Solving Coupled ODEs: Analytical Solutions?

In summary, the coupled ODEs with given boundary conditions have been examined and it has been shown that there is no analytical solution. The first equation reduces to an uncoupled Cauchy-Euler differential equation, but the boundary condition forces one of the constants to be zero. This results in a solution for the second equation that goes to zero at infinity, contradicting the given boundary condition. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is no solution to this boundary value problem.
  • #1
Pascal1
1
0
Hello everyone,
I have the following coupled ODEs (\(\displaystyle r\geq 0\))

\(\displaystyle g^2v^2f(r)h^2(r)+\frac{6}{r}f'(r)-3f''(r)=0\),
\(\displaystyle r^2h''(r)-4f^2(r)h(r)=0\),

with boundary conditions

\(\displaystyle f(\infty)=1\),
\(\displaystyle h(\infty)=1\).

The other 2 boundary conditions are arbitrary. Also v and g are constants, that could be set to a fixed value, if this helps to find a special case analytical solution.

I was wondering if anyone has an idea on how to tackle them. Or maybe someone has an argument that shows the non-existence of an analytical solution.
 
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  • #2
Let's examine the first equation, and take the limit as $r\to\infty$. Note that, since
\begin{align*}
\lim_{r\to\infty}f(r)&=1 \quad \text{and} \\
\lim_{r\to\infty}h(r)&=1,
\end{align*}
it follows (under sufficient smoothness conditions) that
$$\lim_{r\to\infty}f'(r)=\lim_{r\to\infty}f''(r)=\lim_{r\to\infty}h'(r)=\lim_{r\to\infty}h''(r)=0.$$
So, we have that
$$\lim_{r\to\infty}\left[g^2v^2 f(r)h^2(r)+\frac6r f'(r)-3f''(r)\right]=g^2v^2=0.$$
Hence, it must be that $gv=0$. This reduces the first equation to
$$\frac6r f'(r)-3f''(r)=0.$$
This is uncoupled, and a Cauchy-Euler differential equation, and its solution is
$$f(r)=C_1+\frac{C_2 r^{3}}{3}.$$
The only way to satisfy the boundary condition is if $C_2=0$ and $C_1=1$. Hence, $f(r)=1$. Plugging this into the other equation yields
$$r^2 h''(r)-4h(r)=0,$$
with solution (this is also Cauchy-Euler)
$$h(r)=A_1 r^{\frac12 \left(1+\sqrt{17}\right)}+A_2 r^{\frac12 \left(1-\sqrt{17}\right)}.$$
And here we have a problem. The boundary condition forces $A_1=0$, otherwise $h(r)$ would blow up at infinity. That leaves
$$h(r)=A_2 r^{\frac12 \left(1-\sqrt{17}\right)}.$$
But this function goes to zero as $r\to\infty$.

Therefore, I conclude, there is no solution to this boundary value problem.
 

FAQ: Solving Coupled ODEs: Analytical Solutions?

What are coupled ODEs?

Coupled ODEs (Ordinary Differential Equations) are a system of multiple differential equations that are interconnected and depend on each other. This means that the solution to one equation affects the solution to the others.

How are coupled ODEs solved?

Coupled ODEs can be solved analytically using various methods such as elimination, substitution, or matrix methods. These methods involve manipulating the equations to isolate a single variable and then solving it using integration techniques.

Are there any limitations to solving coupled ODEs analytically?

Yes, there are limitations to solving coupled ODEs analytically. In some cases, the equations may be too complex to solve analytically, requiring numerical methods instead. Additionally, analytical solutions may only exist for specific initial conditions or parameter values.

Can coupled ODEs be solved using software?

Yes, coupled ODEs can be solved using software such as MATLAB, Mathematica, or Python. These programs have built-in functions and libraries for solving differential equations numerically. They also have the ability to plot the solutions and visualize the behavior of the system.

What are some real-world applications of solving coupled ODEs?

Coupled ODEs have many real-world applications, such as modeling chemical reactions, population dynamics, and electrical circuits. They are also used in engineering and physics to study systems that involve multiple interconnected variables, such as mechanical systems or fluid dynamics.

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