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Today, we will dive into the wave equation, which serves as a foundational model for understanding wave propagation. It's given by the formula \( \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial t^2} = c^2 \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} \). Can anyone tell me what the variables \( u \) and \( c \) represent?
I think \( u \) represents the displacement of the wave, and \( c \) is the speed of the wave.
Exactly! The displacement describes how far a point in the medium moves from its rest position, while \( c \) is the speed at which waves travel through the medium. Remember, we will analyze this equation under specific boundary conditions.
What kind of boundary conditions are we discussing?
Great question! In this section, we consider conditions where the displacement vanishes at the boundary, specifically at \( x = 0 \). This is perfect for using the Fourier Sine Transform!
Now, with our wave equation and boundary conditions in place, we apply the Fourier Sine Transform. The transformation is given by \( U(s,t) = F \{ u(x,t) \} \). How do you think this changes our equation?
I suppose it changes it from a partial differential equation to an ordinary differential equation?
Exactly! It allows us to transform our PDE into an ODE with respect to \( t \) and we get \( \frac{\partial^2 U}{\partial t^2} = -c^2 s^2 U \). Let's think about what kind of solution forms we can derive from this ODE.
Are we looking for solutions like we do for normal differential equations?
Precisely! The solution to this type of ODE generally leads to terms involving sine and cosine, which makes sense given our wave context!
After solving the ODE, we arrive at the solution \( U(s,t) = A(s) \cos(cst) + B(s) \sin(cst) \). But remember, we had initial conditions that helped us determine some properties of our functions. What happened to \( B(s) \) in this case?
Since \( B(s) \) is related to the initial velocity, and because it was given that there was no external force acting at the start, it becomes zero.
Correct! So, we can simplify our expression to \( U(s,t) = A(s) \cos(cst) \). Afterwards, how do we convert back to our original domain?
We would need to apply the inverse Fourier Sine Transform!
Exactly! And this is how we express the solution to our physical problem, illustrating how the displacement evolves over time under the wave equation. Let's recap!
Finally, let’s touch on the significance of using the Fourier Sine Transform in engineering applications. Can anyone share where they think it might be useful?
Maybe in analyzing vibrations in structures, like bridges?
Absolutely! It's essential for understanding anything that involves vibrations or wave propagation in engineering. Remember, any time you encounter a boundary condition that specifies zero displacement, you can consider using the Fourier Sine Transform.
It sounds really powerful! How does it relate to thermal problems?
That's a great connection! Many thermal conduction problems can be expressed similarly, using Fourier transforms to simplify the analysis.
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The section discusses the Fourier Sine Transform's role in addressing PDEs with boundary conditions at x=0 where solutions vanish. The focus is on the wave equation, presenting the formulation, initial conditions, and the resulting solutions, along with an example that illustrates this process.
This section addresses the application of the Fourier Sine Transform (FST) in solving partial differential equations (PDEs) under specific boundary conditions, particularly where the solution is zero at the boundary (x=0). This is essential in various engineering problems dealing with vibrations and wave motion.
This method is significant in understanding vibrations and wave propagation in structural components, showcasing the Fourier Sine Transform's utility in engineering contexts.
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Now consider problems where the solution vanishes at the boundary x = 0, which is ideal for Fourier Sine Transform.
This chunk introduces the context where Fourier Sine Transform (FST) is effectively applied. In many physical situations, especially in mechanical and civil engineering, we encounter problems where a function approaches zero at the boundary (here, at x = 0). This feature of vanishing conditions at the boundaries makes Fourier Sine Transform the appropriate tool, as it is specifically designed to handle such cases. Thus, if we expect our solution to decay to zero at the boundaries, we would opt for FST over other transforms.
Imagine holding one end of a rope tightly (this represents the boundary at x = 0) while the other end dangles freely. The vibrations or movements you create start at the fixed end but gradually diminish as they travel along the rope towards the free end. In this scenario, the Fourier Sine Transform effectively models how the vibrations are controlled from the boundary condition to the end of the rope, where they eventually disappear.
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Let us consider the one-dimensional wave equation:
∂²u/∂t² = c² ∂²u/∂x²
With boundary conditions:
u(0,t)=0,
lim (x→∞) u(x,t)=0,
u(x,0)=f(x),
∂u/∂t |_(t=0)=0
In this chunk, we are presented with the one-dimensional wave equation, which describes how wave-like phenomena propagate through a medium. The equation itself includes second derivatives with respect to both time (t) and space (x), meaning it captures the acceleration of wave displacement over time and the spatial characteristics of the wave. The boundary conditions specify that at the fixed location x = 0, the displacement must always be zero, and as we move further away (toward infinity), the displacement should approach zero. The initial conditions outline that we've started with an initial shape of the wave defined by f(x) and that the initial velocity of the wave is zero.
Think of a stretched membrane, like a drum skin, where striking the drum creates waves that ripple outwards. The point where you strike (where the drum is fixed) represents the boundary condition (u(0,t) = 0), where there's no displacement of the membrane at the rim, while the waves themselves diminish as they travel further from the source, consistent with the condition that the wave height approaches zero at infinity.
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Apply the Fourier Sine Transform:
∂²U/∂t² = -c²s²U
This is a second-order ODE in t:
U(s,t)=A(s)cos(cst)+B(s)sin(cst)
Once we apply the Fourier Sine Transform to the wave equation, we end up with a transformed equation that represents the same physical phenomenon in the frequency domain. This transformed equation is a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) in terms of time t. The general solution to this ODE is expressed in terms of sine and cosine functions, where A(s) and B(s) are coefficients that depend on the transformed initial conditions. The cosine term represents the oscillations of the wave associated with the initial shape, while the sine term would account for any initial velocities.
Returning to our drum example, if one were to tap the drum softly, it would create a sound wave characterized by specific frequencies (higher and lower notes). The sine and cosine functions represent these frequencies, capturing the essence of how the drum vibrates over time, thus allowing us to predict how the sound changes shortly after you hit it based on the initial conditions.
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Initial conditions give:
U(s,0)=F{s{f(x)}}=A(s), ∂U/∂t|_(t=0)=0⇒B(s)=0
Thus,
U(s,t)=F{f(x)}·cos(cst)
⇒u(x,t)=F{f(x)}cos(cst)sin(sx)ds
This chunk illustrates how the coefficients obtained from the initial conditions help refine our solution for U(s,t). In this case, since the initial velocity of the wave is set to zero, it simplifies the solution by eliminating the B(s) term. Thus, the solution U(s,t) depends solely on the initial shape of the wave and oscillates with cosine over time. We then perform the inverse transform to get the actual displacement function u(x,t) in terms of the original function f(x) and sine terms, encapsulating how the wave travels through the medium over time.
Imagine being at a concert. The musicians start playing a familiar tune (f(x) is the orchestra’s performance). Half a second in, there's absolute silence at the start (initial velocity is zero), resulting in a smooth wave pattern of sound traveling outwards to the audience. The final displacement function reflects both the initial tune played and the nature of how sound waves propagate through the air (represented by the sine terms, affecting where the sound is heard over time).
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Key Concepts
Wave Equation: A fundamental equation in physics showing the relationship between time and spatial changes in wave propagation.
Boundary Conditions: Essential constraints needed to solve PDEs accurately in specific contexts.
Fourier Sine Transform: A specific type of Fourier transform effective for functions defined on semi-infinite domains.
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Using the Fourier Sine Transform to solve the wave equation for a vibrating rod with one end fixed at zero displacement, leading to the integral solution involving the Fourier sine transform of the initial function.
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When waves do start to sway, their displacement we'll convey, with Sine Transform in play, equations find their way.
Imagine a massive bridge swaying with the wind; it must not collapse. Now, with boundary conditions set, we apply the Fourier Sine Transform to ensure its safe vibrancy, crafting solutions that give peace of mind to engineers.
F-Sine for 'Free Low': 'F' for Fourier, 'Sine' for function vanishing at one end, indicates applying Fourier Sine Transform.
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Review the Definitions for terms.
Term: Fourier Sine Transform (FST)
Definition:
A mathematical transform that converts a function defined on a semi-infinite domain into a series of sine functions.
Term: Wave Equation
Definition:
A second-order linear partial differential equation that describes how wave functions propagate over time.
Term: Boundary Condition
Definition:
Conditions that specify the behavior of a function at the boundaries of its domain.
Term: Integral Solution
Definition:
The solution to a differential equation expressed as an integral.