v(x,t;tow) dtow from zero to t, where v(x,t;tow) represents the solution of the corresponding homogeneous wave equation. Understanding this principle is crucial for graduate-level mathematics, particularly in solving complex wave equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of partial differential equations (PDEs)
  • Familiarity with wave equations and their properties
  • Knowledge of initial and boundary value problems
  • Basic calculus, particularly integration techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Duhamel's Principle in the context of linear PDEs
  • Learn about the homogeneous wave equation and its solutions
  • Explore initial and boundary value problems in greater detail
  • Practice solving non-homogeneous PDEs using integral transforms
USEFUL FOR

Graduate students in mathematics, physicists dealing with wave phenomena, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of partial differential equations and their applications.

Nick Bruno
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Hi, I am having difficulty understanding and applying Duhamel's principle. (I'm not great with math but somehow I found myself in this graduate math class of death)...

From my text its stated that

Ux1x1+Ux2x2+...+Uxnxn - Utt = f(x,t) (for x an element of all real), t>0

u(x,0)=0, ut(x,0) = 0 (for x an element of all real)

Or in words, the laplacian of u minus the second time derivative of u = a function of x and t.
The initial conditions are zero displacement and zero velocity.

Next we can assume some v(x,t;tow) is the solution of a homogeneous wave eqn

vx1x1+vx2x2+...+vxnxn-vtt = 0 (for x an element of all real), t>tow

v(x,tow;tow) = 0, vt(x,tow;tow) = -f(x,tow)


Or in words, the homogeneous wave eqn for t larger than some time tow, with the initial conditions of this equation being zero position and -f(x,tow) velocity.

How on Earth does this work?

I know the solution is

u(x,t) = int( v(x,t;tow)) dtow from zero to t, but i have no idea how i can derive this.

I think i lack a major understanding of this principle. Can someone explain to me in simple terms what this is saying?
 
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no advice eh?
 

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