Wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions

In summary: You should get the same result.In summary, the conversation discusses solving the wave equation on a specific region with given boundary and initial conditions. The equation is transformed into two ODEs using a new function. The conversation also mentions finding the steady state solution and determining an arbitrary constant. One person suggests using differentiation instead of integration to apply the boundary condition.
  • #1
josh146
6
0
I'm reposting this because there was a problem with the title/LaTeX last time.

Homework Statement



Solve the wave equation (1) on the region 0<x<2 subject to the boundary conditions (2) and the initial condition (3) by separation of variables.

Homework Equations



(1) [itex]\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial t^2}=c^2\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2}[/itex]

(2) [itex]\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}(0,t)=1[/itex] ; [itex]\frac{\partial u }{\partial x}(2,t)=1[/itex]

(3) [itex]\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}(x,0)=0[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I've defined [itex]\theta(x,t)=u(x,t)-u_{st}(x) = u(x,t)-x-h(t)[/itex] where u_st is the steady state solution (4). I've used this to create a new PDE with homogeneous boundary conditions.

The PDE is:

[itex]\frac{\partial^2 \theta}{\partial t^2} + h''(t)=c^2 \frac{\partial^2 \theta}{\partial x^2}[/itex].

By subbing in [itex]\theta=f(t)g(x)[/itex] I get:

[itex]f''(t)g(x)+h''(t)=c^2 f(t) g''(x)[/itex]

I'm not sure how to transform this into two ODEs. Can someone help?

(4): The solution to [itex]\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} = 0[/itex] subject to (2).
 
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  • #2
I think you just need to introduce new function v: u(x,t) = v(x,t) + x. The equation for v(x,t) will be the same but boundary conditions will become homogeneous =) and btw, you are missing one more initial condition like u(x,t=0) = ...
 
  • #3
Im also stuck on this one, for me its the initial conditions and boundary conditions being partial derivitives that throws me.
 
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  • #4
I think you just need to introduce new function v: u(x,t) = v(x,t) + x. The equation for v(x,t) will be the same but boundary conditions will become homogeneous =) and btw, you are missing one more initial condition like u(x,t=0) = ...

The eqn. given for boundary conditions is a partial derivitive so do i intergrate it to find u(x,t)
in which case is it that; u(o,t) = x and u(2,t) = x. so that.
u(x,t) = v(x,t) + x so that in both cases... umm then i get stuck.
 
  • #5
No-one at all?
 
  • #6
So far I've got that:
[tex] U_{st} (x) = x [/tex]
(a) Find the steady state solution, ust(x), by solving [tex]\frac{\delta ^{2} U_{st} }{\delta x^{2}} = 0 [/tex] and applying the boundary
conditions. (You will only be able to determine one of the two arbitrary constants).

confused here, surely [tex] U_{st} (x) = x + c[/tex] (as boundary conditions given are derivitives)

then initial condition:

[tex]
\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}(x,0)=0
[/tex]

given means that c = 0? :S
 
  • #7
Latex is fail :(

So far I've got that:
U_st (x) = x
(a) Find the steady state solution, u_st(x), by solving (partial second derivitive u by x = 0) and applying the boundary
conditions. (You will only be able to determine one of the two arbitrary constants).

confused here, surely U_st (x) = x + c (as boundary conditions given are derivitives)

then initial condition:

(as above... in first post)

given means that c = 0? :S
 
  • #8
Can no one point me in the right direction?
 
  • #9
Instead of integrating the BC, you may differentiate the solution you get and then apply the BC.
 

FAQ: Wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions

What is the wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions?

The wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions is a mathematical model that describes the propagation of waves in a medium with varying properties at the boundary. It takes into account the effects of reflections and refractions at the boundary, resulting in a more realistic representation of wave behavior.

How is the wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions different from the standard wave equation?

The standard wave equation assumes a homogeneous medium with constant properties throughout, while the wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions accounts for variations in the medium at the boundaries. This makes it a more accurate model for real-world situations.

What are some common applications of the wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions?

The wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions has a wide range of applications in various fields, such as acoustics, electromagnetism, and seismology. It is used to study the behavior of sound waves, electromagnetic waves, and seismic waves in complex environments with varying properties at the boundaries.

How do you solve the wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions?

The wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions can be solved using various analytical and numerical methods, such as separation of variables, Green's function method, and finite difference method. The specific method used depends on the complexity of the boundary conditions and the type of wave being studied.

What are the limitations of the wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions?

Although the wave equation with inhomogeneous boundary conditions is a more accurate model than the standard wave equation, it still has some limitations. It assumes linear wave behavior and does not take into account nonlinear effects, such as wave breaking. It also assumes a continuous medium, which may not be the case in some real-world scenarios.

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