Help with Integrals (one of which involves erfc).

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In summary, the conversation discusses using Green's Functions for heat conduction problems and solving a specific integral. The attempt at a solution involves breaking the integral into two parts, using algebra and u-substitution, and using Mathmatica to get a final solution. The issue of getting "garbage" when trying to plot the solution in Matlab is also brought up. The conversation ends with a request for help with a homework project in Matlab.
  • #1
6Stang7
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I'm using Green's Functions for heat conduction problems, and I'm trying to solve the following integral:

Homework Statement



http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/4923/026307b169b04faa8364086.png

Where:

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3742/6332938c445f4b9e8da8ba5.png

Homework Equations


N/A


The Attempt at a Solution


I obliviously broke this up into two integrals which I'll call Integral #1 and Integral #2.

For Integral #1 I used some algebraic simplification and a u-substitution (u=4α(t-τ)) to get the following:

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/2892/121092a52813459b8280e05.png

Using Mathmatica, I got:

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/719/92de0714ca1a4ec8abd7c29.png

For which I get the following after putting in the limits of the integral and evaluate some limits:

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/6397/26da0028e4824870aa77365.png

For Integral #2 I again did some algebraic simplification and a u-substitution (u=α(t-τ)) to get:

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/7506/fb9afa29d9e44617861b1a6.png

Using Mathmatica again:

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2729/25901d5d37a644cbab647ec.png

Where a=(x/2) and b=(h/k).

After doing some algebra cleanup, substituting back in the values of a and b, and applying the limits of integration:

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/7754/c206229ff433444c9d7b31d.png

After combining the solutions for Integrals #1 and #2 with the constants that were pulled at the start:

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/9814/b5fd0b3ed9294586bb55efc.png

Where fi(τ)=hT

Now, when I did dimensional analysis for x=t=0, I got units of temperature; however, when I tried to plot my solution in Matlab, I end up getting garbage. I've doubled checked my code in Matlab to make sure the solution is typed in correctly (and I am in the process of triple checking) and I have double checked my integration. So far, I can't find a mistake.

I'd prefer to do the integrals without Mathmatica, but I haven't been able to find an appropriate table of integrals. I THINK I can do Integral #1 entirely by hand using the definition of the error function, but that still leaves Integral #2, which I haven't been able to crack.

Any thoughts/help/advice?
 
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  • #2
How can you do the integrals without knowing what is the function f_i(tau)?
 
  • #3
fi(τ)=hT

I did state that, but it was after the final solution I got (my mistake for stating it so late).
 
  • #4
When you say you are getting garbage when you try to plot, what does that mean exactly?
Have you tried to see if Mathematica evaluates erf(x) properly?
 
  • #5
By garbage I mean that the plot doesn't make any physical sense (both in temperature values and distribution).

Mathmatica does appear to evaluate the erf(x) correctly.
 
  • #6
Matlab project

I have a homework project in matlab, Can you help me please ??
 

FAQ: Help with Integrals (one of which involves erfc).

What is an integral?

An integral is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve on a graph. It is used to calculate the total value of a function over a certain interval.

How do I solve an integral?

To solve an integral, you can use various techniques such as substitution, integration by parts, or using trigonometric identities. It is important to understand the properties of integrals and have a good grasp of basic algebra and calculus.

What is the difference between definite and indefinite integrals?

A definite integral has specific boundaries or limits, and the result is a single numerical value. An indefinite integral does not have boundaries, and the result is a function with a constant of integration.

What is the erfc function in integrals?

The erfc function is the complementary error function, which is used to calculate the probability of a normal distribution falling within a certain range. It is commonly used in statistics and engineering to solve integrals involving the normal distribution.

How can I check if my integral solution is correct?

You can check the solution of an integral by taking the derivative of your answer and seeing if it matches the original function. You can also use online calculators or software programs to verify your solution.

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