MHB Verifying Transport Equation as a Dispersion Equation

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The discussion centers on whether the transport equation \( u_t + au_x = 0 \) qualifies as a dispersion equation. It is established that a dispersion equation allows for wave functions with different wavenumbers to have different velocities. The analysis shows that the solutions of the transport equation yield a relationship \( \omega - ak = 0 \), indicating that all wave functions travel at the same velocity \( a \), regardless of their wavenumbers. Consequently, the conclusion is reached that the transport equation does not exhibit dispersion characteristics. The participants confirm the correctness of this conclusion through further clarification and discussion.
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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