Deriving the Heat Equation with Exponential Term: Can We Solve for exp(theta)?

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the heat equation, specifically the equation ∂²θ/∂x'² = -y²*exp(θ), where y is defined as x/x'. The main challenge is solving for exp(θ) and understanding the role of the Frank-Kamenetskii parameter in the context of a steady-state model. The equation is related to thermal conductivity and reaction rates, with θ representing a non-dimensionalized temperature. The book provides an analytical solution for high activation energy, leading to the expression exp(θ) = a/cosh²(b√(a*y/2)x'). The user seeks clarification on the necessary steps to reach this solution.
squaremeplz
Messages
114
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I'm having trouble deriving the following equation

\frac {\partial^2 {\theta}}{\partial {x'^2}} = -y^2*exp(\theta)

and y = x/x'

my main problem is the exponent

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Normally i would use the equation

(x')'' + k^2*x' = 0

x' = c1 * cos(kx') + c2 * sin (kx')

can I rearrange the equation as

\frac {\partial^2 {\theta}}{\partial {x'^2}} + y*exp(\theta) = 0

and solve for exp(theta)?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
what are you trying to derive? do you mean solve the differntial equation

and what does y = x/x' represent? what is x differentiated w.r.t in the equation to give x' ?
 
ok, so ignore the first post please

the equation is

\frac { d^2 \theta }{d x'^2 } = -y *exp(\theta) eq. 1

first off, this is a steady state model. meaning, we consider the pre-explosion temperature to be small in comparison with the absolute temperature of the walls:\frac {\Delta T}{T} << 1

2nd, the reaction rate only depends on the deperature in accordance with exp(-E/RT)

3rd we regad the thermal conductivity of the walls as being infinitely large.

x' = x/r is the nondimensionalization of x, r is the half length (i.e radius for cylinder), not the derivative, for -L < x < L we have -1 < x' < 1. x' drops unit (i.e m, cm, ..)

theta is the nondimensionalization of temperature \theta = \frac {E}{RT^2_a} *(T - T_a)

y (although i used a different variable) is known as the frank kamenetskii parameter

y = \frac {Q}{d}*\frac {E}{R*T^2_a}*r^2*z* exp(\frac {-E}{RT_a})

E: activation energy
T_a: ambient temperature
Q: heat released
z: frequency of particle collision
r: radius or half width (depending on geometry)
R: gas constant
d: thermal conductivity

all uniform except Q, i think..

the book solves the differential equation 1, analytically, for a function \theta = f(y,x&#039;) in case of high activation energy E. RT<<E

the book gives the following result.

exp(\theta) = \frac {a}{cosh^2(b \frac{+}{-} \sqrt \frac{a*y}{2} * x&#039;)}

im just trying to figure out what steps I need to take in order to arrive at the last solution.
 
Last edited:
theta is the nodimensialization of the temperature.
 
Last edited:
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
882
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K