12.5 - Example Problem
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Understanding the Problem Setup
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Today, we will explore an example problem centered around the One-Dimensional Heat Equation. Can anyone tell me the importance of boundary and initial conditions in solving PDEs?
I think they help define the solution uniquely?
Exactly! In our example, we’ll have boundary conditions stating that the ends of the rod are at zero temperature. This specifies how our solution behaves at the boundaries. What was our initial condition?
It’s given as \( u(x,0) = x(L - x) \).
Perfect! This initial condition gives us the temperature distribution along the rod at time \( t=0 \).
Computing Fourier Sine Coefficients
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To solve our example, we need to compute the Fourier sine coefficients for the initial condition function. Who can remind us of the formula to compute these coefficients?
It’s \( B_n = \frac{2}{L} \int_0^L f(x) \sin\left(\frac{n\pi x}{L}\right)dx \)!
Right! So, we will use this formula to find our coefficients. Why is this important?
Because the coefficients help form the solution based on the initial temperature distribution!
Excellent point! This links our initial condition to the overall solution.
Final Formulation
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Now that we have our Fourier coefficients, we can plug them into our general solution. Can anyone remind what the general solution looks like for the heat equation?
It’s a series involving the coefficients and exponential decay terms, right?
Exactly! The final form will be something like: \[ u(x,t) = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} B_n \sin\left(\frac{n\pi x}{L}\right)e^{-\alpha^2(\frac{n\pi}{L})^2 t} \]. Why is the exponential term significant?
It controls how the heat diffuses over time!
You're all doing great! So, in conclusion, how does this example reflect on the larger context of solving PDEs?
It shows the step-by-step approach to using boundary conditions and initial conditions in our solutions.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section outlines how to solve the One-Dimensional Heat Equation through a practical example that includes boundary conditions, initial conditions, and the computation of Fourier coefficients, providing a clear framework for approaching similar problems.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
In this section, we explore an application of the One-Dimensional Heat Equation through a concrete example problem. The task is to solve the heat equation with specified boundary conditions:
- Boundary Condition: The ends of the rod are kept at zero temperature, expressed as \( u(0,t) = u(L,t) = 0 \).
- Initial Condition: The initial temperature distribution of the rod is defined as \( u(x,0) = f(x) = x(L - x) \).
The solution process includes three main steps:
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Compute Fourier Sine Coefficients: The first step requires calculating the Fourier sine coefficients of the function \( f(x) \) using the formula:
\[ B_n = \frac{2}{L} \int_0^L f(x) \sin\left(\frac{n\pi x}{L}\right)dx \] - Plug Coefficients into the General Solution: After determining the coefficients, they are substituted into the general solution for the heat equation.
- Final Formulation: Lastly, we write out the final form of the solution \( u(x,t) \), capturing how temperature evolves over time based on the initial condition and boundary constraints.
This example encapsulates critical methods for tackling the heat equation, leveraging Fourier series to facilitate the solution process and emphasizing the importance of boundary and initial conditions in such problems.
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Problem Statement
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
Problem: Solve the heat equation with:
• 𝑢(0,𝑡) = 𝑢(𝐿,𝑡) = 0
• 𝑢(𝑥,0) = 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝐿−𝑥)
Detailed Explanation
In this example problem, we are tasked with solving the heat equation under specific boundary and initial conditions. The first part of the problem, indicated by 𝑢(0,𝑡) = 𝑢(𝐿,𝑡) = 0, tells us that the temperatures at both ends of the rod are kept at zero temperature for all times. This is known as Dirichlet boundary conditions. The second part, 𝑢(𝑥,0) = 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝐿−𝑥), provides the initial temperature distribution along the rod at time 𝑡=0, showing that it's shaped like a parabola peaking at the middle point of the rod.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a metal rod being cooled down at both ends by water while it is heated from its center. At the start, the temperature is highest at the center and lowest at both ends. Over time, this setup will lead to heat spreading along the rod until it stabilizes, simulating the described conditions.
Fourier Coefficients Calculation
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
Solution Outline:
1. Compute Fourier sine coefficients of 𝑓(𝑥).
Detailed Explanation
The first step in solving this problem is to compute the Fourier sine coefficients of the initial condition function, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝐿−𝑥). These coefficients, usually denoted as 𝐵ₙ, will be determined using integrals that project the initial condition onto the eigenfunctions of the system, which in this case are sine functions due to the boundary conditions at both ends being zero.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a musician tuning a guitar string. Each note corresponds to a frequency that can be expressed in terms of its fundamental and harmonic frequencies. Similarly, when calculating Fourier coefficients, we are essentially breaking down the initial temperature distribution into a series of 'notes' (sine functions) that together reproduce the shape of 𝑓(𝑥).
General Solution Construction
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
- Plug into general solution.
Detailed Explanation
After calculating the Fourier sine coefficients, the next step is to insert these coefficients back into the general solution format for the heat equation, which combines the spatial and temporal components derived from the previously solved ordinary differential equations. This forms a series solution that accounts for the evolving temperature distribution over time.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a recipe where you have various ingredients (Fourier coefficients) that you mix together to create a dish (the solution). Each ingredient contributes a unique flavor to the overall taste. Similarly, each coefficient affects how the temperature distribution evolves over time, resulting in a complete picture of the thermal conduction process.
Final Form of the Solution
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
- Write final form of 𝑢(𝑥,𝑡).
Detailed Explanation
In the final step, we compile all previous calculations and representations into the explicit form of 𝑢(𝑥,𝑡), which represents the temperature at position 𝑥 along the rod at time 𝑡. This can be expressed as a series involving the Fourier coefficients and the exponential decay terms determined from the time-dependent part of the solution.
Examples & Analogies
Consider the final moments of baking a cake. You’ve mixed all the batter and added the remaining ingredients, and now it’s time to see the finished product rise in the oven. The end result of the cake is analogous to 𝑢(𝑥,𝑡), showcasing how all the parts (initial conditions, coefficients, and eigenfunctions) come together to create the outcome of the heat distribution.
Key Concepts
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Fourier Coefficients: Used in series solutions to express initial temperature distributions.
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Boundary Conditions: Specify temperature or heat flux that alters the nature of the solution.
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Initial Condition: Sets the starting behavior of the system being analyzed.
Examples & Applications
Example 1: Solving \( u(0,t) = u(L,t) = 0 \) with initial condition \( u(x,0) = x(L-x) \). This illustrates calculating Fourier coefficients and how they relate to heat distribution.
Example 2: Different set of boundary conditions while keeping the initial condition the same. This will illustrate how solutions can vary based on conditions.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
At both ends the rod is cold, as the heat through time unfolds.
Stories
Imagine a metal rod cooling down after being heated. At both ends, it's held at freezing temperature, while the middle gradually loses heat, demonstrating how temperatures change over time.
Memory Tools
B. C. A. - Boundary Conditions Are important.
Acronyms
F.C.H.
Fourier Coefficients Help us understand the heat equation.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Boundary Condition
Constraints applied to the solution of a differential equation at the boundaries of the domain.
- Initial Condition
The value that specifies the state of the system at the initial time.
- Fourier Sine Coefficients
Coefficients obtained by expressing a function as a sum of sine functions.
- Heat Equation
A partial differential equation describing how heat diffuses through a given region over time.
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