Partial Differential Equations
The chapter offers a comprehensive overview of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs), including definitions, classifications, and various applicable methods such as the wave equation and heat equation. It thoroughly explains the concepts of initial and boundary conditions, along with special functions like Bessel and Legendre functions that arise in solving these equations.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) involve partial derivatives of multivariable functions.
- First-order PDEs can be solved using Lagrange's method, while second-order PDEs are classified based on the discriminant B^2 - 4AC.
- The wave equation and heat equation exemplify different physical phenomena modeled by PDEs.
Key Concepts
- -- Partial Differential Equation (PDE)
- An equation that involves partial derivatives of a multivariable function.
- -- FirstOrder PDE
- A PDE involving first derivatives of the unknown function.
- -- SecondOrder PDE
- A PDE involving second derivatives of the unknown function, classified based on the discriminant B^2 - 4AC.
- -- Wave Equation
- A second-order PDE that describes the propagation of waves, represented as ∂²u/∂t² = c² ∂²u/∂x².
- -- Heat Equation
- A first-order PDE that describes the distribution of heat in a given region over time, represented as ∂u/∂t = α² ∂²u/∂x².
- -- Separation of Variables
- A method to solve PDEs by assuming that the solution can be expressed as a product of functions, each depending on a single variable.
- -- Bessel Functions
- Special functions that are solutions to Bessel's differential equations, commonly arising in cylindrical coordinate systems.
- -- Laplacian Operator
- A second-order differential operator denoted as ∇², used to describe the behavior of scalar fields.
Additional Learning Materials
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