Verifying Transport Equation as a Dispersion Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the classification of the transport equation \( u_t + au_x = 0 \) as a dispersion equation. Participants explore the definition of dispersion equations, the nature of solutions to the transport equation, and the implications of wave velocity related to wavenumber and amplitude.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines a dispersion equation and proposes to verify if the transport equation qualifies as such by examining its wave solutions.
  • The same participant derives that the transport equation allows solutions of the form \( u(x,t) = A \cos(k(x - at)) \) and concludes that these solutions travel with the same velocity \( a \) for different wavenumbers \( k_1 \) and \( k_2 \), suggesting it is not a dispersion equation.
  • Another participant questions the relationship between wave speed and amplitude, expressing uncertainty about whether amplitude affects wave speed in the context of the transport equation.
  • Subsequent posts indicate a participant's attempt to clarify their previous statements, suggesting they may have edited their initial contributions for accuracy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the transport equation is a dispersion equation. There are differing views on the implications of amplitude on wave speed and the correctness of the initial analysis.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the relationship between wave properties and the definitions of dispersion equations, which remain unresolved. The role of amplitude in affecting wave speed is also questioned but not definitively addressed.

evinda
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Hello! (Wave)

Definition
A partial differential equation is called dispersion equation if it allows solutions in the form of a wave function and furthermore solutions in the form of a wave function with different wavenumbers have different velocities.
The relation between the cyclic frequency and the wavenumber at a wave function that is a solution of a pde is called dispersion relation.

I want to check if the transport equation $u_t+au_x=0, a \in \mathbb{R}$ is a dispersion equation.
I have tried the following:

We suppose that $u(x,t)=A \cos(kx-\omega t)$ is a solution of $u_t+a u_x=0, a \in \mathbb{R}$.

We have: $u_t= A \omega \sin(kx -\omega t) \\ u_x=-A k \sin(kx- \omega t)$

Thus it has to hold : $A \omega \sin(kx-\omega t)-a A k \sin(kx- \omega t)=0$ or equivalently $A(\omega-ak) sin(kx-\omega t)=0$.

So it has to hold: $\omega-ak=0$.

$u(x,t)=A \cos(kx- \omega t)$ is a solution of the transport equation iff $\omega-ak=0$.

We fix $\omega, k$ for which the above algebraic equation is satisfied.

We write the solution in the form of a traveling wave.

We have $u(x,t)= A \cos(kx-\omega t)=A \cos \left( k \left( x- \frac{\omega}{k}t \right)\right)$

Since $\omega-ak=0$ we have $\frac{\omega}{k}=a$.

So $u(x,t)=A \cos\left( k(x-at)\right)$ is a traveling wave with velocity $a$.

So we see that if $k_1, k_2>0$ wavenumbers with $k_1 \neq k_2$ then we have solutions in the form of a wave function

$$u_1(x,t)=A \cos(k_1(x-at)) \\ u_2(x,t)=A \cos(k_2(x-at))$$

that "travel" with the same velocity $a$.

Therefore, we conclude that the transport equation $u_t+au_x=0, a \in \mathbb{R}$ is not a dispersion equation.Am I right or have I done something wrong? (Thinking)
 
Last edited:
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Hey! (Smile)

Let's see... (Thinking)

So the speed is linear with $a$, which makes sense, and also with the amplitude $A$...
But I don't think that a wave becomes twice as fast if its amplitude is twice as high. (Worried)
Can it be there is a mistake with $A$? (Wondering)
 
I like Serena said:
Hey! (Smile)

Let's see... (Thinking)

So the speed is linear with $a$, which makes sense, and also with the amplitude $A$...
But I don't think that a wave becomes twice as fast if its amplitude is twice as high. (Worried)
Can it be there is a mistake with $A$? (Wondering)

Oh yes, right... I edited my post... Is it right now? (Thinking)
 
evinda said:
Oh yes, right... I edited my post... Is it right now? (Thinking)

Yep. I believe so. (Nod)
 
I like Serena said:
Yep. I believe so. (Nod)

Nice... Thanks a lot! (Yes)
 

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