Understanding the Physical Representation of Special Cases in the Heat Equation

In summary, the heat equation can be solved using Fourier transforms with a special case of g(x) = GH(x-a). This represents a physical scenario where a piece of matter is divided into two sections with different temperatures and then brought together to observe heat transfer. The heat equation can also be applied to diffusive motion and other models such as a uniform random walk.
  • #1
squenshl
479
4
I got a solution to the heat equation using Fourier transforms with the special case g(x) = GH(x-a)
u(x,t) = G/2[1+erf(x-a/(2[tex]\sqrt{t}[/tex]))]. But I just wanted to know what this special case represents physically.
I should probably ask what does any special case to the heat equation represent physically.
 
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  • #2
I guess H(x-a) is a shifted heaviside function.
So what it represents is a piece of matter which at initial state is divided into two sections- one with tempretare G, the second with zero. Physically you can create this by taking two pieces of heat conducting matter, cooling one to almost absolute zero (or what ever relative zero you use), the second you heat to a certain temprature, and then putting them together, then watch how heat transfers along the medium. (I guess you can have better methods)

In general, heat equation studies diffusive motion. It doesn't have to deal with heat at all. You'll have the same equation for free charges in a conducting device. You can also develope a model of a uniform random walk, in which your probability density function changes in time, and again obtain the same equation.
 

FAQ: Understanding the Physical Representation of Special Cases in the Heat Equation

What is the heat equation?

The heat equation is a partial differential equation that describes the transfer of heat in a given physical system. It is used to model and understand various heat-related phenomena, such as heat flow, temperature distribution, and heat diffusion.

What are the variables in the heat equation?

The main variables in the heat equation are time, temperature, and spatial coordinates. Time is represented by the variable t, temperature by the variable u, and spatial coordinates by the variables x, y, and z.

How is the heat equation derived?

The heat equation is derived from the principles of conservation of energy and Fourier's law of heat conduction. It can also be derived from the second law of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy.

What are the applications of the heat equation?

The heat equation has many applications in various fields of science and engineering, such as thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and material science. It is used to model and understand heat-related processes in different systems, such as buildings, electronic devices, and chemical reactions.

How is the heat equation solved?

The heat equation can be solved using various numerical and analytical methods, depending on the complexity and boundary conditions of the system being studied. Some common methods include separation of variables, finite difference methods, and Fourier series expansions.

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