Second order differential equation via substitution

In summary: Thanks for the help!In summary, to solve the differential equation x\prime\prime + \omega^2x = 0, substitute p = \frac{dx}{dt} and solve the resulting separable first order ODE. The solution is given by x = Acos(\omega t) + Bsin(\omega t), where A and B are constants determined by the initial conditions.
  • #1
bitrex
193
0

Homework Statement



Substitute [tex] p = \frac{dx}{dt} [/tex] to solve [tex]x\prime\prime + \omega^2x = 0 [/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex] \frac{dp}{dx} = v + x\frac{dv}{dx} [/tex]

[tex] v = \frac{p}{x}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex] p = \frac{dx}{dt}, \frac{dp}{dt} = \frac{d^2x}{dt^2} [/tex]

[tex] \frac{dp}{dt} = \frac{dp}{dx}\frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{dp}{dx}p [/tex]

[tex] \frac{dp}{dx} + \frac{\omega^2x}{p} = 0 [/tex]

[tex] v + x\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{-\omega^2}{v} [/tex]

[tex] \frac{-v}{\omega^2 + v^2}dv = \frac{1}{x} dx [/tex]

[tex] \frac{-1}{2}ln(\omega^2 + v^2) = ln|x| + C [/tex]

[tex] \frac{1}{\sqrt{\omega^2 + v^2}} = x + C [/tex]

I get tripped up here and I'm not sure how to go forward, with regards to all the various substitutions I've made! I see the beginnings of an integral involving trigonometric substitution, so I hope I may be on the right track. A hint would be much appreciated.
 
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  • #2
I don't understand why you are making a second substitution. You have a separable 1st order ODE for [itex]p(x)[/itex]:

[tex]\frac{dp}{dx} + \frac{\omega^2x}{p} = 0 [/tex]

Just solve it.
 
  • #3
:smile: :cry: Wow, so I do. That's what I get for doing this when I'm tired!
 
  • #4
To finish up:

[tex] p dp = -\omega^2x dx [/tex]

[tex] p^2 = -\omega^2 x^2 [/tex]

[tex] p = i \omega x + C_1 [/tex]

[tex] t = \int \frac{1}{i\omega x + C_1} dx [/tex]

[tex] i \omega t = ln|i\omega x + C_1| + C_2 [/tex]

[tex] e^{i\omega t} = C_2(i\omega x + C_1) = C_2x + C_1C_2 [/tex]

[tex] \frac{1}{C_2}cos(\omega t) + \frac{1}{C_2}isin(\omega t) - C_1 [/tex]

[tex] x = Acos(\omega t) + Bsin(\omega t) [/tex] if we set [tex] \frac{1}{C2} = A, [/tex] [tex] \frac{1}{C1} = B, [/tex] and let [tex] C_1 = \frac{1}{C_2}isin(\omega t) - \frac{1}{C_1}sin(\omega t). [/tex]
 
  • #5
bitrex said:
To finish up:

[tex] p dp = -\omega^2x dx [/tex]

[tex] p^2 = -\omega^2 x^2 [/tex]

[tex] p = i \omega x + C_1 [/tex]

Why didn't the constant make an appearance in your second line?

[tex] p dp = -\omega^2x dx \implies p^2=-\omega^2x^2+C_1 \implies p=\sqrt{C_1-\omega^2 x^2}[/tex]
 
  • #6
Carelessness. I'll try it again.
 
  • #7
I think I'm a little closer now. Continuing from the dropped constant and substituting into p = dx/dt we have:

[tex] \frac{1}{\sqrt{C_1 - \omega^2 x^2}} dx = dt [/tex]

Make the substitution [tex] x = \frac{\sqrt{C_1}}{\omega} sin\theta [/tex]

[tex] \int \frac{\sqrt{C_1} cos\theta}{\omega C_1 cos\theta} d\theta = \int \frac{\sqrt{C_1}}{\omega C_1} d\theta = \frac{\sqrt{C_1}}{\omega C_1}\theta + C_2 [/tex]

So [tex] t = \frac{\sqrt{C_1}}{\omega C_1} sin^-1(\frac{x \omega}{\sqrt{C_1}} + C_2) [/tex]

And solving for X in terms of t I get:

[tex] \frac{\sqrt{C_1}}{\omega} sin (\frac{\omega t C_1 - \omega C1 C2}{\sqrt{C_1}})
[/tex]

Not sure this is entirely correct, it's closer though! The first term we can call B because the constant swallows up the omega and square root, but as for the terms inside the sin() I'm not so sure. I know I can find the second solution by substituting y2 = y1*v into the original equation, where y1 = B sin (wt).
 
  • #8
bitrex said:
I think I'm a little closer now. Continuing from the dropped constant and substituting into p = dx/dt we have:

[tex] \frac{1}{\sqrt{C_1 - \omega^2 x^2}} dx = dt [/tex]

Make the substitution [tex] x = \frac{\sqrt{C_1}}{\omega} sin\theta [/tex]

[tex] \int \frac{\sqrt{C_1} cos\theta}{\omega C_1 cos\theta} d\theta = \int \frac{\sqrt{C_1}}{\omega C_1} d\theta = \frac{\sqrt{C_1}}{\omega C_1}\theta + C_2 [/tex]

The [itex]C_1[/itex] in the denominator should be [itex]\sqrt{C_1}[/itex], so you get

[tex]\int\frac{dx}{\sqrt{C_1 - \omega^2 x^2}}=\frac{\theta}{\omega}+C_2[/tex]
So [tex] t = \frac{\sqrt{C_1}}{\omega C_1} sin^-1(\frac{x \omega}{\sqrt{C_1}} + C_2) [/tex]

Why is [itex]C_2[/itex] inside the arcsine?

[tex]\frac{\theta}{\omega}+C_2=\frac{1}{\omega}\sin^{-1}\left(\frac{\omega x}{\sqrt{C_1}}\right)+C_2[/tex]
 
  • #9
I see it now. It's been months since I've worked on this stuff, and as you can tell I'm pretty out of practice. Ugly careless mistakes. :frown:
 

FAQ: Second order differential equation via substitution

What is a second order differential equation?

A second order differential equation is an equation that involves a second derivative of a function, along with the function itself and its first derivative. It is a mathematical tool used to describe a wide range of physical phenomena in fields such as physics, engineering, and biology.

What is substitution in the context of second order differential equations?

In the context of second order differential equations, substitution is a technique used to simplify the equation by replacing the original variables with new ones. This can make the equation easier to solve or transform into a different form.

Why is substitution useful in solving second order differential equations?

Substitution is useful in solving second order differential equations because it allows us to transform the equation into a simpler form, making it easier to solve. It can also help us identify patterns or relationships within the equation that may lead to a solution.

What are the steps for solving a second order differential equation via substitution?

The steps for solving a second order differential equation via substitution are as follows: (1) Identify the variables and their derivatives in the equation. (2) Choose appropriate substitution variables to simplify the equation. (3) Substitute the new variables into the equation. (4) Solve the resulting equation for the new variables. (5) Substitute the original variables back into the solution to obtain the final solution.

What are some common examples of second order differential equations that can be solved via substitution?

Some common examples of second order differential equations that can be solved via substitution include the simple harmonic oscillator equation, the damped harmonic oscillator equation, and the forced harmonic oscillator equation. These equations are commonly used in physics and engineering to describe oscillatory motion and energy dissipation in systems.

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