Solving the Heat Equation with B.C. and I.C.

In summary, the I.C. is $T(x,0) = 0$. The equation is $\frac{1}{\alpha}T_t = T_{xx}$. And the general solution is of the form $T(x,t) = 1 + \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}A_n\cos\left[\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\frac{\pi x}{L}\right]\exp\left[-\alpha\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)^2\frac{\pi^2}{L^2}t\right].
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
Is this correct?

$$
\text{B.C.}=\begin{cases}
T_x(0,t) = 0\\
T(\pi,t) = 1
\end{cases}
$$
The I.C. is $T(x,0) = 0$.

The equation is $\frac{1}{\alpha}T_t = T_{xx}$.$$
\varphi(x) = A\cos\lambda x + B\frac{\sin\lambda x}{\lambda}
$$
and
$$
\psi(t) = C\exp\left(-\alpha\lambda^2t\right).
$$
First, let's solve the steady state solution, $\varphi_{\text{ss}}'' = 0\Rightarrow\varphi_{\text{ss}} = ax + b$.
From the boundary conditions, we have that $\varphi_{\text{ss}}' = a = 0$ and $\varphi_{\text{ss}} = b = 1$.
So
$$
\varphi_{\text{ss}}(x) = 1
$$
which satisfy both boundary conditions.
Next, let's solve the transient problem.
Then we have that $\varphi' = -\lambda A\sin\lambda x + B\cos\lambda x$.
Using the homogeneous boundary condition, we have that $B = 0$.
So we are left with $\varphi(x) = A\cos\lambda x$.
Next, we have
$$
\cos\lambda L = 0\Rightarrow\lambda = \left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\frac{\pi}{L},\quad n\in\mathbb{Z}^+.
$$
Our general solution is of the form
$$
T(x,t) = 1 + \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}A_n\cos\left[\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\frac{\pi x}{L}\right]\exp\left[-\alpha\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)^2\frac{\pi^2}{L^2}t\right].
$$
Using the initial condition, we have $\int_0^{\pi}[f(x) - 1]\cos\left[\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\frac{\pi x}{L}\right]dx = \frac{L}{2}A_n\iff A_n = (-1)^n\frac{4}{\pi(2n + 1)}$.
Finally, we have that the solution to heat equation with the prescribed is
$$
T(x,t) = 1 + \frac{4}{\pi}\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^n}{2n + 1}\cos\left[\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)\frac{\pi x}{L}\right]\exp\left[-\alpha\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)^2\frac{\pi^2}{L^2}t\right].
$$
For the special case of when $\alpha = 1$ and $L = \pi$, we have
$$
T(x,t) = 1 + \frac{4}{\pi}\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^n}{2n + 1}\cos\left[\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)x\right]\exp\left[-\left(n + \frac{1}{2}\right)^2t\right].
$$
 
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  • #2
Assuming this is correct. How do I plot a sequence of the temperature profiles between the initial state and the steady-state?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
dwsmith said:
Assuming this is correct. How do I plot a sequence of the temperature profiles between the initial state and the steady-state?

Would this be it?
View attachment 357
 

FAQ: Solving the Heat Equation with B.C. and I.C.

What is the heat equation and why is it important in science?

The heat equation is a mathematical representation of how heat flows and changes over time in a given physical system. It is important in science because it helps us understand and predict the behavior of thermal systems, such as heat transfer in materials or the temperature distribution in a room.

What are boundary conditions and initial conditions in the context of solving the heat equation?

Boundary conditions are the conditions that are specified at the boundaries of a physical system, such as the temperature at the surface of an object. Initial conditions, on the other hand, are the conditions that are specified at the beginning of a simulation or experiment, such as the initial temperature distribution in a material. Both boundary and initial conditions are necessary for solving the heat equation.

How do boundary conditions and initial conditions impact the solution of the heat equation?

Boundary conditions and initial conditions dictate the behavior of the system and are essential for solving the heat equation. They determine the temperature distribution and heat flow within the system and can greatly affect the final solution.

What are some methods for solving the heat equation with boundary and initial conditions?

There are several numerical methods for solving the heat equation, such as finite difference, finite element, and boundary element methods. These methods involve discretizing the equation into smaller parts and solving iteratively to approximate the solution.

How can the solution of the heat equation be used in practical applications?

The solution of the heat equation can be used to predict the behavior of thermal systems and to optimize their design. It is often used in fields such as engineering, physics, and meteorology to understand and control heat transfer and temperature distribution in materials and environments.

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