Wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the wave equation on a specified region with inhomogeneous boundary conditions and initial conditions. Participants are exploring the implications of these conditions on the solution process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to define a new function to simplify the boundary conditions, with some suggesting the introduction of a steady state solution. There are questions regarding the transformation of the problem into a form suitable for separation of variables, particularly how to handle the boundary conditions and initial conditions.

Discussion Status

There are multiple lines of reasoning being explored, with some participants suggesting different approaches to reformulate the problem. Guidance has been offered regarding the introduction of new functions to achieve homogeneous boundary conditions, but there is no explicit consensus on the best method to proceed.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity introduced by the boundary conditions being expressed as partial derivatives, and there is mention of missing initial conditions that may affect the solution process.

josh146
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I'm reposting this because there was a problem with the title/LaTeX last time.

Homework Statement



Solve the wave equation (1) on the region 0<x<2 subject to the boundary conditions (2) and the initial condition (3) by separation of variables.

Homework Equations



(1) [itex]\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial t^2}=c^2\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2}[/itex]

(2) [itex]\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}(0,t)=1[/itex] ; [itex]\frac{\partial u }{\partial x}(2,t)=1[/itex]

(3) [itex]\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}(x,0)=0[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I've defined [itex]\theta(x,t)=u(x,t)-u_{st}(x) = u(x,t)-x-h(t)[/itex] where u_st is the steady state solution (4). I've used this to create a new PDE with homogeneous boundary conditions.

The PDE is:

[itex]\frac{\partial^2 \theta}{\partial t^2} + h''(t)=c^2 \frac{\partial^2 \theta}{\partial x^2}[/itex].

By subbing in [itex]\theta=f(t)g(x)[/itex] I get:

[itex]f''(t)g(x)+h''(t)=c^2 f(t) g''(x)[/itex]

I'm not sure how to transform this into two ODEs. Can someone help?

(4): The solution to [itex]\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} = 0[/itex] subject to (2).
 
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I think you just need to introduce new function v: u(x,t) = v(x,t) + x. The equation for v(x,t) will be the same but boundary conditions will become homogeneous =) and btw, you are missing one more initial condition like u(x,t=0) = ...
 
Im also stuck on this one, for me its the initial conditions and boundary conditions being partial derivitives that throws me.
 
Last edited:
I think you just need to introduce new function v: u(x,t) = v(x,t) + x. The equation for v(x,t) will be the same but boundary conditions will become homogeneous =) and btw, you are missing one more initial condition like u(x,t=0) = ...

The eqn. given for boundary conditions is a partial derivative so do i intergrate it to find u(x,t)
in which case is it that; u(o,t) = x and u(2,t) = x. so that.
u(x,t) = v(x,t) + x so that in both cases... umm then i get stuck.
 
No-one at all?
 
So far I've got that:
[tex]U_{st} (x) = x[/tex]
(a) Find the steady state solution, ust(x), by solving [tex]\frac{\delta ^{2} U_{st} }{\delta x^{2}} = 0[/tex] and applying the boundary
conditions. (You will only be able to determine one of the two arbitrary constants).

confused here, surely [tex]U_{st} (x) = x + c[/tex] (as boundary conditions given are derivitives)

then initial condition:

[tex] \frac{\partial u}{\partial t}(x,0)=0[/tex]

given means that c = 0? :S
 
Latex is fail :(

So far I've got that:
U_st (x) = x
(a) Find the steady state solution, u_st(x), by solving (partial second derivative u by x = 0) and applying the boundary
conditions. (You will only be able to determine one of the two arbitrary constants).

confused here, surely U_st (x) = x + c (as boundary conditions given are derivitives)

then initial condition:

(as above... in first post)

given means that c = 0? :S
 
Can no one point me in the right direction?
 
Instead of integrating the BC, you may differentiate the solution you get and then apply the BC.
 

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