Professional Documents
Culture Documents
K. SANKARA RAO
Formerly Professor
Department of Mathematics
Anna University, Chennai
New Delhi-110001
2011
INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS, Third Edition
K. Sankara Rao
© 2011 by PHI Learning Private Limited, New Delhi. All rights reserved. No part of this book may
be reproduced in any form, by mimeograph or any other means, without permission in writing from
the publisher.
ISBN-978-81-203-4222-4
The export rights of this book are vested solely with the publisher.
Published by Asoke K. Ghosh, PHI Learning Private Limited, M-97, Connaught Circus,
New Delhi-110001 and Printed by Syndicate Binders, A-20, Hosiery Complex, Noida, Phase-II
Extension, Noida-201305 (N.C.R. Delhi).
This book is dedicated with affection and gratitude to
the memory of my respected Father
(Late) KOMMURI VENKATESWARLU
and
to my respected Mother
SHRIMATI VENKATARATNAMMA
Contents
Preface ix
Preface to the First and Second Edition xi
v
vi CONTENTS
Bibliography 447–448
Answers and Keys to Exercises 449–484
Index 485–488
Preface
The objective of this third edition is the same as in previous two editions: to provide a broad
coverage of various mathematical techniques that are widely used for solving and to get analytical
solutions to Partial Differential Equations of first and second order, which occur in science and
engineering. In fact, while writing this book, I have been guided by a simple teaching philosophy:
An ideal textbook should teach the students to solve problems. This book contains hundreds of
carefully chosen worked-out examples, which introduce and clarify every new concept. The core
material presented in the second edition remains unchanged.
I have updated the previous edition by adding new material as suggested by my active
colleagues, friends and students.
Chapter 1 has been updated by adding new sections on both homogeneous and non-
homogeneous linear PDEs, with constant coefficients, while Chapter 2 has been repeated as such
with the only addition that a solution to Helmholtz equation using variables separable method is
discussed in detail.
In Chapter 3, few models of non-linear PDEs have been introduced. In particular, the exact
solution of the IVP for non-linear Burger’s equation is obtained using Cole–Hopf function.
Chapter 4 has been updated with additional comments and explanations, for better
understanding of normal modes of vibrations of a stretched string.
Chapters 5–7 remain unchanged.
I wish to express my gratitude to various authors, whose works are referred to while writing
this book, as listed in the Bibliography. Finally, I would like to thank all my old colleagues, friends
and students, whose feedback has helped me to improve over previous two editions.
It is also a pleasure to thank the publisher, PHI Learning, for their careful processing of the
manuscript both at the editorial and production stages.
Any suggestions, remarks and constructive comments for the improvement of text are always
welcome.
K. SANKARA RAO
ix
Preface to the
First and Second Edition
With the remarkable advances made in various branches of science, engineering and technology,
today, more than ever before, the study of partial differential equations has become essential. For,
to have an in-depth understanding of subjects like fluid dynamics and heat transfer, aerodynamics,
elasticity, waves, and electromagnetics, the knowledge of finding solutions to partial differential
equations is absolutely necessary.
This book on Partial Differential Equations is the outcome of a series of lectures delivered by
me, over several years, to the postgraduate students of Applied Mathematics at Anna University,
Chennai. It is written mainly to acquaint the reader with various well-known mathematical
techniques, namely, the variables separable method, integral transform techniques, and Green’s
function approach, so as to solve various boundary value problems involving parabolic, elliptic and
hyperbolic partial differential equations, which arise in many physical situations. In fact, the
Laplace equation, the heat conduction equation and the wave equation have been derived by taking
into account certain physical problems.
The book has been organized in a logical order and the topics are discussed in a systematic
manner. In Chapter 0, partial differential equations of first order are dealt with. In Chapter 1, the
classification of second order partial differential equations, and their canonical forms are given. The
concept of adjoint operators is introduced and illustrated through examples, and Riemann’s method
of solving Cauchy’s problem described. Chapter 2 deals with elliptic differential equations. Also,
basic mathematical tools as well as various properties of harmonic functions are discussed. Further,
the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary value problems are solved using variables separable method
in cartesian, cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems. Chapter 3 is devoted to a discussion on
the solution of boundary value problems describing the parabolic or diffusion equation in various
coordinate systems using the variables separable method. Elementary solutions are also given.
Besides, the maximum-minimum principle is discussed, and the concept of Dirac delta function is
introduced along with a few properties. Chapter 4 provides a detailed study of the wave equation
representing the hyperbolic partial differential equation, and gives D’Alembert’s solution.
In addition, the chapter presents problems like vibrating string, vibration of a circular
membrane, and periodic solutions of wave equation, shows the uniqueness of the solutions, and
illustrates Duhamel’s principle. Chapter 5 introduces the basic concepts in the construction of
xi
xii PREFACE TO THE FIRST AND SECOND EDITION
Green’s function for various boundary value problems using the eigenfunction method and the
method of images. Chapter 6 on Laplace transform method is self-contained since the subject
matter has been developed from the basic definition. Various properties of the transform and
inverse transform are described and detailed proofs are given, besides presenting the convolution
theorem and complex inversion formula. Further, the Laplace transform methods are applied to
solve several initial value, boundary value and initial boundary value problems. Finally in
Chapter 7, the theory of Fourier transform is discussed in detail. Finite Fourier transforms are also
introduced, and their applications to diffusion, wave and Laplace equations have been analyzed.
The text is interspersed with solved examples; also, miscellaneous examples are given in
most of the chapters. Exercises along with hints are provided at the end of each chapter so as to
drill the student in problem-solving. The preprequisites for the book include a knowledge of
advanced calculus, Fourier series, and some understanding about ordinary differential equations
and special functions.
The book is designed as a textbook for a first course on partial differential equations for the
senior undergraduate engineering students and postgraduate students of applied mathematics,
physics and engineering. The various topics covered in the book can be taught either in one
semester or in two semesters depending on the syllabi. The book would also be of interest to
scientists and engineers engaged in research.
In the second edition, I have added a new chapter (Partial Differential Equations of First
Order). Also, some additional examples are included, which are taken from question papers for
GATE in the last 10 years. This, I believe, would surely benefit students intending to appear for the
GATE examination.
I am indebted to many of my colleagues in the Department of Mathematics, particularly to
Prof. N. Muthiyalu, Prof. Prabhamani, R. Patil, Dr. J. Pandurangan, Prof. K. Manivachakan,
for their many useful comments and suggestions. I am also grateful to the authorities of
Anna University, for the encouragement and inspiration provided by them.
I wish to thank Mr. M.M. Thomas for the excellent typing of the manuscript. Besides, my
gratitude and appreciation are due to the Publishers, PHI Learning, for the very careful and
meticulous processing of the manuscript, both during the editorial and production stages.
Finally, I sincerely thank my wife, Leela, daughter Aruna and son-in-law R. Parthasarathi, for
their patience and encouragement while writing this book. I also appreciate the understanding
shown by my granddaughter Sangeetha who had to forego my attention and care during the course
of my book writing.
Any constructive comments for improving the contents of this volume will be warmly
appreciated.
K. SANKARA RAO
CHAPTER 0
0.1 INTRODUCTION
Partial differential equations of first order occur in many practical situations such
as Brownian motion, the theory of stochastic processes, radioactive disintegration, noise in
communication systems, population growth and in many problems dealing with telephone
traffic, traffic flow along a highway and gas dynamics and so on. In fact, their study is
essential to understand the nature of solutions and forms a guide to find the solutions of
higher order partial differential equations.
A first order partial differential equation (usually denoted by PDE) in two independent
variables x, y and one unknown z, also called dependent variable, is an equation of the form
§ wz wz·
F ¨ x, y , z , , 0.
w x w y ¸¹
(0.1)
©
Introducing the notation
wz wz
p , q (0.2)
wx wy
Equation (0.1) can be written in symbolic form as
F ( x, y , z , p , q ) 0. (0.3)
1
2 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
We classify the PDE of first order depending upon the form of the function F. An
equation of the form
wz wz
P ( x, y , z ) Q ( x, y , z ) R ( x, y , z ) (0.4)
wx wy
is a quasi-linear PDE of first order, if the derivatives w z /w x and w z /w y that appear in the
function F are linear, while the coefficients P, Q and R depend on the independent variables
x, y and also on the dependent variable z. Similarly, an equation of the form
wz wz
P ( x, y ) Q ( x, y ) R ( x, y , z ) (0.5)
wx wy
is called almost linear PDE of first order, if the coefficients P and Q are functions of the inde-
pendent variables only. An equation of the form
wz wz
a ( x, y ) b ( x, y ) c ( x, y ) z d ( x, y ) (0.6)
wx wy
is called a linear PDE of first order, if the function F is linear in w z /w x, w z / w y and z, while
the coefficients a, b, c and d depend only on the independent variables x and y. An equation
which does not fit into any of the above categories is called non-linear. For example,
wz wz
(i) x y nz
wx wy
is a linear PDE of first order.
wz wz
(ii) x y z2
wx wy
is an almost linear PDE of first order.
wz wz
(iii) P( z ) 0
wx wy
is a quasi-linear PDE of first order.
2 2
wz §w z ·
(iv) §¨ ·¸ ¨ ¸ 1
©w x ¹ ©w y ¹
is a non-linear PDE of first order.
Before discussing various methods for finding the solutions of the first order PDEs, we
shall review some of the basic definitions and concepts needed from calculus.
⎛∂ F ∂ F ∂ F ⎞
grad F = ⎜ , , (0.7)
⎝ ∂ x ∂ y ∂ z ⎟⎠
If we assume that the partial derivatives of F do not vanish simultaneously at any point then
the set of points (x, y, z) in Ω, satisfying the equation
F ( x, y , z ) = C (0.8)
is a surface in Ω for some constant C. This surface denoted by SC is called a level surface
of F. If (x0, y0, z0) is a given point in Ω, then by taking F ( x0 , y0 , z0 ) = C , we get an equation
of the form
F ( x, y , z ) = F ( x0 , y0 , z0 ), (0.9)
which represents a surface in W, passing through the point ( x0 , y0 , z0 ). Here, Eq. (0.8) represents
a one-parameter family of surface in W. The value of grad F is a vector, normal to the level
surface. Now, one may ask, if it is possible to solve Eq. (0.8) for z in terms of x and y. To
answer this question, let us consider a set of relations of the form
x = f1 (u , v ), y = f 2 (u , v ), z = f3 (u , v) (0.10)
Here for every pair of values of u and v, we will have three numbers x, y and z, which
represents a point in space. However, it may be noted that, every point in space need not
correspond to a pair u and v. But, if the Jacobian
∂ ( f1 , f 2 )
≠0 (0.11)
∂ (u , v)
then, the first two equations of (0.10) can be solved and u and v, can be expressed as functions
of x and y like
u = λ ( x, y ), v = μ ( x, y ).
Thus, u and v are obtained once x and y are known, and the third relation of Eq. (0.10)
gives the value of z in the form
z = f3 [λ ( x, y ), μ ( x, y )] (0.12)
This is, of course, a functional relation between the coordinates x, y and z as in Eq. (0.8).
Hence, any point (x, y, z) obtained from Eq. (0.10) always lie on a fixed surface. Equations
(0.10) are also called parametric equations of a surface. It may be noted that the parametric
equation of a surface need not be unique, which can be seen in the following example:
The parametric equations
x = r sin θ cos φ , y = r sin θ sin φ , z = r cos θ
and
(1 − φ 2 ) (1 − φ 2 ) 2rφ
x=r cos θ , y=r sin θ , z=
(1 + φ )
2
(1 + φ )2 1+φ2
both represent the same surface x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = r 2 which is a sphere, where r is a constant.
4 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
wF
or p.
wx
Similarly, we obtain
wF wF
q and 1.
wy wz
Hence, the direction cosines of the normal to the surface at a point (x, y, z) are given as
§ p q 1 ·
¨ , , ¸ (0.15)
¨© p 2 q 2 1 p2 q2 1 p 2 q 2 1 ¸¹
Now, returning to the level surface given by Eq. (0.8), it is easy to write the equation of the
tangent plane to the surface Sc at a point (x0, y0, z0) as
ªw F º ªw F º ªw F º
( x x0 ) « ( x0 , y0 , z0 )» ( y y0 ) « ( x0 , y0 , z0 ) » ( z z0 ) « ( x0 , y0 , z0 )» 0. (0.16)
¬wx ¼ ¬w y ¼ ¬wz ¼
Here, the partial derivatives w F/w x, w G /w x, etc. are evaluated at P ( x0 , y0 , z0 ). The intersection
of these two tangent planes is the tangent line L at P to the curve C, which is the intersection
of the surfaces S1 and S2. The equation of the tangent line L to the curve C at ( x0 , y0 , z0 ) is
obtained from Eqs. (0.23) and (0.24) as
( x x0 ) ( y y0 ) ( z z0 ) (0.25)
w F wG w F wG w F wG w F wG w F wG w F wG
wy wz wz wy wz wx wx wz wx wy wy wx
6 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
or
( x x0 ) ( y y0 ) ( z z0 ) (0.26)
w (F , G) w (F , G) w (F , G)
w ( y, z ) w ( z , x) w ( x, y )
Therefore, the direction cosines of L are proportional to
ªw (F , G) w (F , G) w (F , G) º
« , , ». (0.27)
¬ w ( y , z ) w ( z , x ) w ( x, y ) ¼
For illustration, let us consider the following examples:
EXAMPLE 0.1 Find the tangent vector at (0, 1, π /2) to the helix described by the equation
x cos t , y sin t , z t, t I in IR c .
EXAMPLE 0.2 Find the equation of the tangent line to the space circle
x2 y 2 z 2 1, x yz 0
at the point (1/ 14, 2/ 14, 3/ 14).
z 3/ 14
§ 1 · § 2 ·
2¨ ¸ 2¨
© 14 ¹ © 14 ¹¸
or
x 1/ 14 y 2/ 14 z 3/ 14
.
10/ 14 8/ 14 2/ 14
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 7
w F ªw u w u º w F ª w v w v º
q q 0
w u «¬ w y w z »¼ w v «¬ w y w z »¼ (0.30)
EXAMPLE 0.3 Form the PDE by eliminating the arbitrary function from
(i) z f ( x it ) g ( x it ), where i 1
2 2 2
(ii) f ( x y z, x y z ) 0.
Solution
(i) Given z f ( x it ) g ( x it ) (1)
8 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
where u x y z , v x 2 y 2 z 2
Hence, the required PDE is of the form
Pp Qq R, (Lagrange equation) (1)
where
wu wv
w (u , v) wy wy 1 2y
P 2 ( z y)
w ( y, z ) wu wv 1 2z
wz wz
wu wv
w (u , v) wz wz 1 2z
Q 2 ( x z)
w ( z, x) wu wv 1 2x
wx wx
and
wu wv
w (u , v) wx wx 1 2x
R 2 ( y x)
w ( x, y ) wu wv 1 2y
wy wy
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 9
EXAMPLE 0.4 Eliminate the arbitrary function from the following and hence, obtain the
corresponding partial differential equation:
(i) z xy f ( x 2 y 2 )
(ii) z f ( xy/z ).
Solution
(i) Given z xy f ( x 2 y 2 ) (1)
Differentiating Eq. (1) partially with respect to x and y, we obtain
wz
y 2 xf c( x 2 y 2 ) p (2)
wx
wz
x 2 yf c ( x 2 y 2 ) q (3)
wy
yp xq y 2 x2 , (4)
which is the required PDE.
(ii) Given z f ( xy /z ) (1)
Differentiating partially Eq. (1) with respect to x and y, we get
wz y
f c( xy /z ) p (2)
wx z
wz x (3)
f c ( xy/z ) q
wy z
EXAMPLE 0.5 Form the partial differential equation by eliminating the constants from
z ax by ab.
wz
a p (2)
wx
wz
b q (3)
wy
Substituting p and q for a and b in Eq. (1), we get the required PDE as
z px qy pq
EXAMPLE 0.6 Find the partial differential equation of the family of planes, the sum of
whose x, y, z intercepts is equal to unity.
x y z
Solution Let 1 be the equation of the plane in intercept form, so
a b c
that a b c 1. Thus, we have
x y z
1 (1)
a b 1 a b
Differentiating Eq. (1) with respect to x and y, we have
1 p p 1
0 or (2)
a 1 a b 1 a b a
and
1 q q 1
0 or (3)
b 1 a b 1 a b b
From Eqs. (2) and (3), we get
p b
(4)
q a
Also, from Eqs. (2) and (4), we get
p
pa a b 1 a a 1
q
or
§ p ·
a ¨1 p ¸ 1.
© q ¹
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 11
Therefore,
q
a= (5)
( p + q − pq )
Similarly, from Eqs. (3) and (4), we find
p
b= (6)
( p + q - pq )
Substituting the values of a and b from Eqs. (5) and (6) respectively to Eq. (1), we have
p + q − pq p + q − pq p + q − pq
x+ y+ z =1
q p − pq
x y z 1
or + − = .
q p pq p + q − pq
That is,
pq
px + qy − z = , (7)
p + q − pq
which is the required PDE.
(x, y, z)
n nt
n
x
Fig. 0.1 Integral surface z f ( x , y ).
Therefore, any integral surface must be tangential to a vector with components {P, Q, R}, and
hence, we will never leave the integral surface or solutions surface. Also, the total differential
dz is given by
wz wz
dz dx dy (0.38)
wx wy
From Eqs. (0.37) and (0.38), we find
{P, Q, R} {dx, dy, dz} (0.39)
Now, the solution to Eq. (0.37) can be obtained using the following theorem:
dx dy dz (0.40)
P ( x, y , z ) Q ( x, y , z ) R ( x, y , z )
Proof We observe that Eq. (0.40) consists of a set of two independent ordinary differential
equations, that is, a two parameter family of curves in space, one such set can be written as
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 13
dy Q ( x, y , z ) (0.41)
dx P ( x, y , z )
which is referred to as “characteristic curve”. In quasi-linear case, Eq. (0.41) cannot be
evaluated until z ( x, y ) is known. Recalling Eqs. (0.37) and (0.38), we may recast them using
matrix notation as
ªP Q º § w z /w x · §R·
« dx (0.42)
¬ dy »¼ ¨©w z /w y ¸¹ ¨© dz ¸¹
Both the equations must hold on the integral surface. For the existence of finite solutions of
Eq. (0.42), we must have
P Q P R R Q
0 (0.43)
dx dy dx dz dz dy
Now, we may recall from Section 0.4 that the relation F (u , υ ) 0, where F is an arbitrary
function, leads to the partial differential equation
w (u , v) w (u , v) w (u , v)
p q (0.47)
w ( y, z ) w ( z , x) w ( x, y )
By virtue of Eqs. (0.37) and (0.47), Eq. (0.46) can be written as
dx dy dz
P Q R
EXAMPLE 0.7 Find the general integral of the following linear partial differential equations:
(i) y 2 p xy q x ( z 2 y)
(ii) ( y zx) p ( x yz ) q x2 y 2 .
Solution
(i) The integral surface of the given PDE is generated by the integral curves of the
auxiliary equation
dx dy dz (1)
y 2 xy x ( z 2 y)
The first two members of the above equation give us
dx dy
or x dx y dy ,
y x
which on integration results in
x2 y2
C or x2 y 2 C1 (2)
2 2
The last two members of Eq. (1) give
dy dz
or z dy 2 y dy y dz
y z 2y
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 15
That is,
2 y dy y dz z dy ,
which on integration yields
y2 yz C2 or y 2 yz C2 (3)
Hence, the curves given by Eqs. (2) and (3) generate the required integral surface as
F ( x 2 y 2 , y 2 yz ) 0.
(ii) The integral surface of the given PDE is generated by the integral curves of the
auxiliary equation
dx dy dz (1)
y zx ( x yz ) x y2
2
To get the first integral curve, let us consider the first combination as
x dx y dy dz
2 2
xy zx xy y z x y2
2
or
x dx y dy dz .
2 2
z (x y ) x y2
2
That is,
x dx y dy z dz.
On integration, we get
x2 y 2 z 2
C or x2 y 2 z 2 C1 (2)
2 2 2
Similarly, for getting the second integral curve, let us consider the combination such as
y dx x dy dz
2 2
y xyz x xyz x y2
2
or
y dx x dy dz 0,
which on integration results in
xy z C2 (3)
Thus, the curves given by Eqs. (2) and (3) generate the required integral surface as
F ( x 2 y 2 z 2 , xy z ) 0.
16 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
x y z
α β γ
0
wz wz
1
wx wy
where z z ( x, y ).
x2 y 2 z 2 C1 (3)
Similarly, using multipliers α , β , and γ , we find from Eq. (2) that each fraction is equal to
α dx β dy γ dz 0,
which on integration gives
αx β y γ z C2 (4)
Thus, the general solution of the given equation is found to be
F ( x2 y 2 z 2 , α x β y γ z) 0
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 17
EXAMPLE 0.9 Find the general integrals of the following linear PDEs:
(i) pz qz z 2 ( x y )2
(ii) ( x 2 yz ) p ( y 2 zx) q z 2 xy.
Solution
(i) The integral surface of the given PDE is generated by the integral curves of the
auxiliary equation
dx dy dz
(1)
z z z ( x y )2
2
2 z dz
or 2 dx,
z C 12
2
ln [ z 2 ( x y )2 ] 2 x C2 (3)
Thus, the curves given by Eqs. (2) and (3) generates the integral surface for the given PDE
as
F ( x y, log {x 2 y 2 z 2 2 xy} 2 x) 0
(ii) The integral surface of the given PDE is given by the integral curves of the auxiliary
equation
dx dy dz
(1)
2 2 2
x yz y zx z xy
Equation (1) can be rewritten as
dx dy dy dz dz dx (2)
( x y) ( x y z) ( y z) ( x y z) ( z x) ( x y z )
18 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Considering the first two terms of Eq. (2) and integrating, we get
ln ( x y ) ln ( y z ) ln C1
x y
or C1 (3)
yz
Similarly, considering the last two terms of Eq. (2) and integrating, we obtain
yz
C2 (4)
zx
Thus, the integral curves given by Eqs. (3) and (4) generate the integral surface
§x y y z·
F¨ , 0.
© y z z x ¸¹
u ( x, y , z ) C1 ½°
¾ (0.48)
v ( x, y , z ) C2 °¿
from the auxiliary equations of a given PDE. Then, the solution of the given PDE can be
written in the form
F (u , v) 0 (0.49)
Suppose, we wish to determine an integral surface, containing a given curve C described
by the parametric equations of the form
x x(t ), y y (t ), z z (t ), (0.50)
where t is a parameter. Then, the particular solution (0.48) must be like
u {x(t ), y (t ), z (t )} C1 »¯
¼ (0.51)
v {x(t ), y (t ), z (t )} C2 ¯½
Thus, we have two relations, from which we can eliminate the parameter t to obtain a relation
of the type
F (C1 , C2 ) 0, (0.52)
which leads to the solution given by Eq. (0.49). For illustration, let us consider the following
couple of examples.
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 19
x2 y 2 z 2 C2 (3)
For the curve in question, we have the equations in parametric form as
x t, y t , z 1
Substituting these values in Eqs. (2) and (3), we obtain
t 2C1 ½°
¾ (4)
2t 2 1 C2 °¿
Solution The integral surface of the given PDE is generated by the integral curves of
the auxiliary equation
dx dy dz (1)
x y z
Integration of the first two members of Eq. (1) gives
ln x ln y ln C
or
x (2)
C1
y
Similarly, integration of the last two members of Eq. (1) yields
y
C2 (3)
z
Hence, the integral surface of the given PDE is
§ x y· (4)
F¨ , ¸ 0
©y z¹
If this integral surface also contains the given circle, then we have to find a relation between
x/y and y/z.
The equation of the circle is
x2 y2 z 2 4 (5)
x yz 2 (6)
From Eqs. (2) and (3), we have
y x /C1 , z y /C2 x /C1C2
Substituting these values of y and z in Eqs. (5) and (6), we find
x2 x2 § 1 1 ·
x2 4, or x 2 ¨1 2 2 2 ¸ 4 (7)
C 12 C 12C 22 ¨© C 1 C 1 C 2 ¸¹
and
x x § 1 1 ·
x 2, or x ¨1 2 (8)
© ¸
C1 C1C2 C1 C1C2 ¹
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 21
x x
or 1 0,
z y
or xy xz yz 0.
Consider an interval I on the real line. If x0 ( s ), y0 ( s ) and z0 ( s ) are three arbitrary functions
of a single variable s I such that they are continuous in the interval I with their first
derivatives. Then, the Cauchy problem for a first order PDE of the form
F ( x, y , z , p, q ) 0 (0.53)
Z [ x0 ( s ), y0 ( s )] Z0 (s)
and φ ( x, y ) together with its partial derivatives with respect to x and y are continuous functions
of x and y in the region IR .
Geometrically, there exists a surface z φ ( x, y ) which passes through the curve Γ, called
datum curve, whose parametric equations are
x x0 ( s ), y y0 ( s ), z z0 ( s )
and at every point of which the direction ( p, q, 1) of the normal is such that
F ( x, y , z , p, q ) 0
This is only one form of the problem of Cauchy.
22 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
In order to prove the existence of a solution of Eq. (0.53) containing the curve (, we
have to make further assumptions about the form of the function F and the nature of Γ. Based
on these assumptions, we have a whole class of existence theorems which is beyond the scope
of this book. However, we shall quote one form of the existence theorem without proof,
which is due to Kowalewski (see Senddon, 1986).
Theorem 0.2 If
(i) g(y) and all of its derivatives are continuous for | y y0 | δ ,
(ii) x0 is a given number and z0 g ( y0 ), q0 g c ( y0 ) and f ( x, y, z, q) and all of its partial
derivatives are continuous in a region S defined by
| x x0 | δ , | y y0 | δ , | q q0 | δ ,
wz § wz·
f ¨ x, y , z , and
wx © w y ¸¹
Z = φ(x, y)
F = C1
F = C2
F = C3
Then, its normal at the point ( x, y, z ) will have direction ratios (w z /w x, w z /w y , 1) which, of
course, will be perpendicular to the normal to the surfaces characterized by Eq. (0.54). As a
consequence we have a relation
wz wz
P Q R 0 (0.56)
wx wy
or
Pp Qq R (0.57)
which is a linear PDE of Lagranges type, and can be recast into
wF wz wF wz wF (0.58)
wx wx wy wy wz
Thus, any solution of the linear first order PDE of the type given by either Eq. (0.57) or (0.58)
is orthogonal to every surface of the system described by Eq. (0.54). In other words, the
surfaces orthogonal to the system (0.54) are the surfaces generated by the integral curves of
the auxiliary equations
dx dy dz (0.59)
w F /w x w F /w y w F /w z
where
wz wz
p , q .
wx wy
We also assume that the function possesses continuous second order derivatives with respect
to its arguments over a domain Ω of ( x, y, z , p, q)-space, and either Fp or Fq is not zero at
every point such that
F p2 F q2 z 0.
The PDE (0.60) establishes the fact that at every point ( x, y, z ) of the region, there exists
a relation between the numbers p and q such that φ ( p, q ) 0, which defines the direction of
&
the normal n { p, q, 1} to the desired integral surface z z ( x, y ) of Eq. (0.60). Thus, the
direction of the normal to the desired integral surface at certain point (x, y, z) is not defined
uniquely. However, a certain cone of admissable directions of the normals exist satisfying the
relation φ ( p, q ) 0 (see Fig. 0.3).
O y
x
Fig. 0.3 Cone of normals to the integral surface.
Therefore, the problem of finding the solution of Eq. (0.60) reduces to finding an integral
surface z z ( x, y ), the normals at every point of which are directed along one of the permissible
directions of the cone of normals at that point.
Thus, the integral or the solution of Eq. (0.60) essentially depends on two arbitrary
constants in the form
f ( x, y , z , a , b ) 0, (0.61)
which is called a complete integral. Hence, we get a two-parameter family of integral surfaces
through the same point.
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 25
p 2 − q 2 = 1. (0.62)
At every point of the xyz-space, the relation (0.62) can be expressed parametrically as
p = cosh μ , q = sinh μ , −∞ < μ < ∞ (0.63)
Let P ( x0 , y0 , z0 ) be the vertex and Q( x, y , z ) be any point on the generator. Then, the direction
ratios of the generator are ( x − x0 ), ( y − y0 ), ( z − z0 ). Now, the direction ratios of the axis of
the cone which is parallel to x-axis are (1, 0, 0) (see Fig. 0.4). Let the semi-verticle angle of
the cone be π /4. Then,
π ( x − x0 )1 + ( y − y0 ) 0 + ( z − z0 ) 0 1
cos = =
4 2 2
( x − x0 ) + ( y − y0 ) + ( z − z0 ) 2 2
or
( x − x0 )2 + ( y − y0 )2 + ( z − z0 )2 = 2( x − x0 )2
or
( x − x0 )2 − ( y − y0 )2 − ( z − z0 )2 = 0 (0.65)
Thus, we see that the Monge cone of the PDE (0.62) is given by Eq. (0.65). This is a right
circular cone with semi-vertical angel π /4 whose axis is the straight line passing through
( x0 , y0 , z0 ) and parallel to z-axis.
26 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
/4
Q (x, y, z)
O y
x
Fig. 0.4 Monge cone.
Since an integral surface is touched by a Monge cone along its generator, we must have a
method to determine the generator of the Monge cone of the PDE (0.60) which is explained
below:
It may be noted that the equation of the tangent plane to the integral surface z z ( x, y ) at
the point ( x0 , y0 , z0 ) is given by
p ( x x0 ) q ( y y0 ) ( z z0 ). (0.66)
Now, the given non-linear PDE (0.60) can be recasted into an equivalent form as
q q ( x0 , y0 , z0 , p ) (0.67)
indicating that p and q are not independent at ( x0 , y0 , z0 ). At each point of the surface S,
there exists a Monge cone which touches the surface along the generator of the cone. The
lines of contact between the tangent planes of the integral surface and the corresponding
cones, that is the generators along which the surface is touched, define a direction field on
the surface S. These directions are called the characteristic directions, also called Monge
directions on S and lie along the generators of the Monge cone. The integral curves of this
field of directions on the integral surface S define a family of curves called characteristic
curves as shown in Fig. 0.5. The Monge cone can be obtained by eliminating p from the
following equations:
p ( x x0 ) q ( x0 , y0 , z0 , p ) ( y y0 ) ( z z0 ) (0.68)
and
dq
( x x0 ) ( y y0 ) 0. (0.69)
dp
observing that q is a function of p and differentiating Eq. (0.60) with respect to p, we get
dF w F w F dq
0. (0.70)
dp w p w q dp
Now, eliminating (dq /dp ) from Eqs. (0.69) and (0.70), we obtain
w F w F ( x x0 )
0
w p w q ( y y0 )
or
x x0 y y0 (0.71)
Fp Fq
q q ( x0 , y0 , z0 , p),½°
( x x0 ) p ( y y0 ) q ( z z0 ) °
°°
¾ (0.72)
and °
x x0 y y0 °
. °
Fp Fq °¿
The second and third of Eqs. (0.72) define the generator of the Monge cone. Solving them
for ( x x0 ), ( y y0 ) and ( z z0 ), we get
x x0 y y0 z z0 (0.73)
Fp Fq pFp qFq
dx dy dz (0.74)
.
Fp Fq pFp qFq
28 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Denoting the ratios in Eq. (0.74) by dt, we observe that the characteristic curves on S can be
obtained by solving the ordinary differential equations
dx
Fp {x, y , z ( x, y ), p ( x, y ), q ( x, y )} (0.75)
dt
and
dy
Fq {x, y, z ( x, y ), p ( x, y ), q ( x, y )}. (0.76)
dt
Also, we note that
dz w z dx w z dy dx dy
p q
dt w x dt w y dt dt dt
Therefore,
dz
pFp qFq (0.77)
dt
Along the characteristic curve, p is a function of t, so that
dp w p dx w p dy
dt w x dt w y dt
Now, using Eqs. (0.75) and (0.76), the above equation becomes
dp w p wF w p wF
.
dt wx w p wy wq
Since z xy z yx or p y qx , we have
dp w p wF wq wF
(0.78)
dt wx w p wx wq
Also, differentiating Eq. (0.60) with respect to x, we find
wF wF wF w p w F wq
p 0 (0.79)
wx wz w p wx wq wx
Using Eq. (0.79), Eq. (0.78) becomes
dp
( Fx pFz ) (0.80)
dt
Similarly, we can show that
dq
( Fy qFz ) (0.81)
dt
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 29
Thus, given an integral surface, we have shown that there exists a family of characteristic
curves along which x, y, z, p and q vary according to Eqs. (0.75), (0.76), (0.77), (0.80) and
(0.81). Collecting these results together, we may write
dx ½
Fp , °
dt
°
dy °
Fq , °
dt °
dz °°
pFp qFq , ¾ (0.82)
dt °
dp °
( Fx pFz ) and °
dt °
°
dq °
( Fy qFz ).
dt °¿
These equations are known as characteristic equations of the given PDE (0.60). The last three
equations of (0.82) are also called compatibility conditions. Without knowing the solution
z z ( x, y ) of the PDE (0.60), it is possible to find the functions x (t ), y (t ), z (t ), p(t ), q(t ) from
Eqs. (0.82). That is, we can find the curves x x(t ), y y (t ), z z (t ) called characteristics
and at each point of a characteristic, we can find the numbers p p (t ) and q q(t ) that
determine the direction of the plane
p ( X x) + q(Y y ) = ( Z z ). (0.83)
The characteristics, together with the plane (0.83) referred to each of its points is called a
characteristic strip. The solution x x (t ), y y (t ), z z (t ), p p (t ), q q (t ) of the
characteristic equations (0.82) satisfy the strip condition
dz dx dy
p (t ) q (t ) (0.84)
dt dt dt
It may be noted that not every set of five functions can be interpreted as a strip. A strip should
satisfy that the planes with normals ( p, q, 1) be tangential to the characteristic curve. That is, they
must satisfy the strip condition (0.84) and the normals should vary continuously along the
curve.
An important consequence of the Cauchy’s method of characteristic is stated in the
following theorem.
Theorem 0.3 Along every strip (characteristic strip) of the PDE: F ( x, y, z , p, q ) 0, the
function F ( x, y, z , p, q) is constant.
30 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Hence, the function F ( x, y, z , p, q) is constant along the strip of the characteristic equations
of the PDE defined by Eq. (0.60).
For illustration, we consider the following examples:
EXAMPLE 0.12 Find the characteristics of the equation pq z and determine the integral
surface which passes through the straight line x 1, z y.
EXAMPLE 0.13 Find the characteristics of the equation pq z and hence, determine the
integral surface which passes through the parabola x 0, y 2 z.
x0 ( s ) 0, y0 ( s ) s , z0 ( s ) s2.
p0 ( s ) q0 ( s) s 2 0 F (1)
The strip condition gives
2s p0 (0) q0 (1) or q0 2 s 0 (2)
Therefore,
s
q0 2s and p0 z0 /q0 s 2/2 s (3)
2
Now, the characteristic equations of the given PDE are given by
dx dy dz dp dq
q, p, 2 pq, p, q (4)
dt dt dt dt dt
On integration, we obtain
Therefore, we have
s ½
p exp (t ), q 2 s exp (t ), °
2
°
s ° (6)
x 2 s [exp (t ) 1], y [exp (t ) 1] ¾
2 °
°
z s 2 exp (2t ) °
°¿
Eliminating s and t from the last three equations of (6), we get
16 z (4 y x)2 .
This is the required integral surface.
p2 q2 2
p 02 q 02 2 0 F (1)
dx dy dz ½
2 p, 2q, 2 p 2 2q 2 4°
dt dt dt ° (4)
¾
dp dq °
0, 0 °¿
dt dt
On integration, we get
p c1 , q c2 , x 2c1t c3 ½°
¾ (5)
y 2c2 t c4 , z 4t c5 °¿
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 33
iˆ ˆj kˆ
ˆ ˆ ˆ
(φ i ψ j k ) w /w x w /w y w /w z 0
φ ψ 1
34 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
or
φ (ψ z ) ψ (φ z ) ψ x φ y
which can be rewritten as
ψ x φψ z φ y ψφ z (0.90)
Now, differentiating Eq. (0.85) with respect to x and z, we get
wp wq
fx f p fq 0
wx wx
and
wp wq
fz f p fq 0
wz wz
But, from Eq. (0.89), we have
w p wφ w q wψ
, and so on.
wx wx wx wx
Using these results, the above equations can be recast into
f x f pφ x f qψ x 0
and
f z f pφ z f qψ z 0.
Multiplying the second one of the above pair by φ and adding to the first one, we readily
obtain
( f x φ f z ) f p (φ x φφ z ) f q (ψ x φψ z ) 0
(ψ x φψ z ) 1 1
f p (gx φ gz ) g p ( fx φ fz ) f q g p gq f p J
or
1
ψ x φψ z [( f p g x g p f x ) φ ( f p g z g p f z )]
J
1 ªw ( f , g ) w ( f , g)º
« φ (0.91)
J ¬ w ( x, p ) w ( z , p ) »¼
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 35
where J is defined in Eq. (0.87). Similarly, differentiating Eq. (0.85) with respect to y and z
and using Eq. (0.88), we can show that
1 ªw ( f , g ) w ( f , g) º
φ y ψφ z « ψ (0.92)
J ¬ w ( y, q) w ( z , q) »¼
Finally, substituting the values of ψ x φψ z and φ y ψφ z from Eqs. (0.91) and (0.92) into
Eq. (0.90), we obtain
w ( f , g) w ( f , g) ªw ( f , g ) w ( f , g) º
φ « ψ
w ( x, p ) w ( z, p) ¬ w ( y, q) w ( z , q) »¼
w ( f , g) w ( f , g) w ( f , g) w ( f , g)
p q 0 (0.93)
w ( x, p ) w ( z , p) w ( y, q) w ( z, q)
This is the desired compatibility condition. For illustration, let us consider the following
examples:
g x 2 p q xz 0. (2)
Then,
w ( f , g) ( p 1) x
px 2 x 2 2 x 2 p xz xz x 2 p x 2 ,
w ( x, p ) (2 xp z ) x2
w ( f , g) 0 x
x2 ,
w ( z, p) x x2
w ( f , g) q y
q,
w ( y, q) 0 1
w ( f , g) 0 y
xy.
w ( z, q) x 1
36 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
and we find
w ( f , g) w ( f , g) w ( f , g) w ( f , g)
p q xz x 2 p x 2 px 2 q qxy
w ( x, p ) w ( z, p) w ( y, q) w ( z , q)
xz q qxy x 2
xz q x (qy x)
xz q x 2 p
0
Hence, the given PDEs are compatible.
Now, solving Eqs. (1) and (2) for p and q, we obtain
p q 1
xyz x 3
x x z 2
x x2 y
from which we get
x (1 yz ) 1 yz
p
x (1 xy ) 1 xy
and
x 2 ( z x) x ( z x)
q
x (1 xy ) 1 xy
In order to get the solution of the given system, we have to integrate Eq. (0.89), that is
(1 yz ) x ( z x)
dz dx dy (3)
1 xy 1 xy
or
y ( z x) x ( z x)
dz dx dx dy
1 xy 1 xy
or
dz dx y dx x dy
zx 1 xy
On integration, we get
ln ( z x) ln (1 xy ) ln c.
That is,
z x c (1 xy )
Hence, the solution of the given system is found to be
z x c (1 xy ), (4)
which is of one-parameter family.
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 37
§w f w g w f w g · §w f w g w f w g ·
¨ ¸ q¨ 0
©w y wq wq w y ¹ © w z w q w q w z ¸¹
which can be recast into
wg wg wg wg wg
fp fq ( pf p qf q ) ( f x pf z ) ( f y qf z ) 0. (0.98)
wx wy wz wp wq
This is a linear PDE, from which we can determine g. The auxiliary equations of (0.98) are
dx dy dz dp
fp fq pf p qf q ( f x pf z )
dq
(0.99)
( f y qf z )
38 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
These equations are called Charpit’s equations. Any integral of Eq. (0.99) involving p or q
or both can be taken as the second relation (0.95). Then, the integration of Eq. (0.96) gives
the complete integral as desired. It may be noted that all charpits equations need not be used,
but it is enough to choose the simplest of them. This method is illustrated through the
following examples:
Solution Suppose
f ( p 2 q 2 ) y qz 0 (1)
then, we have
fx 0, fy p2 q2 , fz q
fp 2 py, fq 2qy z ,
dx dy dz
2 py 2qy z 2 p y 2q 2 y qz
2
dp dq
(2)
pq [( p q 2 ) q 2 ]
2
p2 q2 a (constant) (3)
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 39
ay qz 0 or q ay/ z ½
and °
° (4)
2 ¾
§ ay · 2 2 2 2 °
p a¨ ¸ (az a y )/z °
© z ¹ ¿
f z 2 pq xy. (1)
Then, we have
fx pqy, fy pqx, fz 2z
fp qxy, fq pxy.
40 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
where a 1/ c .
Hence,
p z /ax.
Substituting these values of p and q in
dz p dx q dy,
we get
z az
dz dx dy
ax y
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 41
or
dz 1 dx dy
a
z a x y
On integration, we obtain
1
ln z ln x a ln y ln b
a
or
z bx1/a y a
which is the complete integral of the given PDE.
dx dy dz dp
2 2 2 2 2 2
2x p 2y q 2 (x p y q ) 2 xp 2
dq (1)
2
2 yq
Considering the first and last but one of Eq. (1), we have
dx dp dx dp
2 2
or 0
2x p 2 xp x p
On integration, we get
ln ( xp ) ln a or xp a (2)
From the given PDE and using the result (2), we get
y2q2 4 a2 (3)
Substituting one set of p and q values from Eqs. (2) and (3) in
dz p dx q dy,
we find that
dx dy
dz a 4 a2 .
x y
On integration, the complete integral of the given PDE is found to be
z a ln x 4 a 2 ln y b.
42 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
wz wz
p a, q b.
wx wy
Substituting these values of p and q in the given PDE, we get
f ( a, b ) 0 (0.101)
Solution The given PDE is of the form f ( p, q ) 0. Therefore, let us assume the solution
in the form
z ax by c
where
a b 1 or b (1 a )2
Hence, the complete integral is found to be
z ax (1 a )2 y c.
Solution Since the given PDE is of the form f ( p, q ) 0, we assume the solution in
the form z ax by c, where ab 1 or b 1/ a. Hence, the complete integral is
1
y c.
z ax
a
Type II Equations Not Involving the Independent Variables.
That is, equations of the type
f ( z , p, q ) 0 (0.103)
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 43
wz dz w u dz
p ¹
wx du w x du
wz dz w u dz
q ¹ a
wy du w y du
Substituting these values of p and q in the given PDE, we get
§ dz dz ·
f ¨ z, , a ¸ 0 (0.105)
© du du ¹
which is an ordinary differential equation of first order.
Solving Eq. (0.105) for dz /du , we obtain
dz
φ ( z , a ) (say)
du
or
dz
du.
φ ( z, a)
On integration, we find
dz
³ φ ( z, a) uc
That is,
F ( z , a) uc x ay c (0.106)
which is the complete integral of the given PDE.
That is,
dz dz
a az 1 or a du
du az 1
On integration, we find
ln (az 1) u c x ay c
which is the required complete integral.
or
z 2 a 2 dz du
On integration, we get
z z 2 a2 a2 ª z z 2 a2 º
ln « » x ay b
2 2 «¬ a »¼
which is the required complete integral of the given PDE.
z ³ φ ( x) dx ³ ψ ( y) dy b (0.109)
Then,
p x a, q y a.
Now, substituting these values of p and q in
dz p dx q dy
we find
dz x a dx y a dy
On integration, the complete integral is found to be
2 2
z ( x a )3/2 ( y a )3/2 b.
3 3
dx dy dz
x fp y fq px qy pf p qf q
dp dq
(0.111)
p p qq
z px qy 1 p 2 q 2
Solution The given PDE is in the Clairaut’s form. Hence, its complete integral is
z ax by 1 a 2 b 2 .
dt dx du
Solution The characteristic equations for the given problem is given by .
1 c 0
On integration, we get: u = constant and x – ct = x (constant). This linear problem
has a unique solution, given by u(x, t) = f(x – ct).
This is a right travelling wave with speed c, of course with no change in shape. The
characteristic line x = x + ct, gives rise to a system of parallel, straight lines in the (x, t)-plane
as shown in Fig. 0.6.
We observe that one of these lines that passes through the point (x, t) intersects the
x-axis at (x, 0) moving with speed c, having a slope –1/c.
EXAMPLE 0.28 In classical mechanics, the Hamilton–Jacobi equation for the problem of
one-dimensional, Harmonic oscillator is given by the differential equation as (see–Sankara
Rao, 2005).
48 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
2
1 È S Ø 1 S
É Ù Kq 2 0,
2 m Ê q Ú 2 t
S
where S = S(p, q, t), p = and K is a constant. Using Charpits method, find S.
q
Solution Following the notation of Eq. (0.94) we rewrite
2
1 È S Ø 1 S
f (t , q, S, St , Sq ) É Ù Kq 2 (1)
Ê
2 m q Ú 2 t
which gives us
Sq
ft 0, fq Kq, f S .
0, f St 1, f Sq
m
Then, the Charpits auxiliary equations (0.99) assumes the following form:
dt dq dS dSt dSq
(2)
1 Sq /m St Sq2 /m 0 Kq
dq dSq
Considering the second and last members, we have .
Sq /m Kq
On integration, we get
Sq2 1 2
Kq a (constant of integration).
2m 2
Equation (1) then becomes
St = –a,
È 2a Ø
and Sq2 Km É q2 Ù .
ÊK Ú
Substituting St and Sq into
dS = St dt + Sq dq
and integrating, we arrive at
1/2
È 2a Ø
S at Km É
ÊK Ô
q2 Ù
Ú
dq C
or S Ô
at Km (D 2 q 2 )1/2 dq C
2a
where a2 = and C is another constant of integration.
K
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 49
EXERCISES
1. Eliminate the arbitrary function in the following and hence obtain the corresponding
PDE
z x y f ( xy ).
2. Form the PDE from the following by eliminating the constants
z ( x 2 a ) ( y 2 b).
3. Find the integral surface (general solution) of the differential equation
wz wz
x2 y2 ( x y ) z.
wx wy
4. Find the general integrals of the following linear PDEs:
y2 z
(i) p xzq y2
x
(ii) ( y 1) p ( x 1) q z.
5. Find the integral surface of the linear PDE
xp yq z
and determine the integral surface which passes through the curve z x, y 0.
10. Determine the characteristics of the equation
z p2 q2
and find the integral surface which passes through the parabola 4 z x 2 0, y 0.
50 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
(ii) p 2 q 2 x 2 y 2 x 2 q 2 ( x 2 y 2 ).
17. Find the complete integral of the PDE
z px qy sin ( pq )
18. Find the complete integrals of the following PDEs:
(i) xp3 q 2 yp 2 q3 ( p3 q3 ) zp 2 q 2 0
(ii) p qz p 2 ( xq p 2 ) q 2 ( yp q 2 ).
19. Find the surface which intersects the surfaces of the system
z ( x y) c (3 z 1)
orthogonally and passes through the circle
x2 y2 1, z 1.
20. Find the complete integral of the equation
( p2 q2 ) x pz
wz wz
where p , q . (GATE-Maths, 1996)
wx wy
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER 51
Fundamental Concepts
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Many practical problems in science and engineering, when formulated mathematically, give
rise to partial differential equations (often referred to as PDE). In order to understand the
physical behaviour of the mathematical model, it is necessary to have some knowledge about
the mathematical character, properties, and the solution of the governing PDE. An equation
which involves several independent variables (usually denoted by x, y, z, t, …), a dependent
function u of these variables, and the partial derivatives of the dependent function u with
respect to the independent variables such as
F ( x, y, z , t , } , u x , u y , u z , ut , } , u xx , u yy , } , u xy ,}) 0 (1.1)
is called a partial differential equation. A few well-known examples are:
(i) ut k (u xx u yy u zz ) [linear three-dimensional heat equation]
Definition 1.1 The order of the partial differential equation is the order of the highest derivative
occurring in the equation. Thus the above examples are partial differential equations of
second order, whereas
ut uu xxx sin x
is an example for third order partial differential equation.
52
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 53
w (ξ , η ) ξx ξy
J (ξ xη y ξ yη x ) z 0 (1.6)
w ( x, y ) ηx ηy
54 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
in the domain Ω where Eq. (1.4) holds. Using the chain rule of partial differentiation, the
partial derivatives become
ux uξ ξ x uηη x
uy uξ ξ y uηη y
Substituting these expressions into the original differential equation (1.4), we get
Auξξ Buξη Cuηη Duξ Euη Fu G (1.8)
where
A Aξ x2 Bξ xξ y Cξ y2
B 2 Aξ xη x B (ξ xη y ξ yη x ) 2Cξ yη y
C Aη x2 Bη xη y Cη y2
D Aξ xx Bξ xy Cξ yy Dξ x Eξ y
E Aη xx Bη xy Cη yy Dη x Eη y
F F, G G (1.9)
It may be noted that the transformed equation (1.8) has the same form as that of the original
equation (1.4) under the general transformation (1.5).
Since the classification of Eq. (1.4) depends on the coefficients A, B and C, we can also
rewrite the equation in the form
Au xx Bu xy Cu yy H ( x, y , u , u x , u y ) (1.10)
It can be shown easily that under the transformation (1.5), Eq. (1.10) takes one of the
following three canonical forms:
(i) uξξ uηη φ (ξ , η , u, uξ , uη ) (1.11a)
or
uξη φ , (ξ , η , u , uξ , uη ) in the hyperbolic case
or
uηη φ (ξ , η , u, uξ , uη ) in the parabolic case
We shall discuss in detail each of these cases separately.
Using Eq. (1.9) it can also be verified that
B 2 4 AC (ξ xη y ξ yηx )2 ( B 2 4 AC )
and therefore we conclude that the transformation of the independent variables does not
modify the type of PDE.
Since the discriminant B 2 4 AC ! 0 for hyperbolic case, we set A 0 and C 0 in Eq. (1.9),
which will give us the coordinates ξ and η that reduce the given PDE to a canonical form
in which the coefficients of uξξ , uηη are zero. Thus we have
A Aξ x2 Bξ xξ y Cξ y2 0
C Aη x2 Bη xη y Cη 2y 0
which, on rewriting, become
2
§ξ · §ξ ·
A¨ x ¸ B ¨ x ¸ C 0
©ξ y ¹ ©ξ y ¹
2
§η · §η ·
A¨ x ¸ B ¨ x ¸ C 0
©η y ¹ ©ηy ¹
ξx B B 2 4 AC
ξy 2A
ηx B B 2 4 AC (1.12)
ηy 2A
dy §ξ ·
¨ x ¸ (1.13)
dx ©ξy ¹
dy §η ·
¨ x ¸ (1.14)
dx ©η y ¹
Integrating Eqs. (1.13) and (1.14), we obtain the equations of family of characteristics ξ ( x, y ) c1
and η ( x, y ) c2 , which are called the characteristics of the PDE (1.4). Now to obtain the
canonical form for the given PDE, we substitute the expressions of ξ and η into Eq. (1.8)
which reduces to Eq. (1.11a).
To make the ideas clearer, let us consider the following example:
3u xx 10u xy 3u yy 0
dy §ξ · § B B 2 4 AC · 1
¨ x ¸ ¨ ¸
dx ©ξ y ¹ ¨© 2A ¸¹ 3
dy §η · § B B 2 4 AC ·
¨ x ¸ ¨ ¸ 3
dx ©ηy ¹ ¨© 2A ¸¹
To find ξ and η , we first solve for y by integrating the above equations. Thus, we get
1
y 3 x c1 , y x c2
3
which give the constants as
c1 y 3 x, c2 y x /3
Therefore,
1
ξ y 3x c1 , η y x c2
3
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 57
These are the characteristic lines for the given hyperbolic equation. In this example, the
characteristics are found to be straight lines in the (x, y)-plane along which the initial data,
impulses will propagate.
To find the canonical equation, we substitute the expressions for ξ and η into Eq. (1.9) to get
B 2 AY xIx B (Y xI y Y y Ix ) 2CY y I y
¦ 1µ © ¦ 1µ ¸
2(3) ( 3) § ¶ 10 ª( 3)(1) 1§ ¶ ¹ 2(3) (1) (1)
¨ 3· « ¨ 3· º
¦ 10 µ 100 64
6 10 § ¶ 6 12
¨ 3· 3 3
C 0, D 0, E 0, F 0
Hence, the required canonical form is
64
uξη 0 or uξη 0
3
On integration, we obtain
u (ξ , η ) f (ξ ) g (η )
where f and g are arbitrary. Going back to the original variables, the general solution is
u ( x, y ) f ( y 3x) g ( y x /3)
ξx B r B 2 4 AC
ξy 2A
58 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
dy ξ B
=− x =
dx ξ y 2A
and get the implicit solution
ξ ( x, y ) = C1
B = 2 Aξ x η x + B (ξ x η y + ξ y ηx ) + 2Cξ y η y
B = 2 Aξxηx + 2 AC (ξ xη y + ξ y ηx ) + 2Cξ y η y
= 2 ( Aξ x + C ξ y ) ( Aηx + C η y )
However,
ξx B 2 AC C
=− =− =−
ξy 2A 2A A
Hence,
B = 2 ( Aξ x − Aξ x ) ( Aη x + Cη y ) = 0
We therefore choose ξ in such a way that both A and B are zero. Then η can be chosen in
any way we like as long as it is not parallel to the ξ - coordinate. In other words, we choose η such
that the Jacobian of the transformation is not zero. Thus we can write the canonical equation
for parabolic case by simply substituting ξ and η into Eq. (1.8) which reduces to either of
the forms (1.11c).
To illustrate the procedure, we consider the following example:
x 2u xx − 2 xyu xy + y 2u yy = e x
On integration, we have
xy c
and hence ξ xy will satisfy the characteristic equation and we can choose η y. To find
the canonical equation, we substitute the expressions for ξ and η into Eq. (1.9) to get
A Ay 2 Bxy cx 2 x2 y 2 2 x2 y 2 y 2 x2 0
2
B 0, C y , D 2 xy
E 0, F 0, G ex
Hence, the transformed equation is
y 2uηη 2 xyuξ ex
or
η 2uηη 2ξ uξ eξ /η
The canonical form is, therefore,
2ξ 1
uηη u
2 ξ
eξ /η
η η2
dy B B 2 4 AC
dx 2A
dy B B 2 4 AC
dx 2A
give us complex conjugate coordinates, say ξ and η. Now, we make another transformation
from (ξ , η ) to (α , β ) so that
ξ η ξ η
α , β
2 2i
which give us the required canonical equation in the form (1.11b).
To illustrate the procedure, we consider the following example:
u xx x 2u yy 0
dy B B 2 4 AC 4 x 2
ix
dx 2A 2
dy B B 2 4 AC
ix
dx 2A
Integration of these equations yields
x2 x2
iy c1 , iy c2
2 2
Hence, we may assume that
1 2 1 2
ξx iy , η x iy
2 2
Now, introducing the second transformation
ξ η ξ η
α , β
2 2i
we obtain
x2
α
, β y
2
The canonical form can now be obtained by computing
A Aα x2 βα xα y cα 2y x2
B 2 Aα x β x B (α x β y α y β x ) 2c (α y β y ) 0
C Aβ x2 B β x β y c β y2 x2
D Aα xx Bα xy cα yy Dα x Eα y 1
E Aβ xx B β xy c β yy D β x E β y 0
F 0, G 0
ξ = x2 + y 2 , η = y2
To find the canonical equation, we compute
A = Aξ x2 + Bξxξ y + Cξ 2y = 4 x 2 y 2 − 8 x 2 y 2 + 4 x 2 y 2 = 0
B = 0, C = 4 x2 y 2 , D=E =F =G=0
Hence, the required canonical equation is
4 x 2 y 2uηη = 0 or uηη = 0
uη = f (ξ ), u = f (ξ )η + g (ξ )
where f (ξ ) and g (ξ ) are arbitrary functions of ξ . Now, going back to the original independent
variables, the required solution is
u = y 2 f ( x2 + y 2 ) + g ( x2 + y 2 )
B 2 − 4 AC = − 4 (1 + x 2 ) (1 + y 2 ) < 0
62 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Hence the given PDE is an elliptic type. The characteristic equations are
dy B − B 2 − 4 AC − 4(1 + x 2 ) (1 + y 2 ) 1 + y2
= =− = −i
dx 2A 2(1 + x 2 ) 1 + x2
dy B + B 2 − 4 AC 1 + y2
= =i
dx 2A 1 + x2
On integration, we get
ξ = ln ( x + x 2 + 1) − i ln ( y + y 2 + 1) = c1
η = ln ( x + x 2 + 1) + i ln ( y + y 2 + 1) = c2
Introducing the second transformation
ξ +η η −ξ
α= , β=
2 2i
we obtain
α = ln ( x + x 2 + 1)
β = ln ( y + y 2 + 1)
Then the canonical form can be obtained by computing
A = Aα x2 + Bα xα y + Cα 2y = 1, B = 0, C = 1, D=E =F =G=0
Thus the canonical equation for the given PDE is
uαα + u ββ = 0
EXAMPLE 1.3 Reduce the following equation to a canonical form and hence solve it:
u xx − 2 sin xu xy − cos2 xu yy − cos xu y = 0
Solution Comparing with the general second order PDE (1.4), we have
A = 1, B = −2 sin x, C = − cos 2 x,
D = 0, E = − cos x, F = 0, G=0
The discriminate B 2 − 4 AC = 4 (sin 2 x + cos 2 x) = 4 > 0. Hence the given PDE is hyperbolic.
The relevant characteristic equations are
dy B − B 2 − 4 AC
= = − sin x − 1
dx 2A
dy B + B 2 − 4 AC
= = 1 − sin x
dx 2A
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 63
On integration, we get
y cos x x c1 , y cos x x c2
Thus, we choose the characteristic lines as
ξ x y cos x c1 , η x y cos x c2
In order to find the canonical equation, we compute
A Aξ x2 Bξ xξ y Cξ y2 0
B 2 Aξ xη x B (ξ xη y ξ yη x ) 2Cξ yη y
C 0, D 0, E 0, F 0, G 0
Thus, the required canonical equation is
uξη 0
Integrating with respect to ξ , we obtain
uη f (η )
where f is arbitrary. Integrating once again with respect to η , we have
u ³ f (η ) dη g (ξ )
or
u ψ (η ) g (ξ )
where g (ξ ) is another arbitrary function. Returning to the old variables x, y, the solution of
the given PDE is
u ( x, y ) ψ ( y x cos x) g ( y x cos x)
dy ξx B B 2 4 AC 2 x
x
dx ξy 2A 2
dy ηx B B 2 4 AC
x
dx ηy 2A
64 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Integration yields
2
y ( x)3/2 c1
3
2
y ( x)3/2 c2
3
Therefore, the new coordinates are
3
ξ ( x, y ) y ( x )3 c1
2
3
η ( x, y ) y ( x )3 c2
2
which are cubic parabolas.
In order to find the canonical equation, we compute
9 9
A Aξ x2 Bξ xξ y Cξ y2 x0 x 0
4 4
3
B 9 x, C 0, D ( x)1/2 E, F G 0
4
Thus, the required canonical equation is
3 3
9 xuξη ( x ) 1/2 uξ ( x )1/2 uη 0
4 4
or
1
uξη (uξ uη )
6 (ξ η )
dy B # B 2 4 AC
1 # cos x
dx 2A
On integration, we get
y x sin x c1 , y x sin x c2
Thus, the characteristic equations are
ξ y x sin x, η y x sin x
EXAMPLE 1.6 Reduce the following equation to a canonical form and hence solve it:
yu xx ( x y ) u xy xu yy 0
dy B # B 2 4 AC ( x y) # ( x y)
dx 2A 2y
Therefore,
dy dy x
1,
dx dx y
On integration, we obtain
y x c1 , y2 x 2 c2
Hence, the characteristic equations are
ξ y x, η y 2 x2
66 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
These are straight lines and rectangular hyperbolas. The canonical form can be obtained by
computing
A Aξ x2 Bξ xξ y Cξ y2 yx yx 0, B 2 ( x y )2 ,
C 0, D 0, E 2( x y ), F G 0
Thus, the canonical equation for the given PDE is
2( x y )2 uξη 2( x y ) uη 0
or
2ξ 2uξη 2(ξ ) uη 0
or
w § wu ·
ξ uξη uη ξ 0
w ξ ¨© w η ¸¹
Integration yields
wu
ξ f (η )
wη
Again integrating with respect to η , we obtain
1
u
ξ ³ f (η ) dη g (ξ )
Hence,
1
u
yx ³ f ( y 2 x 2 ) d ( y 2 x 2 ) g ( y x)
Solution Comparing with the general PDE (1.4) and replacing y by t, we have A 1, B 0,
A Aξ x2 Bξ xξt Cξ t2 0,
2N 2N
C 0, D Dξ x Eξt , E Dη x Eηt
x x
68 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Solution The discriminant B 2 4 AC 12 0. Hence, the given PDE is elliptic. The
characteristic equations are
dy B B 2 4 AC
1 i 3
dx 2A
dy B B 2 4 AC
1 i 3
dx 2A
Integration of these equations yields
y (1 i 3) x c1 , y (1 i 3) x c2
Hence, we may take the characteristic equations in the form
ξ y (1 i 3) x, η y (1 i 3) x
In order to avoid calculations with complex variables, we introduce the second transformation
ξ η ξ η
α , β
2 2i
Therefore,
α y x, β 3x
The canonical form can now be obtained by computing
A Aα x2 Bα xα y Cα 2y 3
B 2 Aα x β x B (α x β y α y β x ) 2Cα y β y 0
C Aβ x2 B β x β y C β y2 3
D Aα xx Bα xy Cα yy Dα x Eα y 1
E Aβ xx B β xy C β yy D β x E β y 2 3
F 0, G 0
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 69
which is obtained after repeated integration by parts. Here, L* is the operator adjoint to L,
where the functions u and v are completely arbitrary except that Lu and L*v should exist.
EXAMPLE 1.10 Let Lu a ( x) (d 2u /dx 2 ) b( x) (du /dx) c( x)u; construct its adjoint L*.
Solution Consider the equation
B B ª d 2u du º
³A vLu dx ³A v « a ( x) 2 b( x)
¬« dx dx
c( x)u » dx
¼»
B d 2u B du B
³A (av)
dx 2
dx ³A (bv)
dx
dx ³A (cv) u dx
However,
B
d 2u B
d
Ô A
(av)
dx 2
dx Ô A
(av)
dx
(u )dx
B
[u va ] BA Ô A
(av) u dx
B
[u av] BA [u (av) ] BA Ô A
u (av) dx
B B
du
Ô A
(bv)
dx
dx [u (bv)] BA Ô A
u (bv) dx
B B
Ô A
(cv) u dx Ô A
u (cv) dx
70 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Therefore,
B B
³A vLu dx [u c (av) u (av) c u (bv)] BA ³A u [(av)cc (bv)c (cv)] dx
Comparing this equation with Eq. (1.17), we get
³³ vLu dσ [ ] ³³ uL * v dσ
S S
where the integrated part [ ] is a line integral evaluated over w S , the boundary of S, then L*
is called the adjoint operator. In general, a second order linear partial differential operator L
is denoted by
n n
w 2u wu
L(u ) ¦ Aij
w xiw x j i ¦ Bi w xi Cu (1.19)
i, j 1 1
Here it is assumed that Aij C (2) and Bi C (1). For any pair of functions u , v C (2) , it can
be shown that
w Ë È wu wv Ø È w Aij Ø Û
n n n
vL(u ) uL * (v) Ç Ì
w xi Ì Ç Aij É v
Ê w xj
u Ù
w xj Ú
uv É Bi
Ê
Ç wx ÙÜ
j ÚÜ
(1.21)
i 1 Í j 1 j 1 Ý
This is known as Lagrange’s identity.
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 71
Solution Comparing Eq. (1.22) with the general linear PDE (1.19), we have
A11 1, A22 1. From Eq. (1.20), the adjoint of (1.22) is given by
w2 w2
L * (v ) (v ) (v ) vxx v yy
w x2 w y2
Therefore,
L * (u ) u xx u yy
Hence, the Laplace operator is a self-adjoint operator.
w2 w
L * (v ) (v ) ( v ) vxx vt
wx 2 wt
Therefore,
L * (u ) u xx ut
It may be noted that the diffusion operator is not a self-adjoint operator.
Here, (ξ , η ) are the natural coordinates for the hyperbolic system. In the xy-plane, the curves
ξ ( x, y ) c1 and η ( x, y ) c2 are the characteristics of the given PDE as shown in Fig. 1.1(a),
while in the ξη -plane, the curves ξ c1 and η c2 are families of straight lines parallel to
the axes as shown in Fig. 1.1(b).
72 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
y
I
Characteristics Characteristics
Y = const.
x
O
I = const. Y
O
(a) (b)
Fig. 1.1 Families of characteristic lines.
A linear second order partial differential equation in two variables, once classified as a
hyperbolic equation, can always be reduced to the canonical form
w 2u
F ( x, y , u , u x , u y )
wxw y
In particular, consider an equation which is already reduced to its canonical form in the
variables x, y:
w 2u wu wu
L(u ) a b cu F ( x, y ) (1.24)
wxw y wx wy
where L is a linear differential operator and a, b, c, F are functions of x and y only and are
differentiable in some domain IR .
Let v ( x, y ) be an arbitrary function having continuous second order partial derivatives.
Let us consider the adjoint operator L* of L defined by
w 2v w w
L * (v ) (av) (bv) cv (1.25)
wxw y wx wy
Now we introduce
wv wu
M auv u , N buv v (1.26)
wy wx
then
Mx Ny u x (av) u (av) x u x v y uvxy u y (bv) u (bv) y v y u x vu xy
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 73
Q P(Y, I)
IR
Data curve R
x
O
Let P(ξ , η ) be a point at which the solution to the Cauchy problem is sought. Let us draw
the characteristics PQ and PR through P to meet the curve Γ at Q and R. We assume that
u, ux, uy are prescribed along Γ. Let w IR be a closed contour PQRP bounding IR . Since
Eq. (1.28) is already in canonical form, the characteristics are lines parallel to x and y axes.
Using Green’s theorem, we have
ÔÔ ( M x N y )dxdy vÔ IR ( M dy N dx ) (1.29)
R
74 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
where ∂ IR is the boundary of IR . Applying this theorem to the surface integral of Eq. (1.27),
we obtain
In other words,
Ú Γ
( M dy - N dx) + Ú RP
( M dy - N dx) + Ú PQ
( M dy - N dx) = ÚÚ [vL(u) - uL * (v)] dx dy
R
ÚPQ
N dx = [uv] Qp + ÚP
u (bv - vx ) dx
This is called the Riemann-Green solution for the Cauchy problem described by Eq. (1.28)
when u and ux are prescribed on *. Equation (1.35) can also be written as
[u ] P [uv]Q Ô *
uv (a dy b dx ) Ô *
(uv y dy vu x dx) ÔÔIR (vF ) dx dy (1.36)
This relation gives us the value of u at a point P when u and ux are prescribed on Γ. But when
u and uy are prescribed on Γ, we obtain
1 1
[u ]P
2
{[uv]Q [uv]R }
( ³
uv (a dy b dx)
2 ( ³
u (vx dx v y dy )
1
³
2 (
v (u x dx u y dy ) ³³ (vF ) dx dy (1.38)
IR
Thus, we can see that the solution to the Cauchy problem at a point (ξ , η ) depends only
on the Cauchy data on Γ. The knowledge of the Riemann-Green function therefore enables
us to solve Eq. (1.28) with the Cauchy data prescribed on a noncharacteristic curve.
w 2u
L(u ) F ( x, y ) (1.39)
wxw y
76 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
w 2v (1.41)
L * (v )
wxw y
Here, L = L* and is a self-adjoint operator. Using Green’s theorem
³³ (M x N y ) dx dy ³w IR (M dy N dx)
IR
we have
But
where
§ wv wu ·
³ Γ (M dy N dx) ³ Γ ¨© u w y dy v w x dx ¸¹
From Fig. 1.3, we have on Γ, x y. Therefore, dx dy. Hence
§ wv wu·
³ Γ (M dy N dx) ³ Γ ¨© u w y v w x ¸¹ dx (1.44)
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 77
y
y =η
P(ξ, η) Q
x=ξ x
y=
R
x
O
∂u
∫QP (M dy − N dx) = ∫QP − N dx = ∫QP − v ∂x dx (1.45)
Substituting Eqs. (1.44)–(1.46) into Eq. (1.43), we obtain from Eq. (1.42), the relation
⎛ ∂v ∂u ⎞ ∂u ∂v
∫∫ [vF − uL * (v)] dx dy = ∫Γ ⎜⎝ −u ∂ y dx − v ∂ x dx ⎟⎠ + ∫QP −v ∂ x dx + ∫PR −u ∂ y dy
IR
But
∂u ∂v
∫QP −v ∂ x dx = [−vu] Q + ∫QP u ∂ x dx
P
Therefore,
⎛ ∂v ∂u ⎞
∫∫ [vF − uL * (v)] dx dy = ∫Γ ⎜⎝ −u ∂ y dx − v ∂ x dx ⎟⎠
IR
∂v ∂v
∫QP u ∂ x dx + ∫PR − u ∂ y dy
P
+ [−vu ] Q + (1.47)
wv
(iii) 0 when x ξ , i.e., on PR
wy
(iv) v 1 at P (ξ , η ).
Equation (1.47) becomes
§ wv wu ·
³³ (vF ) dx dy ³ ( ¨© u w y dx v w x dx ¸¹ (uv)Q (u)P
IR
or
§ wv wu ·
(u ) P (uv)Q ³ ( ¨© u w y dx v w x dx ¸¹ ³³ (v F ) dx dy (1.48)
IR
However,
© w w ¸
(uv) R
(uv)Q ± ( d (uv) ±( ª w x (uv) dx w y (uv) dy ¹
« º
±( (u x v dx uvx dx u y v dy uv y dy )
Now Eq. (1.48) can be rewritten as
1 1
(u ) P
2
[(uv)Q (uv) R ]
2 ( ³
(uvx dx vu x dx)
1
³
2 (
(u y v dy uv y dy ) ³³ (vF ) dx dy
IR
EXAMPLE 1.14 Verify that the Green function for the equation
w 2u 2 §w u w u ·
0
w x w y x y ©¨ w x w y ¹¸
subject to u 0, w u /w x 3x 2 on y x, is given by
( x y ) {2 xy (ξ η ) ( x y ) 2ξη}
v ( x, y; ξ , η )
(ξ η )3
and obtain the solution of the equation in the form
u ( x y ) (2 x 2 xy 2 y 2 )
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 79
w 2u 2 wu 2 wu
L(u ) 0 (1.50)
wxw y x y wx x y w y
Comparing this equation with the standard canonical hyperbolic equation (1.24), we have
2
a b , C 0, F 0
x y
Its adjoint equation is L * (v) 0, where
w 2v w § 2v · w § 2 v ·
L * (v ) . (1.51)
w x w y w x ©¨ x y ¸¹ w y ¨© x y ¸¹
such that
(i) L * v 0 throughout the xy-plane
wv 2
(ii) v on PQ, i.e., on y η
wx x y
wv 2
(iii) v on PR, i.e., on x ξ
wy x y
(1.52)
(iv) v 1 at P(ξ , η ).
If v is defined by
( x y)
v ( x, y; ξ , η ) [2 xy (ξ η ) ( x y ) 2ξη ] (1.53)
(ξ η )3
Then
wv x y ª 2 xy (Y I ) ( x y ) 2YI º
[2 y (Y I )] « »
wx (Y I )3 ¬ (Y I )3 ¼
or
wv 1
[4 xy 2 y 2 2 x (Y I ) 2YI ] (1.54)
wx (Y I ) 3
and
w 2v 4( x y )
(1.55)
wxw y (ξ η )3
wv 1
[4 xy 2 x 2 2 y (ξ η ) 2ξη ] (1.56)
wy (ξ η )3
80 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
w 2v 2 §wv wv · 4v
L * (v )
w x w y x y ©¨ w x w y ¹¸ ( x y )2
4 ( x y) 2
[4 xy 2 ( x 2 y 2 )]
(ξ η ) 3
( x y ) (ξ η ) 3
or
4 ( x y) 4 ( x y)
L * (v ) 3
0
(Y I ) (Y I )3
Hence condition (i) of Eq. (1.52) is satisfied. Also, on y η.
wv 1
[4 xI 2I 2 2 x (Y I ) 2YI ]
wx (Y I ) 3
or
wv 1
[2η 2 2 x (ξ η ) 2ξη ] (1.57)
wx y η (ξ η ) 3
2v 2 x η
[2 xη (ξ η ) ( x η ) 2ξη ]
x y x η (ξ η )3
1
[2η 2 2 x (ξ η ) 2ξη ] (1.58)
(ξ η ) 3
ξ η (ξ η ) (ξ η ) 2
v [2ξη (ξ η )2 2ξη ] 1
(ξ η ) 3
(ξ η )3
Thus property (iv) in Eq. (1.52) has also been verified.
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 81
w § w u · w § w v · w § 2vu · w § 2vu ·
¨v ¸ u
w y © w x ¹ w x ¨© w y ¸¹ w x ¨© x y ¸¹ w y ¨© x y ¸¹
w § 2vu w v · w § 2vu wu ·
¨ u ¸ ¨ v ¸
wx©x y w y¹ w y ©x y wx¹
wM wN
wx wy
where
2uv wv 2vu wu
u M , N v
x y wy x y wx
Now using Green’s theorem, we have
Q
³³ [vL(u) uL * (v)] dx dy ³w IR (M dy N dx) ³R (M dy N dx)
IR
P R
³Q (M dy N dx) ³P (M dy N dx) (1.59)
P ª 2uv w u ½º R ª 2uv w v ½º
³Q «®
¬¯ x y
v ¾» dx
w x ¿¼ ³P «®
¬¯ x y
u ¾» dy
w y ¿¼
However,
P § 2uv wu · P 2uv P wv
³Q ¨© x y v w x ¸¹ dx ³Q ³Q u w x dx
P
dx (uv) Q
x y
Now, using the condition u 0 on y x, Eq. (1.59) becomes
Q § 2uv wv · Q § 2uv wu ·
³³ [vL(u) uL * (v)] dx dy ³R ¨© x y u w y ¹¸ dy ³R ¨© x y v w x ¹¸ dx
IR
P 2uv P wv
³Q x y
dx (uv) P (uv)Q ³Q u w x dx
P 2uv R § wv ·
³Q x y
dy ³P u
©¨ w y ¹¸
dy
82 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Also, using conditions (ii)–(iv) of Eq. (1.52), the above equation simplifies to
Q wu
(u ) P (uv)Q ³R v
wx
dx
Q ª 2 x [2 x 2 2YI ] º
(u ) P (uv)Q 3 ³R x2 «
«¬ (Y I )
3 » dx
»¼
12 I
(Y I ) 3 ³Y ( x5 x3YI ) dx
12 ª1 6 6 1 4 4 º
«¬ 6 (I Y ) 4 YI (I Y ) »¼
3
(Y I )
Y 2 I2
[2 (Y 4 Y 2I 2 I 4 ) 3YI (Y 2 I 2 )]
(Y I )3
(Y I ) (2Y 2 YI 2I 2 )
Therefore,
u ( x, y ) ( x y ) (2 x 2 xy 2 y 2 )
Hence the result.
EXAMPLE 1.15 Show that the Green’s function for the equation
w 2u
u 0
wxw y
is
v ( x, y; Y , I ) J0 2 ( x Y ) ( y I)
where J0 denotes Bessel’s function of the first kind of order zero.
Solution Comparing with the standard canonical hyperbolic equation (1.24), we have
a b 0, c 1
It is a self-adjoint equation and, therefore, the Green’s function v can be obtained from
w 2v
v 0
wxw y
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 83
subject to
wv
0 on y η
wx
wv
0 on x ξ
wy
v 1 at x ξ , y η
Let
φk a ( x ξ ) ( y η)
wv w v wφ
wx wφ w x
But
wφ
kφ k 1 a ( y η)
wx
Therefore,
wφ a 1 k
φ ( y η)
wx k
Thus,
wv w v a 1 k
φ ( y η)
wx wφ k
w 2v w ª w v a 1 k º
« φ ( y η )»
wxw y w y ¬w φ k ¼
a ª 1 k w v w v wφ w 2v w φ º
«φ (1 k ) φ k ( y η ) φ 1 k ( y η ) 2 »
k ¬« wφ wφ w y w φ w y »¼
However,
wφ a 1 k
φ (x ξ )
wy k
Therefore,
w 2v a ª 1 k w v k a 1 k w v 1 k w 2 v a 1 k º
« φ (1 k ) φ ( x ξ ) ( y η ) φ φ ( y η ) φ ( x ξ )»
wxw y k ¬« wφ k wφ wφ k2
¼»
84 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Hence,
∂ 2v
+v=0
∂x∂ y
gives
a ⎡ φ k 2 (1− k ) d 2 v φ 1− k dv dv ⎤
⎢ φ + (1 − k ) + φ 1− k ⎥+v=0
k ⎢⎣ k dφ 2 k dφ dφ ⎥⎦
or
a ⎛ 2− k d 2 v 1− k dv
⎞
⎜ φ + φ +v=0
k2 ⎝ dφ 2 dφ ⎟⎠
or
k2 k
φ 2 v ′′ + φ v ′ + φ v=0
a
Let k = 2, a = 4. Then the above equation reduces to
1
φ 2 v ′′ + φ v ′ + φ 2 v = 0 = v ′′ + v ′ + v (Bessel’s equation)
φ
Its solution is known to be of the form
v = J 0 (φ ) = J 0 2( x − ξ )( y − η)
which is the desired Green’s function.
F ( D, D ¢)u = Â ÂC D D¢
i j
ij
i j
(1.62)
∂ ∂ ∂n ∂n
where Cij are constants, D = , D ¢ = , D n = n , D ¢ n = n , etc.
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
As in the case of linear ODE with constant coefficients, the complete solution of Eq. (1.61)
consists of two parts:
(i) the complementary function (CF), which is the most general solution of the
equation F(D, D¢)u = 0, the one containing, n arbitrary functions, where n is the
order of the DE.
(ii) the particular integral (PI), is a particular solution, which is free from arbitrary
constants or functions of the equation F(D, D¢)u = f(x, y).
The complete solution of Eq. (1.61) is then
u = CF + PI (1.63)
It may be noted that, if all the terms on the left-hand side of Eq. (1.61) are of the same
order, it is said to be a homogeneous equation otherwise, it is a non-homogeneous equation.
Now, we shall study few basic theorems as is the case in ODEs.
Theorem 1.1 If uCF and uPI are respectively the complementary function and particular
integral of a linear PDE, then their sum (uCF + uPI) is a general solution of the given PDE.
Proof Since F(D, D¢)uCF = 0,
and F(D, D¢)uPI = f(x, y),
we arrive at
F(D, D¢)uCF + F(D, D¢)uPI = f(x, y).
showing that (uCF + uPI) is in fact a general solution of Eq. (1.61). Hence proved.
Theorem 1.2 If u1, u2, …, un are the solutions of the homogeneous PDE: F(D, D¢)u = 0,
n
then ÂC u , where C
i =1
i i i are arbitrary constants, is also a solution.
Ç C F (D, D )u
i 1
i i 0
Hence proved.
We shall now classify linear differential operator F(D, D¢) into reducible and irreducible
types, in the sense that F(D, D¢) is reducible if it can be expressed as the product of linear
factors of the form (aD + bD¢ + c), where a, b and c are constants, otherwise F(D, D¢) is
irreducible. For example, the operator
F(D, D¢)u = (D2 – D¢2 + 3D + 2D¢ + 2)u
= (D + D¢ + 1)(D – D¢ + 2)u
is reducible. While the operator F(D, D¢)u = (D2 – D¢), is irreducible, due to the fact that it
cannot be factored into linear factors.
È c Ø
ui = exp É i x Ù fi(bix – aiy) (1.64)
Ê ai Ú
is a solution of the equation F(D, D¢)u = 0 (Sneddon, 1986).
Proof Using product rule of differentiation, Eq. (1.64) gives
È ci Ø È ci Ø È c Ø
Dui ÉÊ a ÙÚ exp ÉÊ a x Ù Ii (bi x ai y) bi exp É i x Ù Ii(bi x ai y)
i i Ú Ê ai Ú
ci È c Ø
ui bi exp É i x Ù I (bi x ai y).
ai Ê ai Ú
Similarly, we get
È c Ø
D ui ai exp É i x Ù I (bi x ai y).
Ê ai Ú
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 87
ÏÔ n ¸Ô
F ( D, D ¢)ui = Ì
ÔÓ
’ ¢(a D + b D ¢ + c )˝Ô (a D + b D ¢ + c )u
j j j i i i i (1.66)
j =1 ˛
where, the prime on the product indicates that the factor corresponding to i = j is omitted.
Combining Eqs. (1.65) and (1.66), we arrive at the result F(D, D¢)ui = 0. Hence proved.
It may be noted that if no two factors of Eq. (1.65) are linearly independent, then the
general solution of Eq. (1.66) is the sum of the general solutions of the equations of the form
(1.65). For illustration, we consider the following examples:
EXAMPLE 1.16 Solve the following equation (D2 + 2DD¢ + D¢2 – 2D – 2D¢)u = 0.
Solution Observe that the given PDE is non-homogeneous and can be factored as
(D2 + 2DD¢ + D¢2 – 2D – 2D¢)u = (D + D¢)(D + D¢ – 2)u.
Using the result of Theorem 1.3, we get the general solution or the CF as
uCF = f1(x – y) + e2xf2(x – y).
On similar lines, we can also establish the following result:
Theorem 1.4 (Sneddon, 1986) Let (bi D¢ + ci) is a factor of F(D, D¢)u, and fi(x) is an
arbitrary function of a single variable x, then, if bi π 0, we have
Ê c ˆ
ui = exp - i
ÁË b y ˜ fi(bix) (1.67)
i ¯
Ê c ˆ
U = exp Á - i x ˜ fi(bix – aiy).
Ë ai ¯
88 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Ê c ˆ
(aiD + biD¢ + ci)u = exp Á - i x ˜ fi(bix – aiy).
Ë ai ¯
This is a first order PDE. Using the Lagrange’s method (Section 0.8), its auxiliary equations
are
dx dy du
= = (1.69)
ai bi Ê ci ˆ
-ci u + exp Á - x ˜ fi (bi x - ai y)
Ë ai ¯
One solution of which is given by
bix – aiy = l (a constant) (1.70)
Substituting this solution into the first and third of the auxiliary equations, we obtain
dx du
=
ai Ê c ˆ
-ci u + exp Á - i x ˜ fi (l )
Ë ai ¯
du ci 1 Ê c ˆ
or + u = exp Á - i x ˜ f i ( l ).
dx ai ai Ë ai ¯
This being an ODE, its solution can be readily written as
Êc ˆ 1
u exp Á i x ˜ = xfi (l ) + m (constant)
Ë ai ¯ ai
1 Ê c ˆ
or u= [ xfi (l ) + m ] exp Á - i x˜ (1.71)
ai Ë ai ¯
Thus, the solution of Eq. (1.68) is given by
u = [xfi(bix – aiy) + yi(bix – aiy]e–ci/aix (1.72)
where fi and yi are arbitrary functions.
In general, if there are n, multiple factors of the form (aiD + biD¢ + ci), then the solution
of (aiD + biD¢ + ci)n u = 0 can be written as
Ê c ˆÈ n ˘
u = exp Á - i
Ë ai
Â
x ˜ Í x j -1fij (bi x - ai y) ˙
¯ ÍÎ j =1 ˙˚
(1.73)
EXAMPLE 1.17 Find the solution of the equation (2D – D¢ + 4)(D + 2D¢ + 1)2u = 0.
Solution The complementary function (CF) corresponding to the factor (2D – D¢ + 4)
is e–2x f(–x – 2y). Similarly, CF corresponding to
(D + 2D¢ + 1)2 is e–x[y1(2x – y) + xy2(2x – y)].
Thus, the CF for the given PDE is given by
u = e–2xf(x + 2y) + e–x[y1(2x – y) + xy2(2x – y)],
where, f, y1, y2 are arbitrary functions.
Proof Let us assume the solution of F(D, D¢)u = 0 in the form, u = ceax+by, where a, b and
c are constants to be determined. Then, we have
Diu = caieax+by, D¢ju = cb j eax+by,
DiD¢ju = caib jeax+by
Thus, F(D, D¢)u = 0 yields
c[F(a, b)]eax+by = 0
where c is an arbitrary constant, not zero, holds true iff
F(a, b) = 0, (1.75)
indicating that there exists infinite pair of values (ai, bi) satisfying Eq. (1.75). Hence,
u Ç ci ea x b y
i i
(1.76)
i 1
•
u = uCF = Â ci ea x +b y
i i
i =1
where ai, bi are related by F(ai, bi) = 0.
That is,
2ai2 – bi2 + ai = 0
which gives bi2 = 2ai2 + ai.
1
and
D¢
f ( x , y) = Ú f ( x, y)dy.
x constant
We present below different cases for finding the PI, depending on the nature of f(x, y).
Case I Let f(x, y) = exp(ax + by), then
1 1
eax + by = e ax + by (1.80)
F ( D, D ¢) F (a, b)
By direct differentiation, we find DiD¢jeax+by = aib j eax+by.
In other words,
F(D, D¢)eax+by = F(a, b)eax+by,
that is,
1
e ax + by = F (a, b) e ax + by .
F ( D, D ¢)
Dividing both sides by F(a, b), we get
1 1
eax + by = e ax + by ,
F ( D, D ¢) F (a, b)
provided F(a, b) π 0.
Case II Let f(x, y) = sin(ax + by) or cos(ax + by), where a and b are constants, then, since
D2 sin(ax + by) = –a2 sin(ax + by)
DD¢ sin(ax + by) = –ab sin(ax + by)
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 91
Similarly,
1 1
cos(ax + by) = cos(ax + by) (1.82)
F ( D , DD ¢, D ¢ )
2 2
F ( - a , - ab, - b2 )
2
Case III Let f(x, y) is of the form xpyq, where p and q are positive integers. Then, the PI
can be obtained by expanding F(D, D¢) in ascending powers of D or D¢.
Case IV Let f(x, y) is of the form eax+by f(x, y).
Then,
F(D, D¢)[eax+by f(x, y)] = eax+by F(D + a, D¢ + b) f(x, y).
Let us recall Leibnitz’s theorem for the nth derivative of a product of functions; thus, we have
n
D n [eax f ] = Â ncr (Dr eax )(Dn-rf )
r =0
Ê n ˆ
Â
= e ax Á ncr ar D n -r f ˜
Ë r =0 ¯
= eax(D + a)nf
Applying this result, we arrive at
F(D, D¢)[eax+byf(x, y)] = eax+by F(D + a, D¢ + b) f(x, y) (1.83)
Hence, it follows that
1 1
[e ax + byf ( x, y)] = e ax + by f ( x, y)
F ( D, D ¢) F ( D + a, D ¢ + b)
1
= e ax ◊ ebyf ( x, y)
F ( D + a, D ¢)
1
= eby ◊ e ax f ( x, y) (1.84)
F ( D, D ¢ + b)
92 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
For illustration of various cases to find PI, here follows several examples:
EXAMPLE 1.19 Solve the equation (D2 + 3DD¢ + 2D¢2)u = x + y.
Solution The given PDE is reducible, since it can be factored as
(D + D¢)(D + 2D¢)u = x + y (1)
Therefore,
CF = f1(x – y) + f2(2x – y) (2)
where f1 and f2 are arbitrary functions.
The PI of the given PDE is obtained as follows:
1
PI ( x y)
( D 3DD 2 D 2 )
2
1
( x y)
È D D 2 Ø
D É1 3
2
2 2 Ù
Ê D D Ú
1
1 Ë È D D 2 Ø Û
Ì1 É 3 2 Ù Ü ( x y)
D 2 ÌÍ Ê D D 2 Ú ÜÝ
1 Ë D Û
Ì1 3 D Ü ( x y)
D2 Í Ý
1 Ë 3 Û
2 Ì
x y (1) Ü
D Í D Ý
1 x2 x3
2
[ y 2x] y (3)
D 2 3
Adding Eqs. (2) and (3), we have the complete solution of the given PDE as
x2 x3 .
u I1 ( y x ) I2 ( y 2 x ) y
2 3
EXAMPLE 1.20 Solve the following equation (D – D¢ – 1)(D – D¢ – 2)u = e2x–y + x.
Solution The CF of the given PDE is
CF = exf1(x + y) + e2xf2(x + y) (1)
2x–y
The PI corresponding to the term e is
1 1 2xy
e2 x y e (2)
(2 1 1)(2 1 2) 2
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 93
1Ë È D D ØÛ
Ì (1 D D ) É1 Ù Ü x
2Í Ê 2 2 ÚÝ
1 È 1Ø 1È 3Ø
(1 D D ) É x Ù Éx Ù (3)
2 Ê 2Ú 2Ê 2Ú
Combining Eqs. (1), (2) and (3), the complete solution of the given PDE is found to be
1 2xy x 3
u e x I1 ( x y) e2 x I2 ( x y) e .
2 2 4
EXAMPLE 1.21 Solve the following equation
(D2 + 2DD¢ + D¢2 – 2D – 2D¢)u = sin(x + 2y).
Solution The given PDE can be factored and rewritten as
(D + D¢)(D + D¢ – 2)u = sin(x + 2y) (1)
for which the CF is given by
CF = f1(x – y) + e2xf2(x – y) (2)
while
1
PI sin( x 2 y) .
( D 2 DD D 2 2 D 2 D )
2
[2( D D ) 9]
sin( x 2 y )
[4( D 2 DD D 2 ) 81]
2
2( D D ) 9
sin( x 2 y)
117
1
[2 cos(x + 2y) + 4 cos(x + 2y) – 9 sin(x + 2y)]
117
1
[2 cos(x + 2y) – 3 sin(x + 2y)] (3)
39
94 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Adding Eqs. (1), (2) and (3), we find that the complete solution of the given PDE as
1
u = f1(x – y) + e2xf2(x – y) + [2 cos(x + 2y) – 3 sin(x + 2y)].
39
EXAMPLE 1.22 Solve the following equation
(D2 – DD¢)u = cos x cos 2y.
Solution The given PDE can be rewritten as
D(D – D¢)u = cos x cos 2y (1)
Its CF is given by
CF = f1(y) + f2(y + x), (2)
while its PI is given by
1 1
PI ¹ [cos(x + 2y) + cos(x – 2y)]
( D DD )
2 2
1Ë 1 1 Û
Ì cos( x 2 y) cos( x 2 y)Ü
2 Í ( 1 2) ( 1 2) Ý
1 1
cos( x 2 y) cos( x 2 y) (3)
2 6
Hence, the complete solution of the given PDE is given by
1 1
u = f1(y) + f2(y + x) + cos(x + 2y) – cos(x – 2y).
2 6
EXAMPLE 1.23 Find the solution of
(D2 + DD¢ – 6D¢2)u = y cos x.
Solution The given PDE can be rewritten as
(D + 3D¢)(D – 2D¢)u = y cos x (1)
Its CF is given by
CF = f1(3x – y) + f2(2x + y) (2)
The PI of the given PDE is
1 1
PI ¹ y cos x (3)
( D 3D ) ( D 2 D )
1
Applying the operator first on y cos x
( D 2 D )
(D – 2D¢)u = y cos x
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 95
u Ô (O 2 x ) cos x dx
where l is to be replaced by (y + 2x) after integration. Now, Eq. (3) gives
1 Ë(O 2 x ) sin x sin x ( 2)dx Û
PI
( D 3D ) ÍÌ Ô ÝÜ
1
[(O 2 x ) sin x 2 cos x ]
( D 3D )
1
[ y sin x 2 cos x ]
( D 3D )
i j u
ÇÇ aij x i y j x i y j f ( x, y)
i j
Solution
∂u ∂u ∂ x 1 ∂ u
= =
∂x ∂x ∂ x x ∂ x
∂u ∂u
or x =
∂x ∂x
That is,
∂ ∂
x = = D (say) (1)
∂x ∂ x
Therefore,
∂ Ê n -1 ∂ n -1u ˆ n ∂ u
n
n -1 ∂
n -1
u
x Á x - ˜ = x + ( n - 1) x -
∂x Ë ∂x ¯n 1
∂x n
∂x 1n
n -1
∂nu Ê ∂ ˆ n -1 ∂ u
or xn = Á x - n + 1˜ x (2)
∂x n Ë ∂ x ¯ ∂x n -1
By setting n = 2, 3, 4, … in Eq. (2), we obtain
∂2 u ∂u
x2 = ( D - 1) x = D( D - 1)u ,
∂x 2 ∂x
∂3 u
= D( D - 1)( D - 2)u ,
x3
∂x 3
and so on. Similarly, we can show that
∂u ∂u
y = = D ¢u,
∂y ∂h
∂2u
y2 = D ¢( D ¢ - 1)u ,
∂y 2
∂2u
and xy = DD ¢u
∂ x ∂y
and so on. Substituting these results into the given PDE, it becomes
F(D, D¢)u = f(ex, eh) = f(x, h) (3)
where,
∂ ∂
D= , D¢ =
∂x ∂h
Thus, Eq. (3) can be seen as a PDE with constant coefficients.
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 97
1 2 x + 2h
= e . (4)
12
Transforming back from (x, h) to (x, y), we find the complete solution of the given PDE as
x 2 y2
u = f1(log x – log y) + x f2(log x – log y) +
12
Ê xˆ Ê xˆ 1
or u = y 1 Á ˜ + x y 2 Á ˜ + x 2 y2.
Ë y¯ Ë y ¯ 12
∂z ∂z
or -m =0
∂x ∂y
which is of Lagrange’s form. Writing down its auxiliary equations, we have
dx dy dz .
= =
1 -m 0
The first two members gives y + mx = constant = a(say).
The third member yields z = constant.
Therefore, z = f(y + mx) is a solution.
Substituting for z, we get
(D – mD¢)u = f(y + mx)
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 99
However, when the above stated methods fail we have a general method, which is applicable
whatever may be the form of f(x, y), and is presented below:
We have already assumed that F(D, D¢) can be factorised, in general, say into n linear
factors. Thus,
1
PI = f ( x, y)
F ( D, D ¢)
1
PI = f ( x, y)
( D - m1D ¢)( D - m2 D ¢) K ( D - mn D ¢)
1 1 1
= ◊ L f ( x, y ) .
( D - m1D ¢) ( D - m2 D ¢) ( D - mn D ¢)
In general, to evaluate
1
f ( x, y),
( D - mD ¢)
we consider the equation
(D – mD¢)u = f(x, y)
or p – mq = f(x, y) (Lagrange’s form)
for which the auxiliary equations are
dx dy du
= = .
1 - m f ( x, y)
Its first two members, yield
y + mx = c (constant)
The first and last members gives us
du = f(x, y)dx = f(x, c – mx).
On integration, we get
u= Ú f ( x, c - mx )dx
1
or
( D - mD ¢)
f ( x, y) = Ú f ( x, c - mx )dx
After integration, we shall immediately replace c by (y + mx). Applying this procedure
repeatedly, we can find the PI for the given PDE. For illustration, we consider the following
examples:
EXAMPLE 1.28 Solve the following PDE
(D2 – 4DD¢ + 4D¢2)u = e2x+y.
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 101
Solution The given equation is a linear homogeneous PDE. Its auxiliary equation can
be written as
m2 – 4m + 4 = (m – 2)2 = 0.
In this example, the roots are repeated and they are 2, 2. The complementary function and
particular integral are obtained as
CF = f1(y + 2x) + xf2(y + 2x) (1)
1
and PI = e2 x + y
( D - 2 D ¢) 2
1
=
( D - 2 D ¢) Ú
e(2 x + c - 2 x ) dx
1 1
= xec = xe y + 2 x
( D - 2 D ¢) ( D - 2 D ¢)
Ú
= xe( c - 2 x + 2 x ) dx = ec xdx Ú
x 2 x 2 y +2 x
= ec = e (2)
2 2
From Eqs. (1) and (2), the complete solution of the given PDE is found to be
x 2 y+2x
u = f1(y + 2x) + xf2(y + 2x) + e .
2
EXAMPLE 1.29 Find a real function u(x, y), which reduces to zero when y = 0 and satisfy
the PDE
∂2 u ∂2u
+ = - p ( x 2 + y 2 ).
∂x 2
∂y 2
Hence,
CF = f1(y + ix) + f2(y – ix) (1)
-1 p ( x 2 + y2 )
and PI = p ( x 2 + y2 ) = -
( D 2 + D ¢2 ) D ¢ 2 (1 + D 2 /D ¢ 2 )
-1
p Ê D2 ˆ
=- Á 1 + ˜ ( x 2 + y2 )
D ¢2 Ë D ¢2 ¯
p È D2 ˘ 2
=- Í1 - + L˙ (x + y )
2
D ¢ ÎÍ
2
D¢ 2
˚˙
p 2p
=- ( x 2 + y2 ) +
D¢ 2
D ¢4
p Ê y3 ˆ 2p
=- 2
+ +
D ¢ ÁË 3 ˜¯ D ¢3
x y y
Ê x 2 y 2 y 4 ˆ 2p y2
or PI = - p Á + ˜+ 2
Ë 2 12 ¯ D ¢ 2
Ê x 2 y2 y 4 ˆ y4
= -p Á + ˜ + 2p
Ë 2 12 ¯ 24
p
=- x 2 y2 (2)
2
Hence, the complete solution of the given PDE is found to be
p
u = f1(y + ix) + f2(y – ix) – x2y 2 (3)
2
Finally, the real function satisfying the given PDE is given by
p
u=- x 2 y2 (4)
2
which of course Æ 0 as y Æ 0.
EXERCISES
1. Find the region in the xy-plane in which the following equation is hyperbolic:
[( x − y )2 − 1] u xx + 2u xy + [( x − y )2 − 1] u yy = 0
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 103
(c) e x u xx e y u yy u.
L* c 2 vxx vtt
7. Determine the adjoint operator L* corresponding to
L(u ) Au xx Bu xy Cu yy Du x Eu y Fu
where IR is the triangular region in the xy-plane bounded by the line y x and the
lines x x0 , y y0 through ( x0 , y0 ).
104 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
(A) parabolic in {( x, y ) : x 0}
(B) hyperbolic in {( x, y ) : y ! 0}
(C) elliptic in IR 2
(D) parabolic in {( x, y ) : x ! 0}. (GATE-Maths, 1998)
12. The equation
x 2 ( y 1) z xx x ( y 2 1) z xy y ( y 2 1) z yy z x 0
is hyperbolic in the entire xy-plane except along
(A) x-axis (B) y-axis
(C) A line parallel to y-axis (D) A line parallel to x-axis.
(GATE-Maths, 2000)
13. The characteristic curves of the equation
x 2u xx y 2u yy x 2 y 2 x, x ! 0 are
(A) rectangular hyperbola (B) parabola
(C) circle (D) straight line.
(GATE-Maths, 2000)
14. Pick the region in which the following PDE is hyperbolic:
yu xx 2 xyu xy xu yy ux u y
(A) xy z 1 (B) xy z 0
(C) xy ! 1 (D) xy ! 0.
(GATE-Maths, 2003)
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS 105
m1r §m ·
F ¨ 1¸ (2.2)
r 3 © r ¹
106
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 107
z
Q(m)
r
U
P
m1
S
O y
x
Fig. 2.1 Illustration of Newton’s universal law of gravitation.
which is called the intensity of the gravitational force. Suppose a particle of unit mass moves
under the attraction of a particle of mass m1 at P from infinity up to Q; then the work done
by the force F is
r r §m · m1
³ f F dr ³ f ¨© r1 ¸¹ dr r
(2.3)
n n
mi mi
F ¦
ri
¦ ri
(2.6)
i 1 i 1
Therefore,
n n
mi m
2V 2 ¦ ri ¦ 2 rii 0, ri z 0 (2.8)
i 1 i 1
where
w2 w2 w2
2 div
w x2 w y2 w z2
is called the Laplace operator.
In the case of continuous distribution of matter of density ρ in a volume τ , we have
ρ (ξ , η , ζ )
V ( x, y , z ) ³³³ r
dτ (2.9)
τ
2V 0 (2.10)
which is called the Laplace equation.
³³ g dS 4π GM (2.11)
S
where M ³³³ ρ dτ , ρ is the mass density function and τ is the volume in which the masses
τ
are distributed throughout. Since the gravity field is conservative, we have
g V (2.12)
where V is a scalar potential. But the Gauss divergence theorem states that
³³ g dS ³³³ g dτ (2.13)
S τ
∫∫∫ (∇ ⋅ g + 4π G ρ ) dτ = 0
τ
implying
∇ ⋅ g = −4π G ρ = ∇ ⋅ ∇V
Therefore,
∇ 2V = −4π G ρ (2.15)
This equation is known as Poisson’s equation.
If a function f ∈ c ( n ) ( f “belongs to” c(n)), then all its derivatives of order n are continuous.
If it belongs to c(0), then we mean f is continuous.
There are mainly three types of boundary value problems for Laplace equation. If f ∈ c (0) and
is specified on the boundary ∂ IR of some finite region IR, the problem of determining a
function ψ ( x, y, z ) such that ∇ 2ψ = 0 within IR and satisfying ψ = f on ∂ IR is called the
boundary value problem of first kind, or the Dirichlet problem. For example, finding the
steady state temperature within the region IR when no heat sources or sinks are present and
when the temperature is prescribed on the boundary ∂ IR, is a Dirichlet problem. Another
example would be to find the potential inside the region IR when the potential is specified
on the boundary ∂ IR . These two examples correspond to the interior Dirichlet problem.
exterior Dirichlet problem. The second type of BVP is associated with von Neumann. The
problem is to determine the function ψ ( x, y, z ) so that 2ψ 0 within IR while w ψ /w n is
specified at every point of w IR, where w Z /w n denotes the normal derivative of the field
variable ψ . This problem is called the Neumann problem. If ψ is the temperature, w ψ /w n is
the heat flux representing the amount of heat crossing per unit volume per unit time along
the normal direction, which is zero when insulated. The third type of BVP is concerned with
the determination of the function ψ ( x, y, z ) such that 2ψ 0 within IR, while a boundary
condition of the form wψ /w n hψ f , where h t 0 is specified at every point of w IR . This
is called a mixed BVP or Churchill’s problem. If we assume Newton’s law of cooling, the
heat lost is hψ , where ψ is the temperature difference from the surrounding medium and h ! 0 is
a constant depending on the medium. The heat f supplied at a point of the boundary is partly
conducted into the medium and partly lost by radiation to the surroundings. Equating these
amounts, we get the third boundary condition.
³³ F n̂ dS ³³³ F dV (2.16)
w IR IR
where dV is an element of volume, dS is an element of surface area, and n̂ the outward drawn
normal.
Green’s identities which follow from divergence theorem are also useful and they can be
derived as follows: Let F fφ , where f is a vector function of position and φ is a scalar
function of position. Then,
³³³ (fφ ) dV ³³ nˆ fφ dS
IR w IR
³³³ f φ dV ³³ nˆ fφ dS ³³³ φ f dV
IR w IR IR
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 111
³³ φ ψ dV ³³ φ nˆ ψ dS ³³³ φ ψ dV (2.17)
2
IR w IR IR
Noting that nˆ ψ is the derivative of ψ in the direction of nˆ, we introduce the notation
nˆ ψ wψ /w n
into Eq. (2.17) to get
wψ
³³³ φ ψ dV ³³ φ w n dS ³³³ φ ψ dV (2.18a)
2
IR w IR IR
IR w IR
Theorem 2.1 If a harmonic function vanishes everywhere on the boundary, then it is identically
zero everywhere.
shall show that φ 0 in IR IR U w IR . Recalling Green’s first identity, i.e., Eq. (2.20), we get
wφ
³³³ (φ ) ³³ φ w n dS ³³³ φ φ dV
2 2
dV
IR w IR IR
112 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
³³³ (φ )
2
dV 0
IR
Since (φ ) 2 is positive, it follows that the integral will be satisfied only if φ 0. This
Proof Using Green’s first identity and the data of the theorem, we arrive at
³³³ (φ )
2
dV 0
IR
implying φ 0, i.e., φ is a constant in IR . Since the value of φ is not known on the boundary
Theorem 2.3 If the Dirichlet problem for a bounded region has a solution, then it is unique.
Proof If φ1 and φ2 are two solutions of the interior Dirichlet problem, then
2φ1 0 in IR; φ1 f on w IR
2φ2 0 in IR; φ2 f on w IR
Let ψ φ1 φ2 . Then
ψ φ1 φ2 f f 0 on w IR
Therefore,
2ψ 0 in IR, ψ 0 on w IR
Now using Theorem 2.1, we obtain ψ 0 on IR, which implies that φ1 φ2 . Hence, the solution
of the Dirichlet problem is unique.
Theorem 2.4 If the Neumann problem for a bounded region has a solution, then it is either
unique or it differs from one another by a constant only.
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 113
Proof Let φ1 and φ2 be two distinct solutions of the Neumann problem. Then we have
∂ φ1
∇ 2φ1 = 0 in IR; = f on ∂ IR,
∂n
∂ φ2
∇ 2φ2 = 0 in IR; = f on ∂ IR
∂n
Let ψ = φ1 − φ2 . Then
∇ 2ψ = ∇ 2φ1 − ∇ 2φ2 = 0 in IR
∂ ψ ∂ φ1 ∂ φ2
= − =0 on ∂ IR
∂n ∂n ∂n
Hence from Theorem 2.2, ψ is a constant on IR, i.e., φ1 − φ2 = constant. Therefore, the solution
of the Neumann problem is not unique. Thus, the solutions of a certain Neumann problem
can differ from one another by a constant only.
∂IR
Q (ξ, η, ζ)
r
P
IR
S (P, r)
O y
z
Fig. 2.2 Spherical mean.
114 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
where Q(ξ , η , ζ ) is any variable point on the surface of the sphere S ( P, r ) and dS is the
surface element of integration. For a fixed radius r, the value u (r ) is the average of the values
of u taken over the sphere S ( P, r ), and hence it is called the spherical mean. Taking the
origin at P, in terms of spherical polar coordinates, we have
ξ x r sin θ cos φ
η y r sin θ sin φ
ζ z r cos θ
1 u (Q ) 2π π
u (r )
4π ³³ u (Q ) sin θ dθ d φ
4π ³0 ³0 sin θ dθ d φ u (Q )
Lt u (r ) u ( P) (2.22)
r o0
Hence, u is continuous in 0 d r d R.
Theorem 2.5 Let u be harmonic in a region IR . Also, let P(x, y, z) be a given point in IR
and S(P, r) be a sphere with centre at P such that S(P, r) is completely contained in the domain
of harmonicity of u. Then
1
u ( P) u (r )
4π r 2 ³³ u (Q) dS
S ( P ,r )
1 1 2π π
u (r )
4π r 2 ³³ u (Q) dS
4π r 2 ³0 ³0 u (ξ , η , ζ ) r 2 sin θ dθ dφ
S ( P,r )
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 115
Therefore,
du (r ) 1 2π π
1 2π π
Noting that sin θ cos φ , sin θ sin φ and cos θ are the direction cosines of the normal n̂ on
S(P, r),
u iuξ juη kuζ , nˆ (in1 , jn2 , kn3 ),
the expression within the parentheses of the integrand of Eq. (2.23) can be written as u nˆ. Thus
du (r ) 1
dr 4π r 2 ³³ ˆ 2 sin θ dθ dφ
u nr
S ( P ,r )
1
4π r 2 ³³ u nˆ dS
S ( P ,r )
1
4π r 2 ³³³ u dV (by divergence theorem)
V ( P,r )
1
³³³ u dV
2
0 (since u is harmonic)
4π r 2 V ( P,r )
du
Therefore, 0, implying u is constant.
dr
Proof Suppose u is a harmonic function but not constant everywhere on IR. If possible,
let u attain its maximum value M at some interior point P in IR . Since M is the maximum
of u which is not a constant, there should exist a sphere S ( P, r ) about P such that some of
the values of u on S ( P, r ) must be less than M. But by the mean value property, the value
of u at P is the average of the values of u on S ( P, r ), and hence it is less than M. This
contradicts the assumption that u M at P. Thus u must be constant over the entire
sphere S ( P, r ).
Let Q be any other point inside IR which can be connected to P by an arc lying entirely
within the domain IR . By covering this arc with spheres and using the Heine-Borel theorem
to choose a finite number of covering spheres and repeating the argument given above, we
can arrive at the conclusion that u will have the same constant value at Q as at P. Thus u
cannot attain a maximum value at any point inside the region IR . Therefore, u can attain its
maximum value only on the boundary w IR . A similar argument will lead to the conclusion
that u can attain its minimum value only on the boundary w IR .
Some important consequences of the maximum-minimum principle are given in the following
theorems.
Theorem 2.7 (Stability theorem). The solutions of the Dirichlet problem depend continuously
on the boundary data.
Proof Let u1 and u2 be two solutions of the Dirichlet problem and let f1 and f2 be given
continuous functions on the boundary w IR such that
2 u2 0 in IR; u2 f2 on w IR
Let u u1 u2 . Then,
2u 2u1 2 u2 0 in IR; u f1 f 2 on w IR
ε umin d u d umax ε
Therefore,
|u | ε in IR, implying | u1 u2 | ε
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 117
Hence, if
| f1 − f 2 | < ε on ∂ IR, then | u1 − u2 | < ε on IR
Thus, small changes in the initial data bring about an arbitrarily small change in the
solution. This completes the proof of the theorem.
Theorem 2.8 Let {fn} be a sequence of functions, each of which is continuous on IR and
harmonic on IR . If the sequence {fn} converges uniformly on ∂ IR, then it converges uniformly
on IR.
Proof Since the sequence {fn} converges uniformly on ∂ IR, for a given ε > 0, we
can always find an integer N such that
| fn − fm | < ε for n, m > N
Hence, from stability theorem, for all n, m > N , it follows immediately that
| fn − fm | < ε in IR
r 2 = x2 + y 2 , θ = tan −1 ( y/x)
sin θ cos θ
rx = cos θ , ry = sin θ , θx = − , θy =
r r
since
⎛ sin θ ⎞
u = u (r , θ ) u x = ur rx + uθ θ x = ⎜ ur cos θ − uθ ⎟
⎝ r ⎠
Similarly,
⎛ cos θ ⎞
u y = ur ry + uθ θ y = ⎜ ur sin θ + uθ ⎟
⎝ r ⎠
118 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Therefore,
§ sin θ sin θ ·
u xx ¨© urr cos θ uθ r uθ 2 ¸ cos θ
r r ¹
§ cos θ cos θ ·
u yy ¨© urr sin θ urθ uθ 2 ¸ sin θ
r r ¹
EXAMPLE 2.2 Show that in cylindrical coordinates r , θ , z defined by the relations x r cos θ ,
y r sin θ , z z , the Laplace equation 2 u 0 takes the form
w 2u 1 w u 1 w 2u w 2u
0
w r2 r w r r 2 wθ 2 w z2
w 2u w 2u w 2u
2u 0
w x2 w y2 w z2
r2 x2 y 2 , θ tan 1 ( y /x), z z
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 119
Since
u u (r , T , z )
È sin T Ø
ur rx uT T x u z z x ur cos T uT É
Ê r ÙÚ
ux
È cos T Ø
ur ry uT T y u z z y ur sin T uT É
Ê r ÙÚ
uy
uz ur rz uT T z u z uz
u xx (u x ) x (u x )r rx (u x )θ θ x (u x ) z z x
§ sin θ sin θ ·
¨© urr cos θ urθ uθ 2 ¸ cos θ
r r ¹
Similarly
u yy (u y ) y (u y ) r ry (u y )θ θ y (u y ) z z y
§ cos θ cos θ ·
¨© urr sin θ uθ r uθ 2 ¸ sin θ
r r ¹
EXAMPLE 2.3 Show that in spherical polar coordinates r , θ , φ defined by the relations
x r sin θ cos φ , y r sin θ sin φ , z r cos θ , the Laplace equations 2 u 0 takes the form
w § 2 wu · 1 w § wu · 1 w 2u
¨© r ¸¹ ¨© sin θ ¸¹ 0
wr wr sin θ w θ wθ sin 2 θ w φ 2
2u u xx u yy u zz 0
§ sin θ ·
uz ur rz uθ θ z uφ φ z ur cos θ uθ ¨ ¸
© r ¹
u xx (u x )r rx (u x )θ θ x (u x )φ φ x
Similarly,
u zz (u z )r rz (u z )θ θ z (u z )φ φ z
w § 2 wu · 1 w § wu · 1 w 2u
2u ¨© r ¸ ¨ sin θ ¸ 0 (2.35)
wr w r ¹ sin θ w θ © w θ ¹ sin 2 θ w φ 2
2u u xx u yy 0 (2.36)
We assume the solution in the form
u ( x, y ) X ( x) Y ( y ) (2.37)
Substituting in Eq. (2.36), we get
X ccY Y ccX 0
i.e.
X cc Y cc
k
X Y
where k is a separation constant. Three cases arise.
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 123
d2X d 2Y
p2 X 0 and p 2Y 0
dx 2 dy 2
whose solution is given by
X c1e px c2 e px
and
Y c3 cos py c4 sin py
Thus, the solution is
Y c11e py c12 e py
In all these cases, ci (i 1, 2, } , 12) refer to integration constants, which are calculated by
using the boundary conditions.
124 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PDE: 2u 0, 0 d x d a, 0 d y d b
BCs: u ( x, b) u (a, y ) 0, u (0, y ) 0, u ( x, 0) f ( x) (2.41)
This is an interior Dirichlet problem. The general solution of the governing PDE, using the
method of variables separable, is discussed in Section 2.5. The various possible solutions of
the Laplace equation are given by Eqs. (2.38–2.40). Of these three solutions, we have to
choose that solution which is consistent with the physical nature of the problem and the given
boundary conditions as depicted in Fig. 2.3.
y
y=b
u=0
x=0 x=a
u=0 u=0
u = f (x)
x
O y=0
Fig. 2.3 Dirichlet boundary conditions.
c1eap c2 e ap 0 (2.43)
To determine the constants c1, c2, we have to solve Eqs. (2.42) and (2.43); being homogeneous,
the determinant
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 125
1 1
0
eap e ap
for the existence of non-trivial solution, which is not the case. Hence, only the trivial solution
u ( x, y ) 0 is possible.
If we consider the solution given by Eq. (2.39) u ( x, y ) (c5 x c6 ) (c7 y c8 ), the boundary
conditions: u (0, y ) u (a, y ) 0 again yield a trivial solution. Hence, the possible solutions
given by Eqs. (2.38) and (2.39) are ruled out. Therefore, the only possible solution obtained
from Eq. (2.40) is
u ( x, y ) (c9 cos px c10 sin px) (c11e py c12 e py )
Using the BC: u (0, y ) 0, we get c9 0. Also, the other BC: u (a, y ) 0 yields
For non-trivial solution, c10 cannot be zero, implying sin pa 0, which is possible if pa nπ or
p nπ /a, n 1, 2, 3, } Therefore, the possible non-trivial solution after using the superposition
principle is
f
nπ x
u ( x, y ) ¦ sin a
[an exp (nπ y/a) bn exp ( nπ y/a)] (2.44)
n 1
nπ x
sin [ an exp (nπ b/a ) bn exp ( nπ b /a )] 0
a
implying thereby
an exp (nπ b /a ) bn exp ( nπ b/a ) 0
which gives
exp (nπ b /a)
bn an , n 1, 2, } , f
exp ( nπ b/a)
The solution (2.44) now becomes
f
2an sin (nπ x/a ) ª exp {nπ ( y b)/a} exp { nπ ( y b)/a} º
u ( x, y ) ¦ exp ( nπ b /a) «¬ 2 »¼
n 1
f
2a
¦ exp (nnπ b/a) sin (nπ x/a)sin h {nπ ( y b)/a}
n 1
126 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Let 2an /[exp ( nπ b /a )] An . Then the solution can be written in the form
f
u ( x, y ) ¦ An sin (nπ x/a) sinh {nπ ( y b)/a} (2.45)
n 1
where
2 1 a
An
a sinh ( nπ b /a) ³0 f ( x) sin (nπ x /a ) dx
PDE: 2 u 0, 0 d x d a, 0 d y d b
BCs: u x (0, y ) u x ( a, y ) 0, u y ( x, 0) 0, u y ( x, b ) f ( x) (2.48)
The general solution of the Laplace equation using the method of variables separable is
given in Section 2.5, and is found to be
0 c2 p (c3e py c4 e py )
implying c2 0. Therefore,
nπ x § nπ nπ ·
0 cos ¨© A B ¸
a a a ¹
implying B A. Thus, the solution is
nπ x
u ( x, y ) A cos [exp (nπ y/a) exp ( nπ y /a)]
a
nπ x nπ y
2 A cos cosh
a a
f
nπ x nπ y
u ¦ An cos a
cosh
a
(2.51)
n 0
where
2 1 a nπ x
An
nπ sinh (nπ b /a ) ³0 f ( x) cos
a
dx
PDE: 2u 0, 0 d r d a, 0 d θ d 2π
BC: u (a, θ ) f (θ ), 0 d θ d 2π (2.53)
where f (θ ) is a continuous function on w IR . The task is to find the value of u at any point
in the interior of the circle IR in terms of its values on w IR such that u is single valued and
continuous on IR.
In view of circular geometry, it is natural to choose polar coordinates to solve this
problem and then use the variables separable method. The requirement of single-valuedness
of u in IR implies the periodicity condition, i.e.,
u (r , θ 2π ) u (r , θ ), 0 d r d a, (2.54)
r 2 R cc rR c H cc
k (2.55)
R H
which means that a function of r is equal to a function of θ and, therefore, each must be
equal to a constant k (a separation constant).
which is a Euler type of equation and can be solved by setting r e z . Its solution is
R c1eλ z c2 e λ z c1r λ c2 r λ
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 129
Also,
H cc λ 2 H 0
whose solution is
H c3 cos λθ c4 sin λθ
Therefore,
H c3eλθ c4 e λθ
Thus
Now, for the interior problem, r 0 is a point in the domain IR and since ln r is not defined
at r 0, the solutions (2.58) and (2.59) are not acceptable. Thus the required solution is
obtained from Eq. (2.57). The periodicity condition in θ implies
c3 cos λθ c4 sin λθ c3 cos (λ (θ 2π )) c4 sin (λ (θ 2π ))
i.e.
c3 [cos λθ cos (λθ 2λπ )] c4 [sin λθ sin (λθ 2λπ )] 0
or
2 sin λπ [c3 sin (λθ λπ ) c4 cos (λθ λπ )] 0
At r = 0, the solution should be finite, which requires d n 0. Thus the appropriate solution
assumes the form
f
u (r , θ ) ¦ r n ( An cos nθ Bn sin nθ )
n 0
A0 f n
u (r , θ )
2 n 1 ¦
r ( An cos nθ Bn sin nθ ) (2.61)
which is a full-range Fourier series. Now we have to determine An and Bn so that the BC:
u (a, θ ) f (θ ) is satisfied, i.e.,
f
f (θ ) ¦ an ( An cos nθ Bn sin nθ )
n 0
Hence,
1 2π
A0
π ³0 f (θ ) dθ
1 2π
a n An
π ³0 f (θ ) cos nθ dθ (2.62)
1 2π
a n Bn
π ³0 f (θ ) sin nθ dθ , n 1, 2, 3, }
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 131
In Eqs. (2.62) we replace the dummy variable θ by φ to distinguish this variable from the
current variable θ in Eq. (2.61). Substituting Eq. (2.62) into Eq. (2.61), we obtain the relation
2π f ª r n cos nθ 2π
1
u (r , θ )
2π ³0 f (φ ) dφ ¦ « n
π ³0 cos (nφ ) f (φ ) dφ
n 1«
¬a
r n sin nθ 2π º
an π ³0 sin (nφ ) f (φ ) dφ »
»¼
2π 2π f n
1 1 §r·
u (r , θ )
2π ³0 f (φ ) dφ
π ³0 f (φ ) ¦ ¨© ¸¹ {cos nφ cos nθ sin nφ sin nθ } dφ
a
n 1
1 2π ª1 f
§r·
n º
π ³0 f (φ ) « ¦¨ ¸
«¬ 2 n 1 © a ¹
cos n (φ θ ) » dφ
»¼
(2.63)
so that
f n
ª r i (φ θ ) º
c is ¦ «a e »¼
n 1¬
f
(r/a ) ei (φ θ )
n
ª § r · i (φ θ ) º
c is ¦ «¨ ¸ e
¬© a ¹
»
¼ [1 (r /a) ei (φ θ ) ]
n 1
[r/a ) cos (φ θ ) (r 2 /a 2 )]
c
[1 (2r/a ) cos (φ θ ) (r 2 /a 2 )]
Thus, the expression in the square brackets of Eq. (2.63) becomes
1 [(r/a ) cos (φ θ ) (r 2 /a 2 )] a2 r 2
2 [1 (2r/a ) cos (φ θ ) ( r 2 /a 2 )] 2[a 2 2ar cos (φ θ ) r 2 ]
Thus, the required solution takes the form
1 2π (a 2 r 2 ) f (φ )
u (r , θ )
2π ³0 [a 2 2ar cos (φ θ ) r 2 ]
dφ (2.64)
This is known as Poisson’s integral formula for a circle, which gives a unique solution for
the Dirichlet problem. The solution (2.64) can be interpreted physically in many ways: It can
be thought of as finding the potential u (r , θ ) as a weighted average of the boundary
potentials f (φ ) weighted by the Poisson kernel P, given by
a2 r 2
P
[a 2 2ar cos (φ θ ) r 2 ]
It can also be thought of as a steady temperature distribution u (r , θ ) in a circular disc, when
the temperature u on its boundary w IR is given by u f (φ ) which is independent of time.
PDE: 2u 0
BC: u (a, θ ) f (θ ) (2.65)
u must be bounded as r o f.
By the method of separation of variables, the general solution (2.60) of 2 u 0 in polar
coordinates can be written as
f
u (r , θ ) ¦ (cn r n dn r n ) (an cos nθ bn sin nθ )
n 0
A0 ∞ − n
u (r , θ ) = +
2 n =1 ∑
r ( An cos nθ + Bn sin nθ ) (2.66)
A0 ∞ − n
f (θ ) = +
2 n =1 ∑
a ( An cos nθ + Bn sin nθ )
1 2π
π ∫0
A0 = f (θ ) dθ
1 2π
π ∫0
a − n An = f (θ ) cos nθ dθ (2.67)
1 2π
π ∫0
a − n Bn = f (θ ) sin nθ dθ
In Eq. (2.67) we replace the dummy variable θ by φ so as to distinguish it from the current
variable θ . We then introduce the changed variable into solution (2.66) which becomes
2π ∞ ⎡ r −n an 2π
1
u (r , θ ) =
2π ∫0 f (φ ) dφ + ∑ ⎢⎢⎣ π
cos nθ ∫0 cos (nφ ) f (φ ) dφ
n =1
r −n an 2π ⎤
+
π
sin nθ ∫0 sin (nφ ) f (φ ) dφ ⎥
⎥⎦
or
1 2π ⎡ 1 ∞ ⎛ a ⎞n ⎤
u (r , θ ) =
π ∫0 f (φ ) ⎢ +
⎢⎣ 2 n = 1 r
∑
⎜⎝ ⎟⎠ cos n (φ − θ )⎥ dφ
⎥⎦
(2.68)
Let
• n
Ê aˆ
C=  ÁË r ˜¯ cos n (f - q )
n =1
134 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
n
È aØ
S Ç ÉÊ ÙÚ sin n (I T )
r
n 1
Then,
f n
ª § a · i (φ θ ) º
C iS ¦ « ¨© r ¸¹ e »
n 1¬ ¼
a
Since 1, | ei (φ θ ) | d 1. We have
r
1 [(a / r ) cos (φ θ ) (a 2/ r 2 )] r 2 a2
2 [1 (2a/r ) cos (φ θ ) ( a 2/ r 2 )] 2[r 2 2ar cos (φ θ ) a 2 ]
Therefore, the solution of the exterior Dirichlet problem reduces to that of an integral equation
of the form
1 2π (r 2 a 2 ) f (φ )
u (r , θ )
2π ³0 [r 2 2ar cos (φ θ ) a 2 ]
dφ (2.69)
EXAMPLE 2.4 Find the steady state temperature distribution in a semi-circular plate of
radius a, insulated on both the faces with its curved boundary kept at a constant temperature
U0 and its bounding diameter kept at zero temperature as described in Fig. 2.4.
R = Q/2
u = u0
r=a
r
R
R=Q u=0 R=0
Fig. 2.4 Semi-circular plate.
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 135
ut = ∇ 2 u
In the steady state, the temperature is independent of time; hence ut = 0, and the temperature
satisfies the Laplace equation. The problem can now be stated as follows: To solve
1 1
PDE: ∇ 2 u (r , θ ) = urr + ur + 2 uθθ = 0
r r
BCs: u (a, θ ) = U 0 , u (r , 0) = 0, u (r , π ) = 0
B sin λπ (cr λ + Dr − λ ) = 0
λπ = nπ , n = 1, 2, …
In Eq. (2.71), we observe that as r → 0, the term r − λ → ∞. But the solution should be finite
at r = 0, and so D = 0. Then after adjusting the constants, it follows from the superposition
principle that,
∞
u (r , θ ) = ∑ Bn r n sin nθ
n =1
∞
u ( a, θ ) = U 0 = ∑ Bn an sin nθ
n =1
136 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
4U 0
2 π ° nπ , for n 1, 3, }
³0 U 0 sin nθ dθ
n
Bn a ®
π ° 0,
¯ for n 2, 4, }
Hence,
4U 0
Bn , n 1, 3, }
nπ a n
With these values of Bn, the required solution is
f n
4U 0 1 §r·
u (r , θ )
π ¦ n
¨© ¸¹ sin nθ
a
n odd
PDE: 2u 0, 0 d r a; 0 d θ d 2π (2.72)
wu w u ( a, θ )
BC: g (θ ), r a
wn wr
Following the method of separation of variables, the general solution (2.60) of equation
2u 0 in polar coordinates is given by
f
u (r , θ ) ¦ (cn r n dn r n ) (an cos nθ bn sin nθ )
n 0
At r = 0, the solution should be finite and, therefore, d n 0. Hence, after adjusting the constants,
the general solution becomes
f
u (r , θ ) ¦ r n ( An cos nθ Bn sin nθ )
n 0
f
wu
wr ¦ nr n1 ( An cos nθ Bn sin nθ )
n 1
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 137
1 2π
na n 1 An
π ³0 g (θ ) cos nθ dθ
1 π
na n 1Bn
π ³0 g (θ ) sin nθ dθ (2.75)
Here, we replace the dummy variable θ by φ to distinguish from the current variable θ in
Eq. (2.74). Now introducing Eq. (2.75) into Eq. (2.73), we obtain
A0 f rn 2π
u (r , θ ) ¦
2 n 1 nπ a n 1 ³0 g (φ ) (cos nφ cos nθ sin nφ sin nθ ) dφ
or
2π f n
A0 §r· a
u (r , θ )
2
³0 g (φ ) ¦ ¨© ¸¹
a nπ
cos n (φ θ ) dφ (2.76)
n 1
This solution can also be expressed in an alternative integral form as follows: Let
n
§r· a
C ¦ ¨© a ¸¹ nπ
cos n (φ θ )
n
§r· a
S ¦ ¨© ¸¹
a nπ
sin n (φ θ )
Therefore,
n f n
§r· a in (φ θ ) a ªr º 1
C iS ¦ ¨© a ¸¹ nπ
e
π ¦ «¬ a ei (φ θ ) »¼n
n 1
ª r i (φ θ ) ½ r i (φ θ ) ½2 r i (φ θ ) ½3 º
«® e ¾ ® e ¾ ® e ¾ »
a «¯a ¿ ¯a ¿ ¯a ¿
»
π « 1 2 3 »
« »
¬« ¼»
138 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
or
a ⎡ r ⎤ a ⎡ r r ⎤
C + iS = − ln ⎢1 − ei (φ −θ ) ⎥ = − ln ⎢1 − cos (φ − θ ) − i sin (φ − θ ) ⎥ (2.77)
π ⎣ a ⎦ π ⎣ a a ⎦
To get the real part of ln z, we may note that
W = ln z or z = eW
x = eu cos v, y = eu sin v
e2u = x 2 + y 2 = | z |2
i.e., u = ln | z | . Therefore,
2 2
⎛ r
a ⎞ ⎛r ⎞
C = − ln ⎜1 − cos (φ − θ ) ⎟ + ⎜ sin (φ − θ ) ⎟
π ⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ a ⎠
a a 2 − 2ar cos (φ − θ ) + r 2
=− ln
π a2
Thus the required solution is
A0 a 2π a 2 − 2ar cos (φ − θ ) + r 2
u (r , θ ) = −
2 π ∫0 ln
a2
g (φ ) d φ (2.78)
∂2F 1 ∂F 1 ∂2F d 2Z
Z + Z + Z + F =0
∂ r2 r ∂r r2 ∂ θ2 dz 2
or
⎛ ∂ 2F 1 ∂ F 1 ∂ 2F ⎞ 1 d 2Z 1
⎜ 2 + r ∂r + 2 ⎟ = − = k (say)
⎝ ∂r r ∂θ 2 ⎠ F dz 2 Z
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 139
d 2Z
kZ 0 (2.81)
dz 2
or
w 2F 1 w F 1 w 2F
KF 0 (2.82)
w r2 r w r r 2 wθ 2
If k is real and positive, the solution of Eq. (2.81) is
Z c1 cos k z c2 sin kz
If k is negative, the solution of Eq. (2.81) is
Z c1e kz
c2 e kz
Z c1eλ z c2 e λ z (2.83)
Equation (2.82) now becomes
w 2F 1 w F 1 w 2F
λ2F 0
w r2 r w r r 2 wθ 2
Let F (r , θ ) f (r ) H (θ ). Substituting into the above equations, we get
1 1
f ccH f cH 2 f H cc λ 2 f H 0
r r
or
1 H cc
(r 2 f cc r f c λ 2 r 2 f ) k c (say)
f H
From physical consideration, we expect the solution to be periodic in θ , which can be obtained
when k c is positive and k c n 2 . Therefore, the acceptable solution will be
H c3 cos nθ c4 sin nθ (2.84)
d2 f df
r2 2
r (λ 2 r 2 n 2 ) f 0 (2.85)
dr dr
140 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
BCs: u 0q on z h,
u 0q on r a,
u 100q on z 0
The general solution of the Laplace equation in cylindrical coordinates as given in Section 2.11
is
r (r , θ , z ) J n (λ r ) (c1 cos nθ c2 sin nθ ) (c3eλ z c4 e λ z )
Since the face z 0 is maintained at 100° and since the other face and lateral surface of the
cylinder are maintained at 0°, the temperature at any point inside the cylinder is obviously
independent of θ . This is possible only when n 0 in the general solution. Thus,
u (r , z ) J 0 (λ r ) ( Aeλ z Be λ z )
0 J 0 (λ r ) ( Aeλ h Be λ h )
Aeλ h
B
e λ h
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 141
0 A1 J 0 (λ a ) sinh λ ( z h)
which is a Fourier-Bessel series. Multiplying both sides with rJ 0 (ξ m r/a ) and integrating, we
get
f
a §ξ r · § ξn h · a § ξn r · § ξm r ·
100 ³0 rJ 0 ¨ m ¸ dr
© a ¹ ¦ An sinh ¨© a ¸¹ ³0 rJ0 ¨© J0
a ¸¹ ¨© a ¸¹
dr
n 1
0, if i z j
a °
³0 xJ n (αi x) J n (α j x) dx ® a 2
° J 2 (αi ), if i j
¯ 2 n 1
142 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
f
a §ξ r · § ξn h · a2 2
100 ³0 rJ 0 ¨ n ¸ dr
© a ¹ ¦ An sinh ¨© a ¸¹ 2 1
J (ξ n )
n 1
Therefore,
200 a § ξnr ·
An
§ ξ h· ³0 rJ 0 ©¨ a ¹
¸ dr
a 2 sinh ¨ n ¸ J 12 (ξ n )
© a ¹
Setting
ξn r a
x, dr dx
a ξn
the relation for An can also be written as
200 ξn
An
§ ξ h· ³0 xJ 0 ( x) dx
ξ n2 sinh ¨ n ¸ J 12 (ξ n )
© a ¹
Using the recurrence relation
d n
x n J n 1 ( x) [ x J n ( x)],
dx
For n 1, we get
³ xJ 0 ( x) dx xJ1 ( x)
PDE: 2u 0
BCs: u 0 on z h,
u 0 on r a,
§ r2 ·
u V0 ¨1 2 ¸ on z 0
© a ¹
In cylindrical coordinates, the general solution of the Laplace equation as given in Section 2.11
is
Since the face z = 0 has potential V0 (1 r 2/ a 2 ), which is purely a function of r and is independent
of θ and since the other faces of the cylinder are at zero potential, the potential at any point
inside the cylinder will obviously be independent of θ . This is possible only when n = 0 in
the general solution. Thus,
u (r , z ) J 0 (λ r ) ( Aeλ z Be λ z )
Using the BC: u = 0 on z = h, we obtain
0 J 0 (λ r ) ( Aeλ h Be λ h )
Aeλ h
B
e λ h
Hence, the solution is
A
u (r , z ) λh
J 0 (λ r )[eλ ( z h) e λ ( z h) ]
e
144 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
or
u (r , z ) A1 J 0 (λ r ) sinh λ ( z h)
where A1 A / e λ h . Now, using the BC: u = 0 on the lateral surface, i.e., on r = a, we get
0 A1 J 0 (λ a ) sinh λ ( z h)
implying J 0 (λ a ) 0. This has infinitely many positive roots; denoting them by ξ n we shall
have
ξn λa or λ ξ n /a
The solution now takes the form
§ξ r · ªξ º
u (r , z ) A1 J 0 ¨ n ¸ sinh « n ( z h) » , n 1, 2, }
© a ¹ ¬a ¼
The principle of superposition gives
f
§ ξn r · ªξ º
u (r , z ) ¦ An J 0 ¨© a ¹ ¸ sinh « n ( z h) »
¬a ¼
n 1
§ r2 ·
The last BC: u V0 ¨1 2 ¸ on z 0 yields
© a ¹
§ r2 · f
§ ξn h · § ξn r ·
V0 ¨1 2 ¸
© a ¹
¦ An sinh ¨© J0
a ¸¹ ¨© a ¸¹
n 1
This is a Fourier-Bessel’s series. Multiplying both sides by rJ 0 (ξ m r/a ) and integrating, we get
§ r2 · f
a § ξm r · § ξn h · a § ξn r · § ξm r ·
V0 ³0 ¨1 2 ¸ rJ 0 ¨© a ¸¹ dr
© a ¹
¦ An sinh ¨© a ¸¹ ³0 rJ0 ¨© a ¸¹ ¨© a ¸¹
J0 dr
n 1
Î 0, if i j
a
Ñ 2
Ô 0
x J n (D i x) J n (D j x) dx Ïa 2
Ñ J n 1 (D i ), if i j
Ð 2
§ r2 · f
a § ξn r · § ξn h · a2 2
V0 ³0 ¨1 2 ¸ rJ 0 ¨© a ¸¹ dr
© a ¹
¦ An sinh ¨© ¸
a ¹ 2 1
J (ξ n )
n 1
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 145
which gives
2V0 a § r2 · § ξnr ·
An
§ ξ h· ³0 ¨1 2 ¸ rJ 0 ¨© a ¸¹ dr
© a ¹
a 2 sinh ¨ n ¸ J 12 (ξ n )
© a ¹
2V0 ξn
An
§ ξ h· ³0 (ξ n2 x 2 ) x J 0 ( x) dx
ξ n4 sinh ¨ n ¸ J 12 (ξ n )
© a ¹
Using the well-known recurrence relation
d a
xα Jα 1 ( x) [ x Jα ( x)] for B 1, 2, }
dx
we get
³ xJ0 ( x) ³x
2
xJ1 ( x), J1 ( x) x 2 J 2 ( x)
4V0 ξn
An
ξ n4 sinh (ξ n h /a ) J 12 (ξ n ) 0
³ x 2 J1 ( x) dx
4V0 ξn
ξ n4 sinh (ξ n h /a ) J 12 (ξ n ) ³0
d [ x 2 J 2 ( x)]
4V0 ξ
[ x 2 J 2 ( x)] 0n
ξ n4 sinh (ξ n h /a ) J 12 (ξ n )
Thus,
4V0 J 2 (ξ n )
An
ξ n2 sinh (ξ n h /a ) J 12 (ξ n )
146 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
8V0 J1 (ξ n )
An
ξ n3 sinh (ξ n h /a ) J 12 (ξ n )
§ξ r · ªξ º
f 8V0 J 0 ¨ n ¸ sinh « n ( z h)»
© a ¹ ¬a ¼
u (r , z ) ¦ § ξ h ·
n 1 ξ n3 J1 (ξ n ) sinh ¨ n ¸
© a ¹
w § 2 wu · 1 w § wu · 1 w 2u
2u ¨© r ¸¹ ¨© sin θ ¸¹ 0 (2.88)
wr wr sin θ w θ wθ sin 2 θ w φ 2
Let us assume the separable solution in the form
u (r , θ , φ ) R (r ) F (θ , φ ) (2.89)
Substituting Eq. (2.89) into Eq. (2.88), we get
w È 2 w RØ R w È wFØ R w2F
F É r Ù É sin T Ù 0
w r Ê w r Ú sin T w T Ê w T Ú sin 2 T w I 2
Separation of variables gives
d § 2 dR · 1 ° w § wF· 1 w 2 F ½°
¨r ¸ ® ¨© sin θ ¸¹ ¾
dr © dr ¹ sin θ ¯° w θ wθ sin θ w φ 2 ¿°
μ
R F
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 147
1 d § 2 dR ·
¨r ¸ μ (2.90)
R dr © dr ¹
1 ªw § wF· 1 w 2F º
« ¨© sin θ ¸¹ » μ (2.91)
F sin θ «¬ w θ wθ sin θ w φ 2 »¼
d 2R dR
r2 2
2r μR 0
dr dr
which is a Euler’s equation. Hence, using the transformation r e z , the auxiliary equation
can be written as
D ( D 1) 2 D μ D2 D μ 0
° § 1 · ½°
2
®1 r 2 ¨©α ¸¹ ¾
°¯ 2 ° 1 § 1·
¿ r ¨α ¸
D
2 2 © 2¹
w § wF· 1 w 2F
¨© sin θ ¸ α (α 1) F sin θ 0
wθ w θ ¹ sin θ w φ 2
Inserting
F H (θ ) Φ (φ )
into the above equation and separating the variables, we obtain
sin θ ª d § dH · º 1 d 2Φ
¨© sin θ ¸¹ α (α 1) sin θ H » ν2
H «¬ dθ dθ ¼ Φ dφ 2
148 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
d 2Φ
ν 2Φ 0 (2.93)
dφ 2
sin θ ª d § dH · º
¨© sin θ ¸¹ α (α 1) sin (θ ) H » ν
2
«
H ¬ dθ dθ
(2.94)
¼
The general solution of Eq. (2.93) is
Φ c3 cos νφ c4 sin νφ (2.95)
where Pα , Qα are Legendre functions of the first and second kind respectively. For convenience
let α be a positive integer, say α n. Then
H c5 Pn (cos θ ) c6Qn (cos θ ) (2.98)
After renaming the constants and using the principle of superposition, we find the solution
to be
f
u (r , θ ) ¦ [ An r n Bn r (n1) ] Pn (cos θ ) (2.99)
n 0
EXAMPLE 2.7 In a solid sphere of radius ‘a’, the surface is maintained at the temperature
given by
° k cos θ , 0 d θ π /2
f (θ ) ®
°̄ 0, π /2 θ π
Prove that the steady state temperature within the solid is
ª1 1§r· 5 §r·
2
3 §r·
4 º
u (r , θ ) k « P0 (cos θ ) ¨ ¸ P1 (cos θ ) ¨ ¸ P2 (cos θ ) ¨ ¸ P4 (cos θ ) »
¬« 4 2©a¹ 16 © a ¹ 32 © a ¹ ¼»
2n 1 1
bn
2 ³ 1 f (θ ) Pn (cos θ ) dθ
In the present problem,
2n 1 1
bn
2 ³0 f (θ ) Pn (cos θ ) dθ
Let cos θ x,
1 1 1 1 k
b0
2 ³0 kx P0 ( x) dx
2 ³0 kx 1 dx 4
150 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Hence, we get
k
A0 =
4
Also,
3 1 k
b1 =
2 ∫0 kx ⋅ x ⋅ dx = 2 = A1a
Therefore,
k ⎛1⎞
A1 = ⎜ ⎟
2 ⎝a⎠
5 1 5 1 3x 2 − 1 5
b2 =
2 ∫0 kxP2 ( x) dx =
2 ∫0 kx
2
dx = k
16
Thus,
5 1
A2 = k⋅ 2
16 a
Further,
7 1 7 1 5 x3 − 3 x
b3 =
2 ∫0 kxP3 ( x) dx =
2 ∫0 kx
2
dx = 0
1
Similarly, noting that P4 ( x) = (35 x 4 − 30 x 2 + 3), we get
8
3
b4 = − k = A4 a 4
32
Hence,
3 1
A4 = − k ⋅ 4 ,L
32 a
Substituting these values of A0, A1, A2,… into Eq. (2.100), we obtain, finally, the required
temperature as
⎡1 1⎛r⎞
u (r , θ ) = k ⎢ P0 (cos θ ) + ⎜ ⎟ P1 (cos θ )
⎣ 4 2⎝a⎠
5 ⎛r⎞
2
⎛ 3 ⎞⎛r ⎞
4 ⎤
+ ⎜ ⎟ 2 P (cos θ ) + ⎜⎝ − ⎟⎜ ⎟ 4 P (cos θ ) + L⎥ .
16 ⎝ a ⎠ 32 ⎠ ⎝ a ⎠ ⎥⎦
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 151
EXAMPLE 2.8 Find the potential at all points of space inside and outside of a sphere of
radius R = 1 which is maintained at a constant distribution of electric potential
u ( R, θ ) f (θ ) cos 2θ .
Solution It is known that the potential on the surface of a sphere is governed by the
Laplace equation. The Laplace equation in spherical polar coordinates is
w 2u 2 w u 1 w 2 u cot θ w u 1 w 2u
2 0
w r2 r w r r wθ 2 r 2 w θ r 2 sin 2 θ w φ 2
The possible general solution by variables separable method, after using superposition principle,
is given by Eq. (2.99). Thus we have two possible solutions:
f
u1 (r , θ ) ¦ An r n Pn (cos θ ) (2.101)
n 0
f
B
u2 ( r , θ ) ¦ r nn1 Pn (cos θ ) (2.102)
n 0
For points inside the sphere, we take the series (2.101). Why is this so? Applying the BC: u ( R, θ )
f (θ ) cos 2θ , we obtain
f
f (θ ) ¦ An Rn Pn (cos θ )
n 0
2R
An n ³0
f (θ ) Pn (cos θ ) sin θ dθ
For points outside the sphere, we take the series (2.102). Why is this so? Using the BC:
u ( R, θ ) f (θ ), we get
f
B
f (θ ) ¦ Rnn1 Pn (cos θ )
n 0
2n 1 1
³1 (2 x
2
An 1) Pn ( x) dx
2
However,
1
P2 ( x) (3x 2 1)
2
Therefore,
4 1
2x2 1 P2 ( x)
3 3
Thus,
2n 1 ª 4 1 1 1 º
An
2 «¬ 3 ³1 P2 ( x) Pn ( x) dx 3 ³1 P0 ( x) Pn ( x) dx»¼
Using the orthogonality property of Legendre polynomials, all integrals vanish except those
corresponding to n = 0 and n = 2. We obtain, therefore,
1 1 1 1
³1 P0 ( x) dx
2
A0
2 3 3
5 4 1 4
³1 P2 ( x) dx
2
A2
2 3 3
Also,
2n 1 1
³1 (2 x
2
Bn 1) Pn ( x) dx
2
2n 1 ª 4 1 1 1 º
2 «¬ 3 ³1 P2 ( x) Pn ( x) dx 3 ³1 P0 ( x) Pn ( x) dx»¼
which, on using the orthogonality property, gives the non-vanishing coefficients as
1 4
B0 , B2
3 3
Substituting these values of A0 and A2 into Eq. (2.101), we obtain
1 4
u1 (r , θ ) r 2 P2 (cosθ )
3 3
which gives the potential everywhere inside the sphere. Similarly, substituting the values of
B0 and B2 into Eq. (2.102), we get
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 153
1 4
u2 (r , θ ) = −
+ P2 (cos θ )
3r 3r 3
which gives the potential outside the sphere.
EXAMPLE 2.9 Find a general spherically symmetric solution of the following Helmholtz
equation:
(∇ 2 − k 2 ) u = 0
Solution In spherical polar coordinates, the Helmholtz equation can be written as
∂ 2 u 2 ∂ u 1 ∂ 2u cot θ ∂ u 1 ∂ 2u
+ + + + − k 2u = 0 (2.103)
∂ r2 r ∂ r r 2 ∂θ 2 r 2 ∂ θ r 2 sin 2 θ ∂ φ 2
In view of spherical symmetry, we look for u to be a function of r alone. Hence, Eq. (2.103)
becomes
∂ 2u 2 ∂ u
+ − k 2u = 0
∂ r2 r ∂ r
Therefore, we have to solve
∂ 2u ∂u
r2 + 2r − k 2 r 2u = 0 (2.104)
∂r 2 ∂r
Let
1
u= F (r )
r
Differentiating twice with respect to r and rearranging, we obtain
∂u F (r )
2r =− + 2 r F ′ (r )
∂r r
∂ 2u 3
r2 2
= − r −1/2 F (r ) − r1/2 F ′ (r ) + r 3/2 F ′′ (r )
∂r 4
Substituting the above relations, Eq. (2.104) becomes
⎛ 1⎞
r 2 F ′′ (r ) + rF ′ (r ) − ⎜ k 2 r 2 + ⎟ F (r ) = 0
⎝ 4⎠
or
⎡ ⎛1⎞ ⎤
2
r 2 F ′′(r ) + rF ′ (r ) + ⎢(ik )2 r 2 − ⎜ ⎟ ⎥ F (r ) = 0
⎢⎣ ⎝2⎠ ⎥
⎦
154 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
where J1/2 , Y1/2 are Bessel functions with imaginary arguments, and is rewritten as
Therefore,
u (r ) r 1/2 [ AI1/2 (kr ) BK1/2 (kr )]
But as r o f, the solution should be finite, which is possible only if A = 0. It is also known
that for large z,
π z
K1/2 ( z ) e
2z
Thus the acceptable spherically symmetric solution of the Helmholtz equation is given by
π kr c kr
u (r ) Br 1/2 e e
2kr r
where
π
c B
2k
EXAMPLE 2.10 Show that the velocity potential for an irrotational flow of an incompressible
fluid satisfies the Laplace solution.
Solution Let us consider a closed surface S enclosing a fixed volume V in the region
occupied by a moving fluid as shown in Fig. 2.5.
∧
n
dS
V
Let ρ be the density of the fluid. If n̂ is a unit vector in the direction of the normal to the
surface element dS and q the velocity of the fluid at that point, then the inward normal velocity
is (q nˆ ). Hence the mass of the fluid entering per unit time through the element dS is (q nˆ ) dS . It
follows therefore that the mass of the fluid entering the surface S in unit time is
³³ ρ (q nˆ) dS
S
Also, the mass of the fluid within S is
³³³ ρ dV
V
So the rate at which the mass goes on increasing is given by
w wS
wt ³³³ S dV ³³³ wt
dV
V V
By conservation of mass, the rate of generation of mass within a given volume under the
assumption that no internal sources are present is equal to the net inflow of mass through the
surface enclosing the given volume. Thus,
wρ
³³³ wt
dV ³³ ρ (q nˆ ) dS
V S
EXAMPLE 2.11 A thin rectangular homogeneous thermally conducting plate lies in the xy-
plane defined by 0 d x d a, 0 d y d b. The edge y 0 is held at the temperature Tx ( x a),
where T is a constant, while the remaining edges are held at 0°. The other faces are insulated
and no internal sources and sinks are present. Find the steady state temperature inside the
plate.
Solution Since no heat sources and sinks are present in the plate, the steady state
temperature u must satisfy 2 u 0. Hence the problem is to solve
PDE: 2u 0
BCs: u (0, y ) 0, u ( a, y ) 0, u ( x, b) 0, u ( x, 0) Tx ( x a )
This is a typical Dirichlet’s problem. The general solution satisfying the first three BCs is
given by Eq. (2.47). Therefore,
f
§ nπ · ª nπ º
u ( x, y ) ¦ An sin ¨© a x ¸ sinh « ( y b)»
¹ ¬ a ¼
n 1
where
nπ b 2 a § nπ ·
An sinh
a a ³0 f ( x) sin ¨
© a
x ¸ dx
¹
nπ b 2 a § nπ ·
An sinh
a a ³0 Tx ( x a) sin ¨© a x ¸ dx
¹
2T a § nπ ·
a ³0 x ( x a ) sin ¨
© a
x ¸ dx
¹
a 2T ª a § nπ · ½º
nπ a ¬
« ³0 x ( x a ) d ®cos ¨
¯ ©
x ¸ ¾»
a ¹ ¿¼
a
2T ª § nπ · º a a ª § nπ · º
«
nπ ¬
( x a ) cos ¨
© a
x ¸»
¹ ¼ 0 nπ ³0 (2 x a) d «¬sin ¨© a x ¸»
¹¼
a
2aT ª § nπ ·º a § nπ ·
2 2 «
nπ ¬
(2 x a ) sin ¨
© a
x ¸»
¹¼ 0 ³0 2 sin ¨© a x ¸ dx
¹
2aT ° § nπ · º ½°
a
2a ª
2 2 ®
a sin nπ «cos ¨© a x ¸¹ » ¾
n π ¯° nπ ¬ ¼ 0 °¿
2aT 2a 4a 2T
(cos nπ 1) [(1)n 1]
n 2π 2 nπ nπ3 3
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 157
0 c3 (c1e px c2 e px )
implying c3 = 0. Therefore,
u ( x, y ) c4 sin py (c1e px c2 e px )
Now, using the BC: u ( x, b) 0, we obtain
0 c4 sin pb (c1e px c2 e px )
§ nπ · ª § nπ · § nπ · º
u ( x, y ) sin ¨ x B exp ¨ n 1, 2,}
© b ¸¹ «¬
y A exp ¨
© b ¸¹ © b ¸¹ »¼
x ,
§ nπ ·
sin ¨ y ( A B)
© b ¸¹
0
158 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
§ nπ ·ª § nπ · § nπ ·º
u ( x, y ) A sin ¨ y ¸ «exp ¨ x ¸ exp ¨ x¸»
© b ¹¬ © b ¹ © b ¹¼
§ nπ · § nπ ·
2 A sin ¨ y ¸ sinh ¨ n 1, 2, }
© b ¸¹
x ,
© b ¹
bT πy nπ § nπ ·
u ( x, y ) sin 3 sech a sinh ¨ x¸
nπ a b © b ¹
c
b y
a O
x
Fig. 2.6 Rectangular box.
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 159
Solution The potential distribution in the rectangular box satisfies the Laplace equation.
Thus the problem is to solve
2u u xx u yy u zz 0
subject to the BCs:
u (0, y, z ) u ( a, y , z ) 0
u ( x, 0, z ) u ( x, b, z ) 0
u ( x, y, 0) 0
u ( x, y , c ) f ( x, y )
Following the variables separable method, let us assume the solution in the form
u ( x, y , z ) X ( x) Y ( y ) Z ( z )
Substituting into the Laplace equation, we get
X cc ( x) Y ( y ) Z ( z ) X ( x) Y cc ( y ) Z ( z ) X ( x) Y ( y ) Z cc( z ) 0
which can also be written as
Y cc ( y ) Z cc ( z ) X cc ( x)
λ 12
Y ( y) Z (z) X ( x)
X cc ( x) λ 12 X ( x ) 0 (2.105)
Y cc ( y ) λ 22Y ( y ) 0 (2.106)
Z cc ( z ) λ 32 Z ( z ) 0 (2.107)
X ( x) c1 cos λ1 x c2 sin λ1 x
Y ( y) c3 cos λ2 y c4 sin λ2 y
Z ( z) c5 cosh λ3 z c6 sinh λ3 z
160 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
§ m2 n2 ·
λ 23 λ 12 λ 22 π2 ¨ 2 2 ¸ λ mn
2
(say)
©a b ¹
Then
m2 n2
λ3 π λmn
a2 b2
The solutions now take the form
mπ x ,
X ( x) c2 m sin m 1, 2, }
a
nπ y ,
Y ( y) c4 n sin n 1, 2, }
b
Z ( z) c6 mn sinh λmn z
Let cmn c2 m c4 n c6 mn ; then, after using the principle of superposition, the required solution is
f f
mπ x nπ y
u ( x, y , z ) X ( x) Y ( y ) Z ( z ) ¦ ¦ cmn sin a
sin
b
sinh λmn z (2.108)
m 1 n 1
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 161
mπ x nπ y
f ( x, y ) = ∑ ∑ cmn sinh λmn c sin a
sin
b
which is a double Fourier sine series. Thus, we have
4 a b mπ x nπ y
cmn sinh λmn c =
ab ∫0 ∫0 f ( x, y ) sin
a
sin
b
dx dy (2.109)
EXAMPLE 2.14 Find the electrostatic potential u in the annular region bounded by the
concentric spheres r = a, r = b, 0 < a < b (see Fig. 2.7), if the inner and outer surfaces are kept
at constant potentials u1 and u2, u1 ≠ u2 .
∇ 2u = 0
It is natural that we choose spherical polar coordinates. From the problem, it is evident that
we are looking for a solution with spherical symmetry which is independent of θ and φ .
Hence, u = u ( r ).
u = u1
a u = u2
u = u2 at r = b
1 ª §1 1· § 1 1 ·º
u
(1/ a) (1/b) «u1 ¨© r b ¸¹ u2 ¨© a r ¸¹ »
¬ ¼
EXAMPLE 2.15 A thermally conducting solid bounded by two concentric spheres of radii
a and b as shown in Fig. 2.8, a < b, is such that the internal boundary is kept at f1 (θ ) and
the outer boundary at f 2 (θ ). Find the steady state temperature in the solid.
Solution It is known that the steady temperature T satisfies the Laplace equation. In
the present problem,
T T (r , θ )
a r P
O x
b
y
Fig. 2.8 Region bounded by two concentric spheres.
PDE: 2T 0
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 163
T f1 (θ ) at r a
T f 2 (θ ) at r b
In spherical polar coordinates, for axially symmetric case, the solution of the Laplace equation
is given by Eq. (2.99) as follows:
f
§ B ·
T (r , θ ) ¦ ¨© An r n r nn1 ¸¹ Pn (cos θ )
n 0
f
§ B ·
f 2 (θ ) ¦ ¨© Anbn bnn1 ¸¹ Pn (cos θ ) (2.112)
n 0
In order to find the coefficients An and Bn, we have to express f1 (θ ) and f 2 (θ ) in terms
of Legendre polynomials and compare the coefficients. In this process, the following orthogonality
relation is useful:
0, if m z n
π °
³0 Pm (cos θ ) Pn (cos θ ) sin θ dθ ® 2
° , if m n
¯ 2n 1
Thus, multiplying both sides of Eq. (2.111) by Pm (cos θ ) sin θ and integrating, we obtain
π f π
§ B ·
³0 f1 (θ ) Pm (cos θ )sin θ dθ ¦ ¨© An an ann1 ¸¹ ³0 Pn (cos θ ) Pm (cos θ )sin θ dθ
n 0
§ m Bm · 2 (2.113)
¨© Am a m 1 ¸¹ 2m 1
a
π f π
§ B ·
³0 f 2 (θ ) Pm (cos θ )sin θ dθ ¦ ¨© Anbn bnn1 ¸¹ ³0 Pn (cos θ ) Pm (cos θ )sin θ dθ
n 0
§ m Bm · 2 (2.114)
¨© Am b m1 ¸¹ 2m 1
b
164 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Let
2m + 1 π
2 0 ∫
f1 (θ ) Pm (cos θ ) sin θ dθ = Cm
2m + 1 π
2 0∫f 2 (θ ) Pm (cos θ ) sin θ dθ = Dm
Bm
Am a m + = Cm
a m +1
Bm
Am bn + = Dm
b m +1
EXAMPLE 2.16 A thin annulus occupies the region 0 < a ≤ r ≤ b, 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π . The faces are
insulated. Along the inner edge the temperature is maintained at 0°, while along the outer
edge the temperature is held at T = K cos (θ /2), where K is a constant. Determine the temperature
distribution in the annulus.
Solution Mathematically, the problem is to solve
PDE: ∇ 2T = 0, a ≤ r ≤ b, 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π
BCs: T (a, θ ) = 0
T (b, θ ) = k cos θ /2
The required general solution is given by Eq. (2.57) in the form
implying thereby c1a n c2 a n 0, or c2 c1a 2n . After adjusting the constants suitably, we have
§ n a 2n ·
T (r , θ ) ¨ r n ¸ ( A cos nθ B sin nθ )
© r ¹
The principle of superposition gives
f § n a 2n ·
T (r , θ ) ¦ ¨ r n ¸ ( An cos nθ Bn sin nθ )
n 1© r ¹
Now, using the second boundary condition, we obtain
f
θ
T (b, θ ) K cos
2 ¦ (bn bn a2n ) ( An cos nθ Bn sin nθ )
n 1
which is a full-range Fourier series. Hence,
1 2π θ
An (b n b n a 2 n )
π 0 ³
K cos cos nθ dθ
2
k 2π ª § 1· § 1· º
2π ³0 «cos ¨© n 2 ¸¹ θ cos ¨© n 2 ¸¹ θ » dθ
¬ ¼
2π
ª § 1· § 1· º
sin n ¸ θ sin ¨ n ¸ θ »
k « ¨© 2¹ © 2¹
« »
2π « 1 1 »
n n
«¬ 2 2 »¼
0
0
implying An 0. Also,
k 2π θ
Bn (b n b n a 2 n )
π ³0 cos
2
sin nθ dθ
k 2π ª § 1· § 1· º
2π ³0 «sin ¨© n 2 ¸¹ θ sin ¨© n 2 ¸¹ θ » dθ
¬ ¼
2π
ª § 1· § 1· º
cos ¨ n ¸ θ cos ¨ n ¸ θ »
k « © 2¹ © 2¹
« »
2π « 1 1 »
n n
«¬ 2 2 »¼
0
166 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
§ ·
k ¨ 1 1 1 1 ¸
2π ¨ 1 1 1 1¸
¨© n n n n ¸
2 2 2 2¹
§ ·
k ¨ 1 1 ¸ k 2n
π ¨n 1 n 1 ¸ π n2 1
¨© ¸
2 2¹ 4
or
8kn
Bn (b n b n a 2 n )
π (4n 2 1)
Thus the temperature distribution in the annulus is given by
f ª (r / a ) n (a / r ) n º
8k n
T (r , θ )
π ¦ «
4n2 1 ¬« (b / a)n (a /b) n ¼»
» sin nθ
n 1
w 2V 1 w V 1 w 2V
0
w r2 r w r r 2 wθ 2
within the region of the plane bounded by r a, r b, θ 0, θ π /2. Its value along the
boundary r a is θ (π /2 θ ), along the other boundaries is zero. Prove that
f
2 (r / b)4n 2 (b / r )4n 2 ª sin (4n 2)θ º
V
π ¦ (a /b)4n2 (b/ a)4n2 «¬ (2n 1)3 ¼
»
n 1
w 2V 1 w V 1 w 2V
0
w r2 r w r r 2 wθ 2
subject to the following boundary conditions:
(i) V (b, θ ) 0, 0 θ π/2
(ii) V (r , π / 2) 0, ardb
(iii) V (r , 0) 0, ardb
(iv) V (a, θ ) θ (π / 2 θ ), 0 θ π /2.
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 167
The three possible solutions (see Section 2.8) are given as follows:
V (c1 ln r c2 ) (c3θ c4 )
Since the problem is not defined for r = 0, f, the second and third solutions are not acceptable.
Hence, the generally acceptable solution is the first one. The boundary condition (iii) gives
0 c3 (c1r p c2 r p )
π
0 c4 sin p (c1r p c2 r p )
2
Therefore,
π n 1, 2, }
sin p 0 or p 2 n,
2
Thus, the possible solution of the given equation has the form
§π · § a 4n b 4n ·
θ ¨ θ ¸
©2 ¹ ¦ cn sin (2nθ ) ¨
© a 2n ¹
¸
2 π /2 §π · § a 4n b4n ·
π /2 ³0 θ ¨ θ ¸ sin (2nθ ) cn ¨
©2 ¹ © a 2n ¹
¸
168 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
On simplification, we get
1 π § a 4n b4n ·
{(1)n 1} cn
4n 3 4 ¨© a 2 n ¸¹
Thus,
1 ,
π § a 4 n b 4 n · ° 2 n3 for n odd
cn ®
4 ¨© a 2 n ¸¹ °
¯ 0, for n even
Hence, the required solution is
f 4n 2 § r 8n 4 b8n 4 ·
2 1 §a·
V (r , θ ) ¦ π (2n 1)3
¨© ¸¹
r
sin (4n 2)θ ¨ 8n 4
©a
¸
b8n 4 ¹
1
PDE: 2u 0, 0 d r a, 0 θ π , 0 d φ 2π
BCs: (i) u ( a, θ ) 0.
(ii) u o E0 r cos θ as r o f.
Solution In spherical polar coordinates, with axial symmetry, the solution of the Laplace
equation is given by Eq. (2.99) in the form
f
§ B ·
u (r , θ ) ¦ ¨© An r n r nn1 ¸¹ Pn (cos θ )
n 0
which is true only for n = 1, when P1 (cos θ ) cos θ . Also, An 0 for n t 2. Therefore,
implying A1 = − E0 . Hence,
∞
B
u (r , θ ) = − E0 r cos θ + ∑ r n+n1 Pn (cos θ )
n =1
Multiplying both sides by Pm (cos θ ) sin θ and integrating between the limits 0 to π , we have
π ∞ π
B
E0 a ∫0 cos (θ ) Pm (cos θ )sin θ dθ = ∑ ann+1 ∫0 Pn (cos θ ) Pm (cos θ ) sin θ dθ (2.117)
n =1
⎧ 0, for m ≠ n
π ⎪
∫0 Pn (cos θ ) Pm (cos θ )sin θ dθ = ⎨ 2
⎪ , for m = n
⎩ 2m + 1
we obtain
Bm 2 π
a m +1 2m + 1
= E0 a
0∫cos (θ ) Pm (cos θ ) sin θ dθ
or
2m + 1 π
2
Bm =E0 a m + 2
0 ∫
cos (θ ) Pm (cos θ ) sin θ dθ
It can be verified that the integral on the right-hand side of the Eq. (2.117) vanishes for
all m except when m = 1, in which case
B1 = E0 a3
Therefore, the required potential is given by
E0 a3
u (r , θ ) = − E0 r cos θ + cos θ
r2
EXAMPLE 2.19 The steady, two-dimensional, incompressible viscous fluid flow past a circular
cylinder, when the inertial terms are neglected (Stokes flow), is governed by the biharmonic
PDE: ∇ 4ψ = 0, where ψ is the stream function. Find its solution subject to the BCs:
(i) ψ (r , θ ) = ∂ ψ /∂ r = 0 on r = 1
(ii) ψ (r , θ ) → r sin θ as r → ∞.
170 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
4ψ 2 ( 2ψ ) 0
where
§ w2 1 w 1 w2 ·
2ψ
¨ 2 r wr ¸ψ
©w r r 2 wθ 2 ¹
Using the variables separable method, let us look for a solution of the form
ψ (r , θ ) f (r ) sin θ
Therefore,
wψ wψ
f c (r ) sin θ , f (r ) cos θ
wr wθ
w 2ψ w 2ψ
f cc (r ) sin θ , f (r ) sin θ
w r2 wθ 2
Hence,
ª 1 1 º
2ψ « f cc (r ) r f c (r ) 2 f (r ) » sin θ
¬ r ¼
which can also be written in the form
2ψ F (r ) sin θ
where
1 1
F (r ) f cc(r ) f c (r ) 2 f ( r )
r r
Therefore,
4ψ 2 ( 2ψ ) 2 [ F (r ) sin θ ] 0
i.e.,
ª 1 1 º
« F cc (r ) r F c ( r ) 2 F ( r ) » sin θ 0
¬ r ¼
implying
1 1
F cc(r ) F c(r ) 2 F (r ) 0
r r
Introducing the transformation r ez , D d /dz , the above equation becomes
[ D ( D 1) D 1] F (r ) 0
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 171
or
( D 2 1) F (r ) 0
Its complementary function is
B
F (r ) Ae z Be z Ar
r
or
1 1 B
f cc(r ) f c (r ) 2 f (r ) Ar
r r r
i.e.
r 2 f cc (r ) rf c (r ) f (r ) Ar 3 Br
which is a homogeneous ordinary differential equation. Again using the transformation r ez,
D d /dz , we get
[ D ( D 1) D 1] f Ae3 z Be z
or
( D 2 1) f Ae3 z Be z
Its complementary function is
f (r ) Ce z De z
while its particular integral is
1 Ae3 z Bze z
( Ae3 z Be z )
D2 1 8 2
Therefore,
D A 3 B
f (r ) Cr r r ln r
r 8 2
Thus, we have
§A 3 B D·
ψ ¨© r r ln r Cr ¸¹ sin θ
8 2 r
Now to satisfy the BC: ψ o r sin θ , as r o f and from physical considerations, we choose
A = 0, Therefore,
§B D·
ψ ¨© r ln r Cr ¸¹ sin θ
2 r
172 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
B B
C D 0 2D
2 2
implying B = 4D. Hence, the general solution is
§ r 1 ·
ψ 2 D ¨ r ln r ¸ sin θ
© 2 2r ¹
PDE: 2u 0, 0ra
wu
BCs: (i) 0 at r 0
wr
wu wu
(ii) 0, V (z) at r a
wz wr
Show that the speed of suction is given by
f
V ( z) ¦ αn ( An cosh αn z Bn sinh αn z) J1 (αn a)
n 1
w u
1 w u 1 w 2u w 2u
2u
0
w r 2 r w r r 2 wθ 2 w z2
In axisymmetric case, the above equation becomes
w 2u 1 w u w 2u
0 (2.118)
w r2 r w r w z2
f cc (1/ r ) f c φ cc
α 2 (say)
f φ
Then
φ cc α 2φ 0 (2.119)
1
f cc f c α2 f 0 (2.120)
r
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 173
r 2 f cc rf c α 2 r 2 f 0
which is a Bessel’s equation of zeroth order whose general solution is
f J 0 (α r ) DY0 (α r )
Here, J 0 (α r ) and Y0 (α r ) are zeroth order Bessel functions of first and second kind respectively.
Therefore, the typical solution is
u ( A cosh α z B sinh α z ) [ J 0 (α r ) DY0 (α r )]
u ( A cosh α z B sinh α z ) J 0 (α r )
∇2v = 2 (2.122)
∇ 2ω = 0 (2.123)
It is customary to assume that v has the form
v ( x, y ) = a + bx + cy + dx 2 + exy + fy 2
Substituting this into Eq. (2.122), we get
2d + 2 f = 2
Let f = 0. Then d = 1. The remaining coefficients can be chosen arbitrarily. Thus we take
v ( x , y ) = −5 x + x 2 (2.124)
so that v reduces to zero (satisfies the boundary conditions) on the sides x = 0 and x = 5.
Now, we shall find ω from
ω (0, y ) = −v (0, y) = 0
ω (5, y ) = −v (5, y ) = 0
ω ( x, 0) = −v ( x, 0) = −(−5 x + x 2 )
ω ( x, 4) = −v ( x, 4) = −(−5 x + x 2 )
The above conditions are obtained by using Eqs. (2.121), (2.124) and the given boundary
conditions. By using the superposition principle (see Section 2.5), the general solution of
Eq. (2.125) is found to be
∞
ω ( x, y ) = ∑ sin (nπ x /5) [an exp (nπ y /5) + bn exp (−nπ y/5)] (2.126)
n =1
Now, applying the non-homogeneous BC: ω ( x, 0) = − (−5 x + x 2 ), we get, after renaming the
constants, the equation
ω ( x, 0) = −(−5 x + x 2 ) = ∑ An sin (nπ x /5)
Also, applying the BC: ω ( x, 4) = −(−5 x + x 2 ), Eq. (2.126) can be rewritten in the form
∞
⎛ 4nπ 4nπ ⎞ nπ x
−(−5 x + x 2 ) = ∑ ⎜⎝ an cosh 5
+ bn sinh
5 ⎠
⎟ sin
5
(2.127)
n =1
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 175
which gives
2 5 nπ x
an
5 0 ³
(5 x x 2 ) sin
5
dx
5
2 ª 2 § 5 nπ · § 52 nπ x · § 53 nπ · º
an «(5 x x ) ¨ cos x ¸ (5 2 x) ¨ 2 2 sin ¸ (2) ¨ 3 3 cos x »
5 «¬ © nπ 5 ¹ © nπ 5 ¹ ©n π 5 ¸¹ »¼
0
2 ª 2(53 ) 2 § 53 · º
« 3 3 cos nπ 3 ¨ 3 ¸»
5 «¬ n π n © π ¹ »¼
Hence,
8(52 )
° 3 3, when n is odd
an ®π n (2.128)
°
¯ 0, when n is even
ª § 4 ·º
an «1 cosh ¨ nπ ¸ »
¬ © 5 ¹¼
bn (2.129)
§ 4 ·
sinh ¨ nπ ¸
©5 ¹
Substituting an, bn from Eqs. (2.128) and (2.129) into Eq. (2.126), we get
f
ª § nQ · §4 · §4 · § nQ ·
X ( x, y ) ¦ an ¬«cosh ¨© 5 y ¸ sinh ¨ nQ ¸ cosh ¨ nQ ¸ sinh ¨
¹ ©5 ¹ ©5 ¹ © 5
y¸
¹
n 1
§ nQ · § nQ · § 4 ·º
sinh ¨ x sinh ¨ nQ ¸ »
© 5 ¸¹ ¨© 5 ¸¹
y sin
© 5 ¹¼
176 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
or
∞
⎡ ⎧ nπ ⎫ ⎛ nπ ⎞ ⎤ ⎛ nπ ⎞ ⎛4 ⎞
ω ( x, y ) = ∑ ⎣⎢sinh ⎩⎨ 5 (4 − y)⎭⎬ + sinh ⎜⎝ 5 y ⎟ ⎥ sin ⎜
⎠⎦ ⎝ 5
x ⎟ sinh ⎜ nπ ⎟
⎠ ⎝5 ⎠
(2.130)
n =1
Combining Eqs. (2.124), (2.128) and (2.130), the solution of the given Poisson equation is
u(x, y) =
⎡ ⎤
8×5 ⎢
2
sinh (2n − 1) π (4 − y )/5 + sinh [(2n − 1)π y /5] ⎥ ⎧⎪ sin [(2n − 1) π x /5] ⎫⎪
∞
x ( x − 5) + 3
⎢
π n =1 ⎢
∑ ⎡ 4 ⎤
⎥×⎨
⎥ ⎩⎪ (2n − 1)3
⎬
⎭⎪
sinh ⎢(2n − 1) π ⎥
⎢⎣ ⎣ 5 ⎦ ⎥⎦
EXAMPLE 2.22 Let IR be a region bounded by ∂ IR. Let P( x, y, z ) be any point in the
interior of IR, as shown in Fig. 2.9. Let φ be a harmonic function in IR; also, let ψ = 1/ r , where
r is the distance from P. Applying Green’s second identity, show that
1 ⎡1 ∂φ ∂ ⎛ 1 ⎞⎤
φ ( P) =
4π ∫∫ ⎢⎣ r ∂ n − φ ∂ n ⎜⎝ r ⎟⎠ ⎥⎦ ds
∂ IR
∂IR
Q IR
ε ∂Σε
P
Σε
O x
z
Fig. 2.9 An illustration of Example 2.22.
∂ ⎛∂φ ⎞
+ ∫∫ φ ∂ n (1/ r )dS − ∫∫ (1/ r ) ⎜⎝ ∂ n ⎟⎠ dS (2.131)
∂ Σε ∂ Σε
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 177
From the right-hand side of Eq. (2.131), we observe that the last two integrals depend only
on ε . But in the direction of the exterior normal to ∂ Σε , we find that
∂ ∂ 1
(1/ r ) = − (1/ r ) = 2
∂n ∂ Σε ∂ r r =ε ε
Therefore,
∂ 1 4πε 2
∫∫ φ
∂n
(1/ r ) dS = 2
ε ∫∫ φ dS =
ε2
φ (Q) = 4πφ * (Q)
∂ Σε ∂ Σε
∂φ 1 ⎛∂φ ⎞ ⎛∂φ *⎞
− ∫∫ (1/ r )
∂n
dS = −
ε ∫∫ ⎜⎝ ⎠⎟ dS = −4πε ⎝⎜
∂n
⎟
∂n ⎠
∂ Σε ∂ Σε
⎡ ∂ ∂φ ⎤ ⎛∂φ ⎞
∫∫∫ (−1/ r ) ∇ 2φ dV = ∫∫ ⎣⎢φ ∂ n (1/ r ) − (1/ r ) ∂ n ⎦⎥ dS + 4πφ * ( P) + 4πε ⎝⎜ ∂ n ⎠⎟ * (2.132)
IR − Σε ∂ IR
Now, taking the limit as ε → 0, and using the fact that φ is harmonic in IR − Σε , we arrive
at the fundamental result
1 ⎡ ∂φ ∂ ⎤
φ ( P) =
4π ∫∫ ⎢⎣(1/ r ) ∂ n − φ ∂ n (1/ r )⎥⎦ dS (2.133)
∂ IR
Thus, the value of a harmonic function at any point of IR can be obtained in terms of the
values of φ and ∂ φ /∂ n on the boundary ∂ IR of the region IR .
EXAMPLE 2.23 Find the solution of the following Helmholtz equation, using separation of
variables method:
—2u + K2u = uxx + uyy + uzz + K2u = 0 (2.134)
Solution It may be noted that the Laplacian in cartesian coordinates is a PDE with constant
coefficients, while in cylindrical or spherical coordinates, it is a PDE with variable coefficients.
Thus, let us assume the solution of the given Helmholtz equation in the form
u(x, y, z) = X(x) Y(y) Z(z)
where X(x) is a function of x alone, Y(y) is a function of y alone, Z(z) is a function of z only.
Substituting into the given Helmholtz equation, we get
X≤(x) Y(y) Z(z) + X(x) Y≤(y) Z(z) + X(x) Y(y) Z≤(z) + K2X(x) Y(y) Z(z) = 0,
178 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
X ( x ) C1eiK1x C2 e iK1x Þ
Ñ
Y ( y) C3eiK2 y C4 e iK2 y ß (2.136)
Z ( z ) C5 eiK3 z C6 e iK3 z Ñà
EXERCISES
1. Solve the following boundary value problem:
PDE: 2u 0, 0 d r d 10, 0 d θ d π
400
BCs: u (10, θ ) (πθ θ 2 )
π
u (r , 0) 0 u (r , π )
u (0, θ ) is finite
2. A homogeneous thermally conducting solid is bounded by the concentric spheres
r = a, r = b, 0 < a < b. There are no heat sources within the solid. The inner surface
r = a is held at constant temperature T1, and at the outer surface there is radiation
into the medium r > b which is at a constant temperature T2. Find the steady temperature
T in the solid.
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 179
° C , 0 θ α
u ®
°̄ 0, α θ 2π
7. Show that
q ,
ψ (q is constant)
| r rc |
is a solution of the Laplace equation.
8. Solve the following
w 2G 1 w G 1 w 2G
PDE: 0
w r2 r w r r 2 wR 2
wG
BCs: vr 0 at r a
wr
vr U f cos R at r f
1 wG
vR U f sin R
r wR
180 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
9. In the theory of elasticity, the stress function ψ , in the problem of torsion of a beam
satisfies the Poisson equation
∂ 2ψ ∂ 2ψ
+ = −2, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1
∂ x2 ∂ y 2
with the boundary conditions ψ = 0 on sides x = 0, x = 1, y = 0 and on y = 1. Find
the stress function ψ .
10. For an infinitely long conducting cylinder of radius a, with its axis coincident with
its z-axis, the voltage u (r , θ ) obeys the Laplace equation
∇2u = 0, 0 ≤ r ≤ ∞, 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π
∂u u0
= sin 3θ
∂r r =a a
1
subject to u ( x, 0) = 0, u y ( x, 0) = sin nx, where n is a positive integer. Show that
n
its solution is
1
un ( x , y ) sinh ny sin nx (E11.2)
n2
(b) Show that for large n, the absolute value of the initial data in (a) can be made
arbitrarily small, while the solution (E11.2) takes arbitrarily large values even at the
points (x, y) with | y | as small as we want.
(c) Let f and g be analytic, and let u1 be the solution to the Cauchy problem described
by
u xx + u yy = 0
subject to
u ( x, 0) = f ( x), u y ( x, 0) = g ( x) (E11.3)
and let u 2 be the solution of the Laplace equation (E11.1) subject to
u ( x, 0) = f ( x), u y ( x, 0) = g ( x) + (1/ n) sin nx. Show that
1
u2 ( x, y ) − u1 ( x, y ) = sinh ny sin nx (E11.4)
n2
ELLIPTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 181
(d) Conclude that the solution to the Cauchy problem for Laplace equation does not
depend continuously on the initial data. In other words, the initial value problem
(Cauchy problem) for the Laplace equation is not well-posed. It may be noted that
a problem involving a PDE is well-posed if the following three properties are satisfied:
(i) The solution to the problem exists.
(ii) The solution is unique.
(iii) The solution depends continuously on the data of the problem.
Fortunately, many a physical phenomena give rise to initial or boundary or IBVPs
which are well-posed.
12. Find the solution of the following PDE using separation of variables method
uxx – uy + u = 0.
CHAPTER 3
182
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 183
∧
n
q
dS
Heat can be generated due to nuclear reactions or movement of mechanical parts as in inertial
measurement unit (IMU), or due to chemical sources which may be a function of position,
temperature and time and may be denoted by H (r , T , t ). We also define the specific heat of
a substance as the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a unit mass by a unit
temperature. Then the amount of heat dQ needed to raise the temperature of the elemental
mass dm = ρ dV to the value T is given by dQ = C ρT dV . Therefore,
Q= ∫∫∫ C ρT dV
V
dQ ∂T
dt
= ∫∫∫ C ρ ∂ t dV
V
The energy balance equation for a small control volume V is: The rate of energy storage in
V is equal to the sum of rate of heat entering V through its bounding surfaces and the rate
of heat generation in V. Thus,
∂ T (r, t )
∫∫∫ Cρ ∂t
dV = − ∫∫ q ⋅ nˆ dS + ∫∫∫ H (r, T , t ) dV (3.4)
V S V
⎡ ∂T ⎤
∫∫∫ ⎢⎣ Cρ ∂ t (r, t ) + div q (r, t ) − H (r, T , t )⎥⎦ dV = 0 (3.5)
V
Boundary Condition I: The temperature is prescribed all over the boundary surface. That
is, the temperature T(r, t) is a function of both position and time. In other words, T G (r, t ) which
is some prescribed function on the boundary. This type of boundary condition is called the
Dirichlet condition. Specification of boundary conditions depends on the problem under
investigation. Sometimes the temperature on the boundary surface is a function of position
only or is a function of time only or a constant. A special case includes T(r, t) = 0 on the
surface of the boundary, which is called a homogeneous boundary condition.
Boundary Condition II: The flux of heat, i.e., the normal derivative of the temperature w T /w n,
is prescribed on the surface of the boundary. It may be a function of both position and time,
i.e.,
wT
f (r , t )
wn
This is called the Neumann condition. Sometimes, the normal derivatives of temperature may
be a function of position only or a function of time only. A special case includes
wT
0 on the boundary
wn
This homogeneous boundary condition is also called insulated boundary condition which
states that the heat flow is zero.
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 185
Boundary Condition III: A linear combination of the temperature and its normal derivative
is prescribed on the boundary, i.e.,
∂T
K + hT = G (r, t )
∂n
where K and h are constants. This type of boundary condition is called Robin’s condition. It
means that the boundary surface dissipates heat by convection. Following Newton’s law of
cooling, which states that the rate at which heat is transferred from the body to the surroundings
is proportional to the difference in temperature between the body and the surroundings, we
have
∂T
−K = h (T − Ta )
∂n
As a special case, we may also have
∂T
K + hT = 0
∂n
which is a homogeneous boundary condition. This means that heat is convected by
dissipation from the boundary surface into a surrounding maintained at zero temperature.
The other boundary conditions such as the heat transfer due to radiation obeying the
fourth power temperature law and those associated with change of phase, like melting, ablation,
etc. give rise to non-linear boundary conditions.
where ξ is an arbitrary real constant, is a solution of Eq. (3.10). It can be verified easily as
follows:
∂T 1 ( x − ξ )2 1
= − exp [ − ( x − ξ )2/(4α t )]
∂t 4πα t 4α t 2 2t
∂T 1 −2 ( x − ξ)
= exp [ − ( x − ξ )2/(4α t )]
∂x 4πα t 4α t
186 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Therefore,
w 2T 1 ª 1 ( x ξ )2 º 1 wT
» exp [( x ξ ) /(4α t )]
2
«
w x2 4πα t «¬ 2α t 4α t »¼
2 2 α wt
which shows that the function (3.11) is a solution of Eq. (3.10). The function (3.11), known
as Kernel, is the elementary solution or the fundamental solution of the heat equation for the
infinite interval. For t > 0, the Kernel T(x, t) is an analytic function of x and t and it can also
be noted that T(x, t) is positive for every x. Therefore, the region of influence for the diffusion
equation includes the entire x-axis. It can be observed that as | x | o f, the amount of heat
transported decreases exponentially.
In order to have an idea about the nature of the solution to the heat equation, consider
a one-dimensional infinite region which is initially at temperature f (x). Thus the problem is
described by
wT w 2T
PDE: α , f x f, t ! 0 (3.12)
wt w x2
IC: T ( x, 0) f ( x), f x f, t 0 (3.13)
β Ceαλt (3.16)
If λ ! 0, we have β and, therefore, T growing exponentially with time. From realistic physical
considerations, it is reasonable to assume that f ( x) o 0 as | x | o f, while | T ( x, t )| M as
| x | o f. But, for T(x, t) to remain bounded, λ should be negative and thus we
X cc μ 2 X 0
Its solution is found to be
X c1 cos μ x c2 sin μ x
Hence
2
T ( x, t , μ ) ( A cos μ x B sin μ x) eαμ t (3.17)
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 187
is a solution of Eq. (3.12), where A and B are arbitrary constants. Since f (x) is in general not
periodic, it is natural to use Fourier integral instead of Fourier series in the present case. Also,
since A and B are arbitrary, we may consider them as functions of μ and take
A A ( μ ), B B ( μ ). In this particular problem, since we do not have any boundary conditions
which limit our choice of μ , we should consider all possible values. From the principles of
superposition, this summation of all the product solutions will give us the relation
f f 2
T ( x, t ) ³0 T ( x, t , μ ) dμ ³0 [ A ( μ ) cos μ x B ( μ )sin μ x] eαμ t dμ (3.18)
which is the solution of Eq. (3.12). From the initial condition (3.13), we have
f
T ( x, 0) f ( x) ³0 [ A ( μ ) cos μ x B ( μ ) sin μ x] dμ (3.19)
1 f ª f f º
π ³0 «¬cos μ x ³f f ( y) cos μ y dy sin μ x ³f f ( y) sin μ y dy »¼ dμ (3.21)
Let
1 f
A (μ )
π ³f f ( y) cos μ y dy
1 f
B (μ )
π ³f f ( y) sin μ y dy
Then Eq. (3.21) can be written in the form
f
f ( x) ³0 [ A ( μ ) cos μ x B ( μ )sin μ x] dμ (3.22)
Assuming that the conditions for the formal interchange of orders of integration are satisfied,
we get
1 f ª f º
T ( x, t )
π ³f f ( y) «
¬ ³0 exp (αμ 2 t ) cos μ ( x y ) d μ » dy
¼
(3.25)
T0 ª § bx · § a x ·º
T ( x, t ) «erf ¨© 4α t ¸¹ erf ¨© 4α t ¸¹ »
2 ¬ ¼
where erf is an error function.
Solution The problem is described as follows:
PDE: Tt αTxx , f xf
IC: T T0 , a xb
T0 b
³a exp [( x ξ ) /(4α t )] dξ
2
T ( x, t )
4πα t
Introducing the new independent variable η defined by
x ξ
η
4α t
and hence
dξ 4α t dη
the above equation becomes
T0 (b x ) /√ (4α t )
η 2 T0 ª 2 (b x ) /√ (4α t ) 2 2 ( a x ) /√ (4α t ) 2 º
T ( x, t ) ³(a x) /√(4αt ) e dη « ³0 eη dη ³0 eη dη »
π 2 ¬ π π ¼
Now we introduce the error function defined by
2 z
³0 exp (η ) dη
2
erf ( z )
π
Therefore, the required solution is
T0 ª §bx · § a x ·º
T ( x, t ) «erf ¨© 4α t ¸¹ erf ¨© 4α t ¸¹ »
2 ¬ ¼
° 1/2ε , |t |ε
δ ε (t ) ® (3.29)
°̄ 0, |t |!ε
190 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Thus,
f ε 1
³f δ ε (t ) dt ³ε 2ε dt 1 (3.30)
Let f (t) be any function which is integrable in the interval (ε , ε ). Then using the Mean-
value theorem of integral calculus, we have
f 1 ε
³f f (t ) δ ε (t ) dt 2ε ³ε f (t ) dt f (ξ ), ε ξ ε (3.31)
δ (t ) Lt δ ε (t ) (3.32)
εo0
f
³f δ (t ) dt 1 (3.34)
This limiting function δ (t ) defined by Eqs. (3.33) and (3.34) is known as Dirac delta function
or the unit impulse function. Its profile is depicted in Fig. 3.2. Dirac originally called it an
improper function as there is no proper function with these properties. In fact, we can observe
that
f
1 ³f δ (t ) dt Lt ³
ε o 0 |t | ! ε
δ ε (t ) dt
εo0
Lt 0 0
δε
1/2ε
–ε 0 ε t
Fig. 3.2 Profile of Dirac delta function.
Obviously, this contradiction implies that δ (t ) cannot be a function in the ordinary sense.
Some important properties of Dirac delta function are presented now:
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 191
f
PROPERTY I: ³f δ (t ) dt 1
ε o 0 ³f
Lt f (t ) δ ε (t ) dt Lt f (ξ ), ε ξ ε
ξo0
As ε o 0, we have ξ o 0. Therefore,
f
³f f (t ) δ (t ) dt f (0)
Thus, the operation of multiplying f (t) by δ (t a) and integrating over all t is equivalent to
substituting a for t in the original function.
1
PROPERTY V: δ (at ) δ (t ), a!0
a
192 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PROPERTY VI: If δ (t ) is a continuously differentiable. Dirac delta function vanishing for large
t, then
∞
∫− ∞ f (t ) δ ′(t ) dt = − f ′(0)
Proof Using the rule of integration by parts, we get
∞ ∞
∫−∞ f (t ) δ ′ (t ) dt = [ f (t ) δ (t )] ∞
−∞ − ∫−∞ f ′(t ) δ (t ) dt
Using Eq. (3.33) and property (III), the above equations becomes
∞
∫− ∞ f (t ) δ ′(t ) dt = − f ′(0)
∞
PROPERTY VII: ∫−∞ δ ′(t − a) f (t ) dt = − f ′(a)
Having discussed the one-dimensional Dirac delta function, we can extend the definition to
two dimensions. Thus, for every f which is continuous over the region S containing the
point (ξ , η ), we define δ ( x − ξ , y − η ) in such a way that
∫∫ δ ( x − ξ , y − η ) f ( x, y) dσ = f (ξ , η ) (3.35)
S
δ ( x − ξ , y − η ) = Lt δ ε (r ) (3.36)
ε →0
∫∫ δ ( x − ξ ) δ ( y − η) f ( x, y) dx dy = f (ξ , η) (3.37)
EXAMPLE 3.2 A one-dimensional infinite region − ∞ < x < ∞ is initially kept at zero
temperature. A heat source of strength gs units, situated at x = ξ releases its heat instantaneously
at time t = τ . Determine the temperature in the region for t > τ .
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 193
Solution Initially, the region f x f is at zero temperature. Since the heat source
is situated at x ξ and releases heat instantaneously at t τ , the released temperature
at x ξ and t τ is a δ - function type. Thus, the given problem is a boundary value problem
described by
w 2T g ( x, t ) 1 wT
PDE: , f x f, t ! 0
wx 2 k α wt
IC: T ( x, t ) F ( x) 0, f x f, t 0
g ( x, t ) g sδ ( x ξ ) δ (t τ )
The general solution to this problem as given in Example 7.25, after using the initial condition
F ( x) 0, is
α t dt c f
T ( x, t )
k ³t c 0 4πα (t t c ) ³x c f
g ( x c, t c ) exp [ ( x x c)2 /{4α (t t c)}] dx c (3.39)
Since the heat source term is of the Dirac delta function type, substituting
g ( x, t ) g sδ ( x ξ ) δ (t τ )
into Eq. (3.39), and integrating we get, with the help of properties of delta function, the
relation
x ξ 1( x ξ ) 2
η or t tc
4α (t t c ) η 2 4α
Therefore,
1 ( x ξ )2
dt c dη
η 3 2α
Thus, Eq. (3.40) becomes
x ξ f exp (η 2 )
T ( x, t ) gs
2K π ³( xξ )/ 4α t η2
dη
However,
d § eη 2 · eη
2
2
¨ ¸ 2eη
dη ¨© η ¸¹ η 2
Hence,
ª § η 2 ·
f º
x ξ « e f
η 2 »
T ( x, t ) gs
2K π « ¨¨ η ¸
¸¹
2 ³( xξ ) / (4αt ) e dη »
«¬ © ( x ξ ) / 4α t »¼
2 § f x ·
³0 exp (η 2 ) dη ³0 exp (η ) dη ¸
2
erfc ( x) 1 erf ( x) ¨
π © ¹
2 f
π ³x exp (η 2 ) dη
α gs ª t | x ξ | § x ξ ·º
T ( x, t ) « exp [( x ξ )2 /(4α t )] ¨©1 erf ¸»
K ¬ 2π 2α 4α t ¹ ¼
α gs ª t | x ξ | x ξ º
T ( x, t ) « exp [ ( x ξ )2 /(4α t )] erfc »
K ¬ 2π 2α 4α t ¼
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 195
wT w 2T
α (3.41)
wt w x2
Among the many methods that are available for the solution of the above parabolic partial
differential equation, the method of separation of variables is very effective and straightforward.
We separate the space and time variables of T(x, t) as follows: Let
T ( x, t ) X ( x) β (t ) (3.42)
be a solution of the differential Eq. (3.41). Substituting Eq. (3.42) into (3.41), we obtain
X cc 1 βc
K , a separation constant
X α β
Then we have
d2X
KX 0 (3.43)
dx 2
dβ
αKβ 0 (3.44)
dt
In solving Eqs. (3.43) and (3.44), three distinct cases arise:
Case I When K is positive, say λ 2 , the solution of Eqs. (3.43) and (3.44) will have the form
c1eλ x c2 e λ x ,
2
X β c3eαλ t (3.45)
Case II When K is negative, say λ 2 , then the solution of Eqs. (3.43) and (3.44) will have
the form
2
X c1 cos λ x c2 sin λ x, β c3e αλ t (3.46)
Case III When K is zero, the solution of Eqs. (3.43) and (3.44) can have the form
X c1 x c2 , β c3 (3.47)
Thus, various possible solutions of the heat conduction equation (3.41) could be the following:
2
T ( x, t ) (c1ceλ x c2c e λ x ) eαλ t
2
T ( x, t ) (c1c cos λ x c2c sin λ x) eαλ t
(3.48)
T ( x, t ) c1cx c2c
196 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
where
c1c c1c3 , c2c c2 c3
EXAMPLE 3.4 Solve the one-dimensional diffusion equation in the region 0 d x d π , t t 0,
subject to the conditions
(i) T remains finite as t o f
(ii) T 0, if x 0 and π for all t
x, 0 d x d π /2
°
(iii) At t 0, T ® π
°̄ π x, d x d π.
2
Solution Since T should satisfy the diffusion equation, the three possible solutions are:
2
T ( x, t ) (c1eλ x c2 e λ x ) eαλ t
2
T ( x, t ) (c1 cos λ x c2 sin λ x) eαλ t
T ( x, t ) (c1 x c2 )
The first condition demands that T should remain finite as t o f. We therefore reject the first
solution. In view of BC (ii), the third solution gives
0 c1 0 c2 , 0 c1 π c2
implying thereby that both c1 and c2 are zero and hence T = 0 for all t. This is a trivial
solution. Since we are looking for a non-trivial solution, we reject the third solution also.
Thus, the only possible solution satisfying the first condition is
2
T ( x, t ) (c1 cos λ x c2 sin λ x) eαλ t
Noting that the heat conduction equation is linear, its most general solution is obtained by
applying the principle of superposition. Thus,
f
¦ cneα n t sin nx
2
T ( x, t )
n 1
2 π 2ª π /2 π º
cn
π ³0 T ( x, 0) sin nx dx
𠫬 ³0 x sin nx dx ³π /2 (π x)sin nx dx»¼
Integrating by parts, we obtain
2 ª § cos nx sin nx · π /2 π
cos nx sin nx ½ º
cn «¨ x ¸ ® (π x ) ¾ »
𠫬 © n n2 ¹ 0 ¯ n n 2 ¿ π /2 »¼
or
4 sin (nπ /2)
cn
n2π
Thus, the required solution is
f 2
4 eα n t sin (nπ /2)
T ( x, t )
π ¦ n2
sin nx
n 1
EXAMPLE 3.5 A uniform rod of length L whose surface is thermally insulated is initially
at temperature q = q0. At time t = 0, one end is suddenly cooled to q = 0 and subsequently
maintained at this temperature; the other end remains thermally insulated. Find the temperature
distribution q(x, t).
Solution The initial boundary value problem IBVP of heat conduction is given by
wθ w 2θ
PDE: α , 0 d x d L, t ! 0
wt w x2
BCs: θ (0, t ) 0, tt0
wθ
( L, t ) 0, t!0
wx
IC: θ ( x, 0) θ 0 , 0d xdL
198 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
From Section 3.5, it can be noted that the physically meaningful and non-trivial solution is
2
θ ( x, t ) eαλ t ( A cos λ x B sin λ x)
Using the first boundary condition, we obtain A 0. Thus the acceptable solution is
2
θ Beαλ t sin λ x
wθ 2
λ Beαλ t cos λ x
wx
Using the second boundary condition, we have
2
0 λ Beαλ t cos λ L
implying cos λ L 0. Therefore,
The eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenfunctions are
(2n 1) π
λn , n 0, 1, 2, }
2L
Thus, the acceptable solution is of the form
§ 2n 1 ·
θ B exp [α {(2n 1) / 2 L}2 π 2 t ] sin ¨ πx
© 2 L ¸¹
Using the principle of superposition, we obtain
f
§ 2n 1 ·
θ ( x, t ) ¦ Bn exp [α {(2n 1)/2L}2π 2t ] sin ¨© 2L
π x¸
¹
n 0
2ª § 2n 1 · ½ º
L
2L
« θ 0 ® ¨
cos π x ¸¹ ¾ »
L«
¬
(2n 1) π ¯ © 2L ¿ 0 »¼
4θ 0 4θ 0
[cos {(2n 1) π /2} cos 0]
(2n 1) π (2n 1) π
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 199
EXAMPLE 3.6 A conducting bar of uniform cross-section lies along the x-axis with ends
at x 0 and x L. It is kept initially at temperature 0° and its lateral surface is insulated. There
are no heat sources in the bar. The end x = 0 is kept at 0°, and heat is suddenly applied at
the end x = L, so that there is a constant flux q0 at x = L. Find the temperature distribution
in the bar for t > 0.
Solution The given initial boundary value problem can be described as follows:
wT w 2T
PDE: α
wt w x2
BCs: T (0, t ) 0, t!0
wT
( L, t ) q0 , t!0
wx
IC: T ( x, 0) 0, 0d xdL
Prior to applying heat suddenly to the end x = L, when t = 0, the heat flow in the bar is
independent of time (steady state condition). Let
T ( x, t ) T( s ) ( x) T1 ( x, t )
where T(s) is a steady part and T1 is the transient part of the solution. Therefore,
w 2T( s )
0
w x2
whose general solution is
T( s ) Ax B
T( s ) Ax
w T( s )
Using the other BC: q0 , we get A q0 . Hence, the steady state solution is
wx
T( s ) q0 x
200 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
(iii) T1 ( x, 0) T ( x, 0) T( s ) ( x) q0 x, 0 x L.
Thus, for the transient part, we have to solve the given PDE subject to these conditions. The
acceptable solution is given by Eq. (3.48), i.e.
2
T1 ( x, t ) eαλ t ( A cos λ x B sin λ x)
π
implying λ L (2n 1) , n 1, 2,} Using the superposition principle, we have
2
f
§ 2n 1 ·
T1 ( x, t ) ¦ Bn exp [α {(2n 1)/2L}2π 2t ]sin ¨© 2L
π x¸
¹
n 1
§ 2m 1 ·
Multiplying both sides by sin ¨ π x ¸ and integrating between 0 to L and noting that
© 2L ¹
0, nzm
L § 2n 1 · § 2m 1 · °
³0 Bn sin ¨
© 2 L ¸¹
π x sin ¨
© 2L
π x ¸ dx
¹
® Bm L
° , n m
¯ 2
we get at once, after integrating by parts, the equation
4 L2ª § 2m 1 · º L
q0 «sin ¨ π ¸» Bm
(2m 1) π ¬ © 2
2 2 ¹¼ 2
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 201
or
4 L2 L
q0 (1) m 1 Bm
(2m 1) π 2 2 2
which gives
(1)m 8 Lq0
Bm
(2m 1) 2 π 2
Hence, the required temperature distribution is
f ª (1)m
8Lq0 § 2m 1 · º
T ( x, t ) q0 x
π2
¦ ¬«« (2m 1)2 exp [α {(2m 1)/ L}2π 2t ] sin ¨© 2L
π x ¸»
¹ ¼»
m 1
EXAMPLE 3.7 The ends A and B of a rod, 10 cm in length, are kept at temperatures 0°C
and 100°C until the steady state condition prevails. Suddenly the temperature at the end A is
increased to 20°C, and the end B is decreased to 60°C. Find the temperature distribution in
the rod at time t.
Solution The problem is described by
wT w 2T
PDE: α , 0 x 10
wt w x2
BCs: T (0, t ) 0, T (10, t ) 100
Prior to change in temperature at the ends of the rod, the heat flow in the rod is independent
of time as steady state condition prevails. For steady state,
d 2T
0
dx 2
whose solution is
T( s ) Ax B
T( s ) Ax
When x 10, T 100, implying A 10. Thus, the initial steady temperature distribution in
the rod is
T( s ) ( x) 10 x
Similarly, when the temperature at the ends A and B are changed to 20 and 60, the final steady
temperature in the rod is
T( s ) ( x) 4 x 20
202 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
which will be attained after a long time. To get the temperature distribution T ( x, t ) in the
intermediate period, counting time from the moment the end temperatures were changed, we
assume that
T ( x, t ) = T1 ( x, t ) + T( s ) ( x)
⎛ nπ ⎞
10 x = 4 x + 20 + ∑ cn sin ⎜⎝ 10 x ⎟⎠
or
⎛ nπ ⎞
6 x − 20 = ∑ cn sin ⎝⎜ 10 x ⎠⎟
where
2 10 ⎛ nπ ⎞ 1 ⎡ n 800 200 ⎤
cn =
10 ∫0 (6 x − 20) sin ⎜
⎝ 10
x ⎟ dx = −
⎠ 5 ⎢⎣ (−1) nπ − nπ ⎥⎦
EXAMPLE 3.8 Assuming the surface of the earth to be flat, which is initially at zero
temperature and for times t > 0, the boundary surface is being subjected to a periodic heat
flux g0 cos ωt. Investigate the penetration of these temperature variations into the earth’s
surface and show that at a depth x, the temperature fluctuates and the amplitude of the steady
temperature is given by
g0 2α
exp [ (ω /2α ) x ]
2 ω
wT w 2T
PDE: α (3.49)
wt w x2
wT
BC: g 0 cos ω t at x 0, t ! 0 (3.50)
wx
IC: T ( x, 0) 0 (3.51)
We shall introduce an auxiliary function T satisfying Eqs. (3.49)–(3.51) and then define the
complex function Z such that
Z T iT
We can easily verify that Z satisfies
wZ w 2Z
PDE: α (3.52)
wt w x2
wZ
BC: g0 eiω t at x 0, t ! 0
wx
Z f ( x) eiω t
where f (x) satisfies
d 2 f ( x) ω
i f ( x) 0 (3.53)
dx 2 α
df ( x)
g0 at x 0 (3.54)
dx
204 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Also,
f ( x) is finite for large x. (3.55)
The solution of Eq. (3.53), satisfying the BC (3.55), is
f ( x) A exp [ (iω /α ) x ]
The constant A can be determined by using the BC (3.54). Therefore,
1 α
f ( x) g0 exp [ (iω / α ) x]
i ω
Thus,
α 1
Z g0 exp [iω t (iω / α ) x] (3.56)
ω i
It can be shown for convenience that
1 i 1 1 i
i ,
2 i 2
Thus, Eq. (3.56) can be written in the form
g0 2α § ω · ª § ω ·º
Z exp ¨ x ¸ (1 i ) exp «i ¨ω t x ¸»
2 ω © 2α ¹ ¬ © 2α ¹¼
g0 2α § ω · ª § ω · § ω ·º
exp ¨ x ¸ (1 i) «cos ¨ω t x ¸ i sin ¨ω t x »
2 ω © 2α ¹ ¬ © 2α ¹ © 2α ¸¹ ¼
g0 2α § ω ·ª § ω · § ω ·º
T ( x, t ) exp ¨ x ¸ «cos ¨ω t x ¸ sin ¨ω t x ¸»
2 ω © 2α ¹ ¬ © 2α ¹ © 2α ¹¼
g0 2α § ω · § ω π·
exp ¨ x ¸ cos ¨ω t x ¸
2 ω © 2α ¹ © 2α 4¹
EXAMPLE 3.9 Find the solution of the one-dimensional diffusion equation satisfying the
following BCs:
(i) T is bounded as t o f
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 205
wT
(ii) 0, for all t
wx x 0
wT
(iii) 0, for all t
wx x a
(iv) T ( x, 0) x (a x), 0 x a.
Solution This is an example with insulated boundary conditions. From Section 3.5, it
can be seen that a physically acceptable general solution of the diffusion equation is
where
2 a a2
A0
a ³0 (ax x 2 ) dx
6
2 a § nπ ·
³0 (ax x
2
An ) cos ¨ x ¸ dx
a © a ¹
2a 2 2a 2
(1 cos nπ ) [1 (1)n ]
n 2π 2 n 2π 2
Therefore,
4a 2
° 2 2 , for n even
An ® nπ
°
¯ 0, for n odd
206 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
where
a b mπ x nπ y
f ( m, n ) ³0 ³0 f ( x, y ) sin
a
sin
b
dx dy
and
§ m2 n2 ·
λ mn
2
π2 ¨ 2 2 ¸
©a b ¹
wT § w 2T w 2T ·
PDE: α ¨ 2 2 ¸, 0 x a, 0 y b, t ! 0
wt ©w x wy ¹
T ( x, 0, t ) T ( x, b, t ) 0, 0 x a, t ! 0
IC: T ( x, y, 0) f ( x, y ), 0 x a, 0 y b
Then β c αλ 2 β 0
X cc § Y cc ·
¨λ 2 ¸ p 2 (say)
X © Y ¹
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 207
Hence,
X cc p 2 X 0
Y cc
λ 2 p 2 q 2 (say)
Y
Therefore,
Y cc q 2Y 0
Thus, the general solution of the given PDE is
2
T ( x, y , t ) ( A cos px B sin px) (c cos qy D sin qy ) eαλ t
where
λ2 p2 q2
Using the BC: T (0, y, t ) 0, we get A = 0. Then, the solution is of the form
2
T ( x, y , t ) B sin px (c cos qy D sin qy ) eαλ t
sin pa 0, implying pa nπ
or
nπ
, n 1, 2,}p
a
Using the principle of superposition, the solution can be written in the form
f
§ nπ ·
¦ An sin ¨© a
2
T ( x, y , t ) x ¸ sin qyeαλ t
¹
n 1
where
§ m2 n2 ·
λ2 p2 q2 π2 ¨ 2 2 ¸
©b a ¹
Finally, using the IC, we get
§ nπ · § mπ ·
T ( x, y, 0) f ( x, y ) ¦ Amn sin ¨© a x ¸ sin ¨
¹ © b ¸¹
y
2 2 a b § mπ · § nπ ·
Amn
a b ³0 ³0 f ( x, y ) sin ¨
© a
x ¸ sin ¨
¹ © b
y ¸ dx dy
¹
where
4 a b ⎛ mπ ⎞ ⎛ nπ ⎞
f ( m, n ) =
ab ∫0 ∫0 f ( x, y ) sin ⎜
⎝ a
x ⎟ sin ⎜
⎠
y ⎟ dx dy
⎝ b ⎠
and
§ m2 n2 ·
λ2 π2 ¨ 2 2 ¸
©b a ¹
1 wT w 2T 1 w T 1 w 2T w 2T (3.58)
α wt w r2 r w r r 2 wθ 2 w z2
where T T (r , θ , z, t ).
Let us assume separation of variables in the form
T (r , θ , z , t ) R(r ) H (θ ) Z ( z ) β (t )
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 209
β c αλ 2 β 0 (3.59)
R cc 1 R c 1 H cc Z cc
λ2 μ 2 (say)
R r R r2 H Z
Thus, the equations determining Z, R and H become
Z cc μ 2 Z 0 (3.60)
R cc 1 R c 1 H cc
λ2 μ2 0
R r R r2 H
or
R cc Rc H cc
r2 r (λ 2 μ 2 ) r 2 v 2 (say)
R R H
Therefore,
H cc v 2 H 0 (3.61)
1 ª v2 º
R cc R c «(λ 2 μ 2 ) 2 » R 0 (3.62)
r ¬« r ¼»
Equations (3.59)–(3.61) have particular solutions of the form
2
β eαλ t
H c cos vθ D sin vθ
Z Ae μ z Be μ z
The differential equation (3.62) is called Bessel’s equation of order v and its general solution
is known as
R (r ) c1 J v ( λ 2 μ 2 r ) c2Yv ( λ 2 μ 2 r )
210 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
where Jν (r ) and Yν ( r ) are Bessel functions of order ν of the first and second kind, respectively.
Of course, Eq. (3.62) is singular when r = 0. The physically meaningful solutions must be twice
continuously differentiable in 0 d r d a. Hence, Eq. (3.62) has only one bounded solution, i.e.
R (r ) Jν ( λ 2 μ 2 r )
Finally, the general solution of Eq. (3.58) is given by
2
T (r , θ , z , t ) e αλ t [ Ae μ z Be μ z ] [C cos νθ D sin νθ ] Jν ( λ 2 μ 2 r )
w 2T 1 wT 1 wT (3.63)
wr 2 r wr α wt
The corresponding boundary and initial conditions are given by
BC: T (a, t ) 0 (3.64)
IC: T (r , 0) f (r )
The general solution of Eq. (3.63) is
T (r , t ) A exp (αλ 2 t ) J 0 (λ r )
Using the BC (3.64), we obtain
J 0 (λ a ) 0
which has an infinite number of roots, ξ n a (n 1, 2, } , f). Thus, we get from the superposition
principle the equation
f
T (r , t ) ¦ An exp (αξ n2t ) J0 (ξn r )
n 1
To compute An, we multiply both sides of the above equation by rJ 0 (ξ m r ) and integrate with
respect to r to get
e
± 0
a
rf (r ) J 0 (Ym r ) dr ¥ A ±
n 1
n
a
0
rJ 0 (Ym r ) J 0 (Yn r ) dr
¬0 for n y m
¯¯
¦ a2 µ
¯ Am § ¶ J 12 (Ym a) for n m
¯® ¨ 2 ·
which gives
2 a
Am
a 2 J 12 (ξ m a ) ³0 uf (u ) J 0 (ξ mu ) du
Hence, the final solution of the problem is given by
f
2 J 0 (ξ m r ) ª a º
T (r , t )
a 2 ¦ J 1 (ξ m a)
2
exp (αξ m2 t ) «
¬ ³0 uf (u) J0 (ξmu) du »¼
m 1
w 2T 2 wT 1 w § wT · 1 w 2T 1 wT
2 ¨© sin θ ¸¹ 2 2 (3.65)
wr 2 r w r r sin θ w θ wθ r sin θ w φ 2 α wt
This equation is separated by assuming the temperature function T in the form
T R(r ) H (θ ) Φ (φ ) β (t ) (3.66)
Substituting Eq. (3.66) into Eq. (3.65), we get
R cc 2 R c 1 1 d § dH · 1 d 2Φ 1 βc
¨© sin θ ¸¹ λ 2 (say)
R r R r 2 sin θ H dθ dθ Φr 2 sin 2 θ d φ 2 α β
whose solution is
2
β c1eαλ t
(3.67)
Also,
ª 1 § d 2 R 2 dR · 1 d § dH · º 1 d 2Φ
r 2 sin 2 θ « ¨ 2 ¨ sin θ ¸ λ 2
» m2 (say)
¬« R © dr r dr ¸¹ Hr 2 sin θ dθ © dθ ¹ ¼» Φ dφ 2
which gives
d 2Φ
m2Φ 0
dφ 2
whose solution is
1 § d 2 R 2 dR · 1 d § dH · m2
¨© sin θ ¸λ
2
¨ ¸
R © dr 2 r dr ¹ Hr sin θ dθ
2 dθ ¹ r 2 sin 2 θ
or
r2 § 2 · m2 1 d § dH ·
¨© R cc R c ¸¹ λ r ¨© sin θ
2 2
¸
R r sin θ
2 H sin θ dθ dθ ¹
n (n 1) (say)
On re-arrangement, this equation can be written as
2 n (n 1) ½
R cc R c ®λ 2 ¾R 0 (3.69)
r ¯ r2 ¿
and
1 § d 2H dH · m2
¨ sin θ cos θ ¸ n (n 1)
H sin θ © dθ 2 dθ ¹ sin 2 θ
or
d 2H dH ° m 2 ½°
cot θ ®n (n 1) 2 ¾ H 0 (3.70)
dθ 2 dθ ¯° sin θ ¿°
ª 1 ° (n 1/2)2 °½ º
λ r )1/2 «ψ cc (r ) ψ c (r ) ®λ 2 ¾ψ » 0
«¬ r °¯ r2 °¿ »¼
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 213
Since (λ r ) z 0, we have
1 ° (n 1/2)2 °½
ψ cc (r ) ψ c (r ) ®λ 2 ¾ ψ (r ) 0
r °¯ r2 °¿
Therefore,
cot θ μ/ 1 μ2
dH dH
1 μ2
dθ dμ
d 2H d 2H dH
(1 μ 2 ) μ
dθ 2
dμ 2 dμ
Thus, Eq. (3.70) becomes
d 2H dH ª m2 º
(1 μ 2 ) 2μ « n (n 1) »H 0 (3.72)
dμ2 d μ «¬ 1 μ 2 »¼
which is an associated Legendre differential equation whose solution is
H (θ ) Ac Pnm ( μ ) B cQ mn ( μ ) (3.73)
where Pnm ( μ ) and Q mn ( μ ) are associated Legendre functions of degree n and of order m, of
first and second kind, respectively. Hence the physically meaningful general solution of the
diffusion equation in spherical geometry is of the form
¦
2
T (r , θ , φ , t ) Aλ mn (λ r )1/2 J n 1/2 (λ r ) Pnm (cos θ ) erimφ αλ t
(3.74)
λ , m, n
In this general solution, the functions Q mn ( μ ) and (λ r )1/2 Yn1/2 (λ r ) are excluded because
these functions have poles at μ r1 and r = 0 respectively.
214 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EXAMPLE 3.12 Find the temperature in a sphere of radius a, when its surface is kept at
zero temperature and its initial temperature is f (r , θ ).
1 wT w 2T 2 wT 1 w § wT ·
2 ¨© sin θ ¸ (3.75)
α wt wr 2 r w r r sin θ w θ wθ ¹
subject to
This equation has infinitely many positive roots. Denoting them by ξi , we have
f f
T (r , θ , t ) ¦ ¦ Ani (ξi r )1/2 J n1/2 (ξi r ) Pn (cos θ ) exp (αξ 2i t ) (3.79)
n 0 i 1
1 f f 1
³1 f (r , cos 1 ( μ )) Pm ( μ ) d μ ¦ ¦ Ani (ξi r )1/2 J n1/2 (ξi r ) ³1 Pm (μ ) Pn (μ ) d μ
n 0 i 1
f f
§ 2 ·
¦ ¦ Ani (ξi r )1/2 J n1/2 (ξi r ) ¨© 2n 1 ¸¹
n 0 i 1
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 215
or
f
§ 2n 1 · 1
¨©
2 ¹
¸ ³1 Pn ( μ ) f (r , cos 1 ( μ )) d μ ¦ Ani (ξi r )1/2 J n1/2 (ξi r ) for n 0, 1, 2, 3,}
i 1
Now, to evaluate the constants A ni , we multiply both sides of the above equation
by r 3/2 J n 1/2 (ξ j r ) and integrate with respect to r between the limits 0 to a and use the
orthogonality property of Bessel functions to get
§ 2n 1 · a ª 1 º
³0 r ³1 Pn (μ ) f (r, cos
1
ξ 1/2
i ¨
3/2
J n 1/2 (ξ j r ) dr « ( μ )) d μ »
© 2 ¸¹ ¬ ¼
f a
¦ Ani ³0 rJ n1/2 (ξi r ) J n1/2 (ξ j r ) dr
i 1
f
1
2i¦ Ani [ J cn1/2 (ξi r )]2 , n 0, 1, 2, 3,} (3.80)
1
Thus, Eqs. (3.79) and (3.80) together constitutes the solution for the given problem.
for 0 d x d l , 0 d t d T , where T > 0 is a fixed time. Then the maximum and minimum values
of u are attained either at time t = 0 or at the end points x = 0 and x = l at some time in the
interval 0 d t d T .
Proof To start with, let us assume that the assertion is false. Let the maximum value
of u ( x, t ) for t 0 (0 d x d l ) or for x = 0 or x = l (0 d t d T ) be denoted by M. We shall assume
that the function u ( x, t ) attains its maximum at some interior point (x0, t0), in the rectangle
defined by 0 d x0 d l , 0 d t0 d T , and then arrive at a contradiction. This means that
u ( x0 , t0 ) M ε (3.82)
Now, we shall compare the signs in Eq. (3.81) at the point (x0, t0). It is well known from
calculus that the necessary condition for the function u(x, t) to possess maximum at (x0, t0) is
wu w 2u
( x0 , t0 ) 0, ( x0 , t0 ) d 0 (3.83)
wx w x2
216 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
wu
( x0 , t0 ) t 0 (3.84)
wt
Thus, with the help of Eqs. (3.83) and (3.84) we observe that the signs on the left- and right-
hand sides of Eq. (3.81) are different. However, we cannot claim that we have reached a
contradiction, since the left- and right-hand sides can simultaneously be zero.
To complete the proof, let us consider another point (x1, t1) at which w 2 u /w x 2 d 0 and
w u /w t ! 0.
Now, we construct an auxiliary function
v ( x, t ) u ( x, t ) λ (t0 t ) (3.85)
M ε /2 d v ( x1 , t1 ) t v ( x0 , t0 ) M ε
This pair of inequalities is inconsistent and therefore contradicts the assumption that v
takes on its maximum at ( x0 , t0 ). Therefore, the assertion that u attains its maximum either
at t 0 or at the end points is true.
We can establish a similar result for minimum values of u(x, t). If u satisfies Eq. (3.81),
–u also satisfies Eq. (3.81). Hence, both maximum and minimum values are attained either
initially or at the end points. Thus the proof is complete. We shall give some of the consequences
of the maximum-minimum principle in the following theorems.
v ( x, t ) = u2 ( x, t ) − u1 ( x, t )
ut = α u xx , 0 ≤ x ≤ l, 0 ≤ t ≤ T
u ( x, 0) = f ( x), 0≤ x≤l
u (0, t ) = g (t ), u (l , t ) = h(t ), 0 ≤ t ≤ T
depends continuously on the initial and boundary conditions.
Ê 1 ˆ
or ut - Á vux - u2 ˜ = 0 (3.85a)
Ë 2 ¯x
which is actually the non-linear momentum equation in fluid mechanics without the pressure
term. v is the physical viscosity. Here vuxx measures dissipative term and uux measures
convective term, while ut is the unsteady term. Hopf (1950) and Cole (1951) gave independently
the analytical solution for a model problem using a two-step Hopf–Cole transformation described
by
u(x, t) = yx
y = –2v log f(x, t)
That is,
fx
u = - 2v (3.85b)
f
Thus,
Êf ˆ ff
ut = - 2 v Á xt ˜ + 2 v x 2 t ,
Ë f ¯ f
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 219
ÈI Ø È I2 Ø
ux 2 v É xx Ù 2 v É x2 Ù
Ê I Ú ÊI Ú
ÈI Ø ÈI I Ø È I3 Ø
uxx 2 v É xxx Ù 6v É x 2xx Ù 4 v É x3 Ù .
Ê I Ú Ê I Ú ÊI Ú
Inserting, these derivative expressions into Eq. (3.85a) and on simplification, we arrive at
Ix
(vfxx – ft) – (vfxx – ft)x = 0. (3.85c)
I
Therefore, we have to solve Eq. (3.85c) to find f(x, t), and using this result in Eq. (3.85b),
we obtain an expression for u(x, t) which of course satisfies Eq. (3.85a). Thus, if f(x, t)
satisfies heat conduction equation
ft = vfxx (3.85d)
which also means solving trivially Eq. (3.85c). This is also called linearised Burger’s equation.
Equivalently, we may introduce the transformation:
\x u, Þ
Ñ
u2 ß (3.85e)
\t vux Ñ
2à
in such a way, satisfying that yxt = ytx. Then, the above transformation can be rewritten as
\ x2
yt = vyxx – (3.85f)
2
Also, Eq. (3.85b) can be recast in the form
f(x, t) = e[–y(x, t)/2v] (3.85g)
Thus, knowing f(x, t), we can find u(x, t) from Eq. (3.85b). It may also be observed that
Eqs. (3.85d) and (3.85f) are equivalent.
Hence, the transformation of non-linear Burger’s equation into heat conduction equation,
made life easy to get analytical solution to the Burger’s equation.
Ë 1 x Û
Ì 2v
Í Ô0 f (K ) dK Ü
Ý
IC: f(x, 0) = I ( x ) e (3.85i)
Using, the standard, separation of variables, method of solution, as given in Eq. (3.28), the
solution to Eq. (3.85i) is found to be
1 Ë ( x [ )2 Û
I ( x, t )
4S vt Ô
I ( x )exp Ì
ÍÌ 4 vt ÝÜ
Ü d[ (3.85j)
1 Ë f ([ , x, t ) Û
4S vt Ô
I ( x, t ) exp Ì d[
Í 2 v ÜÝ
where,
( x [ )2
[
f ([ , x , t )
0 Ô 2t
f (D )dD
.
Finally, using Eq. (3.85b), the exact solution of the IVP for Burger’s equation as stated
in Eq. (3.85h) is found to be
Ë (x [) Î f ([ , x, t ) Þ Û
Ì
Í
Ô t
exp Ï
Ð
ß d[
2 v à ÜÝ
u( x, t ) (3.85k)
Ë f ([ , x, t ) Û
exp Ì d[
Í 2 v ÜÝ
Here, the function f(x, x, t) is known as Hopf–Cole function.
§ 2 ·
Tt c 2 ¨Trr Tr ¸
© r ¹
where c2 is a constant. Show also that the temperature in the sphere for t > 0 is given by
f
1 § nπ · cnπ
T (r , t )
rn ¦ Bn sin ¨© R r ¸¹ exp (λ 2nt ), λn
R
1
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 221
§ 2 ·
Tt c 2 ¨Trr Tr ¸ (3.86)
© r ¹
v (0, t ) 0
Now,
§v· vr r v
vt rTt , Tr ¨© ¸¹
r r r2
Similarly, finding Trr and substituting into Eq. (3.86), we obtain
vt c 2 vrr
Using the variables separable method, we may write v (r , t ) R(r ) τ (t ) and get
R (r ) A cos kr B sin kr
τ (t ) exp ( c 2 k 2t )
Thus, using the principle of superposition, we get
f
v (r , t ) ¦ ( An cos kr Bn sin kr ) exp (c2 k 2t )
n 1
( An cos kr Bn sin kr ) | r 0 0
f
§ nπ ·
rf (r ) ¦ Bn sin ¨© R r ¸¹
n 1
2 R § nπ ·
Bn
R ³0 rf (r )sin ¨
© R ¸¹
r dr
EXAMPLE 3.14 A circular cylinder of radius a has its surface kept at a constant temperature
T0. If the initial temperature is zero throughout the cylinder, prove that for t > 0.
° 2
f
J 0 (ξ n a) ½°
T (r , t ) T0 ® 1
°¯ a ¦ ξ J (ξ a)
exp (ξ n2 kt )¾
°¿
n 1 n 1 n
where rξ1 , r ξ 2 ,} , r ξ n are the roots of J 0 (ξ a ) 0, and k is the thermal conductivity which
is a constant.
Solution It is evident that T is a function of r and t alone and, therefore, the PDE to
be solved is
w 2T 1 wT 1 wT (3.87)
wr 2 r wr k wt
subject to
IC : T (r , 0) 0, 0dra
BC : T (a, t ) T0 , tt0
Let
T ( r , t ) T0 T1 ( r , t )
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 223
so that
T1 (r , 0) T0 (3.88)
T1 (a, t ) 0 (3.89)
where T1 is the solution of Eq. (3.87). By the variables separable method we have (see
Example 3.11),
T1 (r , t ) AJ 0 (λ r ) exp (λ 2 kt )
AJ 0 (λ a ) exp (λ 2 kt ) 0
a f a
T0 ³0 rJ 0 (ξ m r ) dr ¦ An ³0 rJ 0 (ξm r ) J 0 (ξn r ) dr
n 1
a
³0 rJ 0 (ξm r )
2
Am if m n; otherwise 0
a2 2
Am J 1 (ξ m a)
2
But,
a ξma x dx
T0 ³0 rJ 0 (ξ m r ) dr T0 ³0 ξm
J 0 ( x)
ξm
( x ξm r )
T0 ξm a d
ξ 2m ³0 dx
[ xJ1 ( x)] dx
T0 ξ a aT0
[ xJ1 ( x)] 0m J (ξ a )
ξ 2m ξm 1 m
224 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Therefore,
a2 2 aT0
Am J 1 (ξ m a) J (ξ a )
2 ξm 1 m
or
2T0 1
An
a[ n J1 ([ n a )
Hence, Eq. (3.90) becomes
f
J 0 (ξ n r ) exp (ξ n kt )
2
2
T1 (r , t ) T0
a ¦ J1 (ξ n a) ξn
n 1
EXAMPLE 3.15 Determine the temperature in a sphere of radius a, when its surface is
maintained at zero temperature while its initial temperature is f (r , θ ).
1 wu w 2u 2 wu 1 w § wu ·
¨ sin θ ¸ (3.91)
k wt wr 2 r w r r 2 sin θ w θ © wθ ¹
Let
u (r , θ , t ) R(r ) H (θ ) T (t )
By the variables separable method (see Section 3.7), the general solution of Eq. (3.91) is
found to be
Let ξ1a, ξ 2 a,… , ξ i a,… be the roots of Eq. (3.95). Then the general solution can be put in the form
∞ ∞
u (r , θ , t ) = ∑ ∑ Ani (ξi r )−1/2 J n+1/2 (ξi r ) Pn (cos θ ) exp (−kξ 2i t ) (3.96)
n =1 i =1
Rearranging and multiplying both sides of the above equation by r 3/2 J n+1/2 (ξi r ) and integrating
between the limits 0 to a with respect to r, we get
2n + 1 a 1 a
∫0 ∫−1 Pn (cos θ ) f (r , θ ) d (cos θ ) = Ani ∫0 rJ n+1/2 (ξi r ) ξ i
2 −1/2
r 3/2 J n +1/2 (ξi r ) dr dr
2
a2
= Ani {J n′ +1/2 (ξi a )}2
2
Therefore,
(2n + 1) ξ 1/2 a 1
∫0 ∫−1 Pn (cos θ ) f (r , θ ) d (cos θ )
i
Ani = 2 2
r 3/2 J n +1/2 (ξi r ) dr (3.97)
a {J n′ +1/2 (ξi a )}
Hence, we obtain the solution to the given problem from Eq. (3.96), where Ani is given by
Eq. (3.97).
EXAMPLE 3.16 The heat conduction in a thin round insulated rod with heat sources present
is described by the PDE
ut − α u xx = F ( x, t )/ρc, 0 < x < l, t > 0 (3.98)
subject to
BCs: u (0, t ) = u (l , t ) = 0
IC: u ( x, 0) = f ( x), 0≤ x≤l (3.99)
where ρ and c are constants and F is a continuous function of x and t. Find u ( x, t ).
226 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Solution It can be noted that the boundary conditions are of homogeneous type. Let
us consider the homogeneous equation
ut α u xx 0 (3.100)
Setting u ( x, t ) X ( x) T (t ), we get
Tc X cc
λ 2 (say) (3.101)
αT X
For the non-homogeneous problem (3.98), let us propose a solution of the form
f
u ( x, t ) ¦ Tn (t ) X n ( x) (3.103)
n 1
It is clear that Eq. (3.103) satisfies the BCs (3.99). From the orthogonality of eigenfunctions,
it follows that
2 l
Tm (t )
l ³0 u ( x, t ) X m ( x) dx
However,
2 1 § mπ ·
Tm (0)
l ³0 f ( x) sin ¨
© l ¸¹
x dx (3.104)
which is an IC for Tm(t). Introducing Eq. (3.103) into the governing equation (3.98), we get
f f
F ( x, t )
¦ Tnc X n α ¦ Tn X ncc ρc
(3.105)
n 1 n 1
f
¦ qn (t ) X n ( x)
F
(3.106)
ρc n 1
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 227
where
2 l F ( x, t ) § nπ ·
qn (t )
l ³0 ρc
sin ¨
© l
x ¸ dx
¹
(3.107)
Thus, qn(t) is known. Now, Eq. (3.105), with the help of Eq. (3.101), becomes
f
¦ X n (Tnc λ 2nαTn qn ) 0
n 1
^ `³ F (ξ , τ ) º
2 l l
l ³0 exp λ 2nα (τ t )
0 ρc
X n (ξ ) dξ dτ » X n ( x)
¼
(3.110)
It can be verified that the series in Eq. (3.110) converges uniformly for t > 0. By changing
the order of integration and summation in Eq. (3.110), we get
l ª f exp ( λ 2nα t ) X n ( x) X n (ξ ) º
u ( x, t ) ³0 ¦ «
«¬ n 1 1/2
» f (ξ ) dξ
»¼
where
f exp (λ 2nα t ) X n ( x) X n (ξ )
G ( x, ξ ; t ) ¦ l /2
n 1
is called Green’s function. More details on Green’s function are given in Chapter 5.
EXAMPLE 3.17 The temperature distribution of a homogeneous thin rod, whose surface is
insulated is described by the following IBVP:
PDE: vt – vxx = 0, 0 < x < L, 0 < t < ¥ (3.112)
BCS: v(0, t) = v(L, t) = 0 (3.113)
IC: v(x, 0) = f(x), 0 £ x £ L (3.114)
Find its formal solution.
Solution Let us assume the solution in the form
v(x, t) = X(x)T(t)
Eq. (3.112) gives
XT¢ = X²T
X T
or D 2 (say)
X T
where a is a positive constant. Then, we have
X² + a2X = 0
and T¢ + a2T = 0
From the BCS
v(0, t) = X(0)T(t) = 0,
and v(L, t) = X(L)T(t) = 0,
we obtain, X(0) = X(L) = 0 for arbitrary t. Thus, we have to solve the eigenvalue problem
X² + a2X = 0
subject to X(0) = X(L) = 0.
The solution of the differential equation is
X(x) = A cos ax + B sin ax.
Since X(0) = 0, A = 0. The second condition yields
X(L) = B sin aL = 0
For non-trivial solution, B ¹ 0 and therefore we have
sin aL = 0, implying a = np/L, for n = 1, 2, 3, …
PARABOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 229
T (t ) = Ce -a
2
t
Tn (t ) = Cn e-( np /L ) t .
2
or
Hence, the non-trivial solution of the given heat equation satisfying both the boundary
conditions is found to be
Ê np x ˆ
vn ( x, t ) = an e - ( np /L ) t sin Á
2
(3.115)
Ë L ˜¯
where an = bncn (arbitrary constant).
To satisfy the IC, we should have
•
Ê np x ˆ
v( x, 0) = f ( x ) =  an sin ÁË L ˜¯
n =1
which holds good, if f(x) is representable as Fourier Sine series with Fourier coefficients
2 L Ê np x ˆ
an =
L Ú0 f ( x )sin Á
Ë L ˜¯
dx .
EXERCISES
1. A conducting bar of uniform cross-section lies along the x-axis, with its ends at x = 0
and x = l. The lateral surface is insulated. There are no heat sources within the body.
The ends are also insulated. The initial temperature is lx − x 2 , 0 ≤ x ≤ l. Find the
temperature distribution in the bar for t > 0.
2. The faces x = 0, x = a of a finite slab are maintained at zero temperature. The initial
distribution of temperature in the slab is given by T ( x, 0) = f ( x), 0 ≤ x ≤ a. Determine
the temperature at subsequent times.
230 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
2
4. Solve the equation w T w T satisfying the conditions:
w t w x2
(i) T = 0 when x = 0 and 1 for all t
2 x, 0 d x d 1/2
°
(ii) T ® 1
° 2 (1 x), d x d 1 when t 0.
¯ 2
5. Solve the diffusion equation
wθ § w 2θ 1 w θ ·
v¨ 2
wt ©w r r w r ¹¸
subject to
r 0, θ is finite, t!0
r a, θ 0, t!0
P 2
θ (a r 2 ), t 0
4μ
f
1 § nπ ·
T (r , t )
rn ¦ Bn sin ¨© R r ¸¹ exp (λ 2nt )
1
1 f
³f φ (ξ ) exp [( x ξ ) /(4kt )] dξ
2
T ( x, t )
4π kt
ut α 2u, t!0
wθ w 2θ
10. Solve , 0 d x d a, t ! 0 subject to the conditions
wt w x2
θ (0, t ) θ (a, t ) 0 and θ ( x, 0) θ 0 (constant).
(GATE-Maths, 1996)
CHAPTER 4
w 2u
c 2 2u (4.1)
w t2
where c is the wave speed. This differential equation is used in many branches of Physics and
Engineering and is seen in many situations such as transverse vibrations of a string or
membrane, longitudinal vibrations in a bar, propagation of sound waves, electromagnetic
waves, sea waves, elastic waves in solids, and surface waves as in earthquakes. The solution
of a wave equation is called a wave function.
An example for inhomogeneous wave equation is
w 2u
c 2 2u F (4.2)
w t2
where F is a given function of spatial variables and time. In physical problems F represents
an external driving force such as gravity force. Another related equation is
w 2u wu
2γ c 2 2u F (4.3)
wt 2 wt
where γ is a real positive constant. This equation is called a wave equation with damping
term, the amplitude of which decreases exponentially as t increases. In Section 4.2, we shall
derive the partial differential equation describing the transverse vibration of a string.
232
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 233
Q τ
P ds y = y (x, t)
τ
x
O dx A
Fig. 4.1 Flexible string.
§w y ·
2 ª 1 § w y ·2 º
ds 1 ¨ ¸ dx | «1 ¨ ¸ » dx
©w x ¹ «¬ 2 © w x ¹ »¼
i.e.
t1
∫t 0
(T − U ) dt
1 t1 L ⎡ ⎛ ∂ y ⎞2 ⎛∂ y ⎞ ⎤
2
2 ∫t ∫0
0
⎢ ρ ⎜ ⎟ − τ ⎜ ⎟ ⎥ dx dt
⎢⎣ ⎝ ∂ t ⎠ ⎝∂ x ⎠ ⎥
⎦
is stationary, and is of the form
∫∫ F ( x, t, y, yx , yt ) dx dt
Noting that x and t are independent variables, from the Euler-Ostrogradsky equation, we have
∂F ∂ ⎛∂F ⎞ ∂ ⎛ ∂F ⎞
− − =0
∂ y ∂ t ⎜⎝ ∂ yt ⎟⎠ ∂ x ⎜⎝ ∂ y x ⎟⎠
which gives
∂ ⎛ ∂ y⎞ ∂ ⎛ ∂ y⎞
ρ − τ =0
∂ t ⎜⎝ ∂ t ⎟⎠ ∂ x ⎜⎝ ∂ x ⎟⎠
If the string is homogeneous, then ρ and τ are constants, in which case the governing equation
representing the transverse vibration of a string is given by
∂ 2y 2
2∂ y
= c (4.4)
∂ t2 ∂ x2
where
c 2 = τ /ρ (4.5)
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 235
E 4πρ
H 0
1 wH
uE
c wt
4π i 1 w E
uH
c c wt
where E is an electric field, ρ is electric charge density, H is the magnetic field, i is the
current density, and c is the velocity of light. Show that in the absence of charges, i.e.,
when ρ i 0, E and H satisfy the wave equations.
Solution Given
1 wH
curl E uE
c wt
Taking its curl again, we get
§ 1 wH· w §1 ·
u ( u E) u ¨ ¨© u H ¸¹
© c w t ¸¹ wt c
1 w §1 wE· 1 w 2E
¨ ¸
c wt ©c wt ¹ c2 w t 2
Moreover, using the identity
u ( u E) ( E) 2 E 2 E
it follows directly that
1 w 2E
2 E
c2 w t 2
Similarly, we can observe that the magnetic field H also satisfies
1 w 2H
2 H
c2 w t 2
which is also a wave equation.
236 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
utt c 2u xx 0 (4.6)
Choosing the characteristic lines
Y x ct , I x ct (4.7)
the chain rule of partial differentiation gives
ux uξ ξ x uηη x uξ uη
ut uξ ξt uηηt c(uη uξ )
w w w w §w w ·
, c¨
wx w[ wK wt © wK w[ ¹¸
Thus, we get
2
w 2u §w w ·
¨© w[ wK ¸¹ u uYY 2uYI uII (4.8)
w x2
w 2u
2
c 2 (uYY 2uYI uII ) (4.9)
wt
Substituting Eqs. (4.8) and (4.9) into Eq. (4.6), we obtain
4uYI 0 (4.10)
Integrating, we get
u (Y , I ) G (Y ) Z (I ),
where G and Z are arbitrary functions. Replacing Y and I as defined in Eq. (4.7), we have
the general solution of the wave equation (4.6) in the form
u ( x, t ) G ( x ct ) Z ( x ct ) (4.11)
The two terms in Eq. (4.11) can be interpreted as waves travelling to the right and left,
respectively. Consider
u1 ( x, t ) G ( x ct )
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 237
This represents a wave travelling to the right with speed c whose shape does not change as
it travels, the initial shape being given by a known function φ ( x). In fact, by setting t = 0
in the argument of φ , it can be observed that the initial wave profile is given by
u1 ( x, 0) = φ ( x )
At time t = 1/ c,
u1 ( x, 1/c ) = φ ( x − 1)
Let x ′ = x − 1. Then φ ( x − 1) = φ ( x ′ ). That is, the same shape is retained even if the origin
is shifted by one unit along the x-axis. In other words, the graph of u1 ( x, 1/ c ) is the same as
the graph of the original wave profile translated one unit to the right. At t = 2/ c, the graph
of u1 ( x, 2 /c ) is the graph of the wave profile translated two units to the right. Thus, in
particular, at t = 1, we have u1 ( x, 1) = φ ( x − c ). Hence in one unit of time, the profile has
moved c units to the right. Therefore, c is the wave speed or speed of propagation. Using
similar argument, we can conclude that the equation u2 ( x, t ) = ψ ( x + ct ) is also a wave profile
travelling to the left with speed c along the x-axis. Hence the general solution (4.11) of one-
dimensional wave equation represents the superposition of two arbitrary wave profiles, both
of which are travelling with a common speed but in the opposite directions along the x-axis,
while their forms remain unaltered as they travel. This situation is described in Fig. 4.2.
u1(x, 0) = φ (x)
u1(x, 1/c) u1(x, 1)
x
–1 0 (1, 1/c) (c, 1)
Fig. 4.2 Travelling wave profile.
u ( x, t ) = φ [k ( x − ct )] + ψ [k ( x + ct )] (4.12)
This is also a solution of the one-dimensional wave equation. Further, let ω = kc. Then
A function of the type given in Eq. (4.13) is a solution of one-dimensional wave equation iff
ω = kc. Therefore, waves travelling with speeds which are not the same as c cannot be
described by the solution of the wave equation (4.6). Here, (kx + ω t ) is called the phase for
the left travelling wave. We have already noted that x ± ct are the characteristics of the one-
dimensional wave equation.
EXAMPLE 4.2 Obtain the periodic solution of the wave equation in the form
u ( x, t ) = Aei ( kx ±ω t )
where i = −1, k = ± ω /c, A is constant; and hence define various terms involved in wave
propagation.
utt = c 2u xx
Then
ω2
f ′′ ( x) + f ( x) = 0
c2
Its general solution is found to be
u ( x, t ) = Aei ( kx ±ω t )
Hence, u ( x, t ) = Aei ( kx ±ω t ) is a solution of the wave equation, and is called a wave function.
It is also called a plane harmonic wave or monochromatic wave. Here, A is called the
amplitude, ω the angular or circular frequency, and k is the wave number, defined as the
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 239
number of waves per unit distance. By taking the real and imaginary parts of the solution,
we find the linear combination of terms of the form
A cos (kx ± ω t ), A sin (kx ± ω t )
representing periodic plane waves. For instance, consider the function u ( x, t ) = A sin (kx − ω t ).
This is a sinusoidal wave profile moving towards the right along the x-axis with speed c.
Defining the wave length λ as the length over which one full cycle is completed, we
have λ = 2π /k , thereby implying that k = 2π /λ.
Suppose an observer is stationed at a fixed point x0 ; then,
⎛ λ⎞ ⎛ λ⎞
u ⎜ x0 , t + ⎟ = A sin ⎜ kx0 − ω t − ω ⎟
⎝ c⎠ ⎝ c⎠
= A sin (kx0 − ω t − 2π ) = A sin (kx0 − ω t )
Thus, we have
u ( x0 , t + λ /c ) = u ( x0 , t )
Hence, exactly one complete wave passes the observer in time T = λ /c, which is called the
period of the wave. The reciprocal of the period is called frequency and is denoted by
f = 1/ T
The function, u = A cos (kx − ω t ) = A sin (π /2 + kx − ω t ), also represents a wave train except
that it differs in phase by π /2 from the sinusoidal wave. Now consider the superposition of
the sinusoidal waves having the same amplitude, speed, frequency, but moving in opposite
directions. Thus, we have
u ( x, t ) = A sin [k ( x − ct )] + A sin [k ( x + ct )]
= 2 A sin kx cos (kct ) = 2 A cos (kct ) sin kx
Its amplitude factor [2 A cos (kct )] varies sinusoidally with frequency ω . This situation is
described as a standing wave. The points xn = nπ /k , n = 0, ± 1, ± 2, … are called nodes. No
displacement takes place at a node. Therefore,
u ( xn , t ) = 0 for all t
The nth standing wave profile will have (n − 1) equally spaced nodes in a given interval
as shown in Fig. 4.3.
240 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
n=5
n=4
n=3
n=2
n=1
Fig. 4.3 Standing wave profiles.
ICs: u ( x, 0) = η ( x ), ut ( x, 0) = v ( x ) (4.15)
where the curve on which the initial data η ( x) and v( x) are prescribed is the x-axis. η ( x) and v( x)
are assumed to be twice continuously differentiable. Here, the string considered is of an
infinite extent. Let u ( x, t ) denote the displacement for any x and t. At t = 0, let the displacement
and velocity of the string be prescribed. We have already noted in Section 4.3 that the general
solution of the wave equation is given by
u ( x, t ) = φ ( x + ct ) + ψ ( x − ct ) (4.16)
where φ and ψ are arbitrary functions. Substituting the ICs (4.15) into Eq. (4.16), we obtain
φ ( x) + ψ ( x) = η ( x)
(4.17)
c[φ ′( x) − ψ ′( x)] = v( x)
Integrating the second equation of (4.17), we have
1 x
φ ( x) − ψ ( x) =
c ∫0 v (ξ ) dξ
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 241
Addition and substraction of this equation with the first relation of Eqs. (4.17) yield
η ( x) 1 x
φ ( x) =
2
+
2c ∫0 v(ξ ) dξ
η ( x) 1 x
ψ ( x) =
2
−
2c ∫0 v(ξ ) dξ
respectively. Substituting these relations for G ( x) and Z ( x) into Eq. (4.16), we at once have
1 1 x + ct
u ( x, t ) = [η ( x + ct ) + η ( x − ct )] +
2 2c ∫x−ct v (ξ ) d ξ (4.18)
This is known as the D’Alembert’s solution of the one-dimensional wave equation. If v = 0, i.e.,
if the string is released from rest, the required solution is
1
u ( x, t ) [I ( x ct ) I ( x ct )] (4.19)
2
The D’Alembert’s solution has an interesting interpretation as given in Fig. 4.4.
t
P(x0, t0)
t0
x+
–c
ct =
x0
ct =
c3 c2
x0
IR
x–
+c
t0
c1
x
O A B
(x0 – ct0, 0) (x0 + ct0, 0)
Fig. 4.4 Characteristic triangle.
Consider the xt-plane and a point P ( x0 , t0 ). Draw two characteristics through P backwards,
until they intersect the initial line, i.e., the x-axis at A and B. The equation of these two
characteristics are
x q ct x0 q ct0
Equation (4.18) reveals that the solution u ( x, t ) at P ( x0 , t0 ) can be obtained by averaging the
value of I at A and B and integrating v along the x-axis between A and B. Thus, to find the
solution of the wave equation at a given point P in the xt-plane, we should know the initial
data on the segment AB of the initial line which is obtained by drawing the characteristics
backward from P to the initial line. Here the segment AB of the initial line, on which the value
242 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EXAMPLE 4.3 A stretched string of finite length L is held fixed at its ends and is subjected
to an initial displacement u ( x, 0) = u0 sin (π x /L). The string is released from this position with
zero initial velocity. Find the resultant time dependent motion of the string.
Solution One of the practical applications of the theory of wave motion is the vibration
of a stretched string, say, that of a musical instrument. In the present problem, let us consider
a stretched string of finite length L, which is subjected to an initial disturbance. The governing
equation of motion is
wu
( x, 0) = 0 (4)
wt
In Section 4.3, we have shown the solution of the one-dimensional wave equation by canonical
reduction as
u ( x, t ) G ( x ct ) Z ( x ct ) (5)
One of the known methods for solving this problem is based on trial function approach. Let
us choose a trial function of the form
⎡ π π ⎤
u ( x, t ) = A ⎢sin ( x + ct ) + sin ( x − ct ) ⎥ (6)
⎣ L L ⎦
where A is an arbitrary constant. Now, we rewrite Eq. (6) as
¦Q x µ ¦ cQ t µ
u ( x, t ) 2 A sin § ¶ cos § ¶ (7)
¨ L · ¨ L ·
obviously, Eq. (7) satisfies the initial condition (3) with A = u0 /2, while the second initial
condition (4) is satisfied identically. In fact Eq. (7) also satisfies the boundary condition (2).
Therefore, the final solution is found to be
¦Q x µ ¦ cQ t µ
u ( x, t ) u0 sin § ¶ cos § ¶ (8)
¨ L · ¨ L ·
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 243
It may be noted that the trial function approach is easily adoptable if the initial condition is
specified as a sin function. However, it is difficult if the initial conditions are specified as a
general function such as f ( x ). In such case, it is better to follow variables separable method
as explained in Section 4.5.
EXAMPLE 4.4 Solve the following initial value problem of the wave equation (Cauchy
problem), described by the inhomogeneous wave equation
PDE: utt − c 2u xx = f ( x, t )
subject to the initial conditions
u ( x, 0) = η ( x), ut ( x, 0) = v ( x )
w 2 u2 w 2 u2
c2 f ( x, t ) (4.20)
w t2 w x2
subject to the homogeneous ICs
w u2
u2 ( x, 0) = 0, ( x, 0) = 0 (4.21)
wt
To obtain the value of u at P ( x0 , t0 ), we integrate the partial differential equation (4.20) over
the region IR as shown in Fig. 4.4, to obtain
⎛ w 2 u2 2
2 w u2
⎞
∫∫ ⎜⎜ 2 − c
⎝ w t w x
⎟ dx dt =
2 ⎟
⎠
∫∫ f ( x, t ) dx dt
IR IR
Using Green’s theorem in a plane to the left-hand side of the above equation to replace the
surface integral over IR by a line integral around the boundary w IR of IR , the above equation
reduces to
⎡w ⎛ w u2 ⎞ w ⎛ w u2 ⎞ ⎤
∫∫ ⎢⎣ w x ⎜⎝ c ∫∫
2
− − dx dt = f ( x, t ) dx dt
w x ⎟⎠ w t ⎜⎝ w t ⎟⎠ ⎥⎦
IR IR
and finally to
⎛ w u2 wu ⎞
∫w IR ⎜
⎝ wt
dx + c 2 2 dt ⎟ =
wx ⎠ ∫∫ f ( x, t ) dx dt (4.22)
IR
244 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Now, the boundary w IR comprises three segments BP, PA and AB. Along BP, dx/dt = −c;
along PB, dx/dt = c. Using these results, Eq. (4.22) becomes
⎛wu wu ⎞ ⎛wu wu ⎞
∫BP c ⎜⎝ w t2 dt + w x2 dx ⎟⎠ − ∫PA c ⎜⎝ w t2 dt + w x2 dx ⎟⎠
⎛wu w u2 ⎞
∫AB ⎜⎝ w t2 dx + c ∫∫ f ( x, t ) dx dt
2
− dt ⎟ =
wx ⎠
IR
The integrands of the first two integrals are simply the total differentials, while in the third
integral, the first term vanishes on AB in view of the second IC in Eq. (4.21), and the second
term also vanishes because AB is directed along the x-axis on which dt /dx = 0. Then we arrive
at the result
Using the first IC of Eq. (4.21), we get u2 ( A) u2 ( B ) 0, and hence Eq. (4.23) becomes
1
u2 ( P ) f ( x, t ) dx dt
2c ±±
IR
Now, using the fact that u u1 u2 , as also using Eq. (4.24) and D’Alembert’s solution
(4.18), the required solution of the inhomogeneous wave equation subject to the given ICs is
given by
1 1 x + ct
u ( x, t ) = {η ( x + ct ) + η ( x − ct ) +
2 c ∫ x−ct v (ξ ) dξ
1 t0 x0 + ct0 −ct
+
2 ∫ 0 ∫ x −ct +ct
0 0
f ( x, t ) dx dt (4.25)
u ( L, t ) = 0, t0 (4.27)
d 2T d2X
X c 2T
dt 2 dx 2
i.e.,
d 2 X /dx 2 d 2T /dt 2
= = k (a separation constant)
X c 2T
d2X
M2 X 0
dx 2
d 2T
2
c2 M 2T 0
dt
246 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
X c1eM x c2 e M x (4.30)
d2X d 2T
2
M 2 X 0, 2
c2M 2 T 0
dx dt
Their general solutions give
u ( x, t ) = (c1 cos λ x + c2 sin λ x ) (c3 cos cλ t + c4 sin cλ t ) (4.35)
Using the BC: u (0, t ) = 0 we obtain c1 0 . Also, using the BC: u ( L, t ) = 0, we get sin M L 0,
implying that M n nQ /L, n 1, 2, |, which are the eigenvalues. Hence the possible solution is
nQ x ¦ nQ ct nQ ct µ
un ( x, t ) sin § An cos Bn sin ¶, n 1, 2, | (4.36)
L ¨ L L ·
Using the superposition principle, we have
f
nπ x § nπ ct nπ ct ·
u ( x, t ) ¦ sin L ©
¨ An cos
L
Bn sin
L ¹
¸ (4.37)
n 1
Also,
f
nπ x § nπ ·
ut ( x, 0) g ( x) ¦ Bn sin ¨
L © L
c¸
¹
n 1
which is also a half-range sine series, where
2 L nπ x
Bn =
nπ c ∫ 0 g ( x)sin L
dx (4.39)
Hence the required physically meaningful solution is obtained from Eq. (4.37), where An and
Bn are given by Eqs. (4.38) and (4.39). un ( x, t ) given by Eq. (4.36) are called normal modes
of vibration and nπ c /L = ω n , n = 1, 2, … are called normal frequencies.
248 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
t C
f = = ,
4L r
2 2L
utt c 2 u xx
under the following conditions:
(i) u (0, t ) = u (2, t ) = 0
(ii) u ( x, 0) = sin 3 π x /2
(iii) ut ( x, 0) = 0.
Solution We have noted in Example 4.4 that the physically acceptable solution of the
wave equation is given by Eq. (4.35), and is of the form
u ( x, t ) = (c1 cos λ x + c2 sin λ x) [c3 cos (cλ t ) + c4 sin (cλ t )]
Using the condition u (0, t ) = 0, we obtain c1 0. Also, condition (iii) implies c4 0. The
condition u (2, t ) = 0 gives
sin 2λ = 0,
implying that
λ = nπ /2, n = 1, 2, …
Thus, the possible solution is
f
nπ x nπ ct
u ( x, t ) ¦ An sin
2
cos
2
(4.40)
n 1
which gives A1 = 3/4, A3 = −1/4, while all other An’s are zero. Hence, the required solution is
3 πx π ct 1 3π x 3π ct
u ( x, t ) = sin cos − sin cos
4 2 2 4 2 2
EXAMPLE 4.6 Prove that the total energy of a string, which is fixed at the points x 0, x L
and executing small transverse vibrations, is given by
1 L ⎡⎛ w y⎞
2
1 ⎛w y ⎞
2⎤
2
T ∫0 ⎢⎜
⎢⎣⎝ w x
⎟ + 2⎜
⎠ c ⎝ wt ⎠
⎟ ⎥ dx
⎥⎦
250 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
where c 2 = T /ρ , ρ is the uniform linear density and T is the tension. Show also that if
y f ( x ct ), 0 c x c L, then the energy of the wave is equally divided between potential
energy and kinetic energy.
Solution The kinetic energy (KE) of an element dx of the string executing small transverse
vibrations is given by (see Fig. 4.5)
2
1 ⎛w y ⎞
( ρ dx) ⎜ ⎟
2 ⎝ wt ⎠
ds
x
O x=0 x=L
Fig. 4.5 Vibrating string.
Therefore,
2
T L 1 ⎛w y ⎞
Total KE =
2 ∫0 ⎜ ⎟ dx
c2 ⎝ w t ⎠
(4.41)
2 © 2¸
¦ dy µ 1 ¦ dy µ
ds 1 § ¶ dx { ª1 § ¶ ¹ dx
¨ dx · ª« 2 ¨ dx · ¹º
L⎛ w 2
T y⎞
Total PE =
2 ∫0 ⎜ ⎟ dx
⎝wx⎠
(4.42)
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 251
When added, Eqs. (4.41) and (4.42) will yield the required total energy of the string. If
y = f ( x − ct ), then
∂y ∂y
= −cf ′( x − ct ), = f ′( x − ct )
∂t ∂x
2
⎛∂ y ⎞ 2 2
⎜ ⎟ = c ( f ′)
⎝ ∂t ⎠
From Eq. (4.41),
1 L
∫ 0 ( f ′)
2
Total KE = T dx
2
From Eq. (4.42),
1 L
∫ 0 ( f ′)
2
Total PE = T dx
2
which clearly demonstrates that the total KE = total PE.
EXAMPLE 4.7 A string of length L is released from rest in the position y = f ( x) . Show
that the total energy of the string is
∞
π 2T
4L ∑ s2 ks2
n =1
where
2 L
ks =
L ∫0 f ( x) sin ( sπ x / L) dx
Here, ( a1 cos x + b1 sin x) is called the fundamental mode. Following the variables separable
method and using the superposition principle, the general solution of the wave equation is
∞
nπ x cnπ t
y ( x, t ) = ∑ kn sin L
cos
L
(4.43)
n =1
252 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
where
2 L nπ x
kn =
L ∫0 f ( x)sin
L
dx
T L ⎡⎛ ∂ y⎞
2
1 ⎛∂ y ⎞
2⎤
E=
2 ∫0 ⎢⎜ ⎟ + 2⎜
⎢⎣⎝ ∂ x ⎠ c ⎝ ∂t ⎠
⎟ ⎥ dx
⎥⎦
(4.44)
2π ⎧ 0, m ≠ n
∫0 cos mx cos nx dx = ⎨
⎩π , m = n
We have
2
L⎛ ∂ y⎞ π2 L nπ x cnπ t
∫0 ∫ 0 ∑ kn n
2 2
⎜ ⎟ dx = 2 cos 2 cos 2 dx
⎝∂x⎠ L L L
π2 cnπ t
=
2L ∑ kn2 n2 cos2 L
(4.45)
Also,
2
L 1 ⎛∂ y ⎞ π2 cnπ t ⎛ L ⎞
∫0 ⎜ ⎟
c2 ⎝ ∂ t ⎠
dx =
L2
∑ kn2 n2 sin 2 ⎜ ⎟
L ⎝2⎠
π2 cnπ t (4.46)
=
2L ∑ kn2 n2 sin 2 L
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 253
P(L/2, ε)
A
x
O (0, 0) (L, 0)
Fig. 4.6 An illustration of Example 4.7.
2 ⎡ 2ε L2 2ε L2 ⎤ nπ
kn = ⎢ + ⎥ sin
L ⎢⎣ L n π
2 2 L n π ⎥⎦
2 2 2
8ε nπ
= sin for n odd (4.48)
nπ 2 2 2
254 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
S 2T 64H 2 1 16T H 2
Ç Ç
1
E n2
4L n odd
S 4 n4 LS 2 n odd
n2
Hence,
16T ε 2 ⎛ π 2 ⎞
Total energy, E = ⎜ ⎟
Lπ 2 ⎜⎝ 8 ⎟⎠
while the total energy due to the fundamental mode is 16T ε 2 / Lπ 2 . Hence the result.
Here, F ( x, t ) is the external driving force. To obtain the solution of the above problem, we
proceed as follows: Taking the solution of vibrating string in the absence of applied external
forces as a guideline, we assume the solution to this case to be
f
nπ x
u ( x, t ) ¦ φn (t )sin L
(4.52)
n 1
It can be seen easily that the BCs are satisfied. The function u ( x, t ) defined by Eq. (4.52)
also satisfies the ICs (4.51), provided.
φn (0) = φn′ (0) = 0, n = 1, 2, … (4.53)
Substituting the assumed solution (4.52) into the governing PDE (4.49), we obtain
f ª º
n 2π 2 2 nπ x
¦ «φn (t ) 2 c φn (t ) » sin
«¬ L »¼ L
F ( x, t )
n 1
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 255
or
f
nπ x
¦ ª¬φn (t ) ωn2 φn (t )º¼ sin L
F ( x, t ) (4.54)
n 1
where
nQ c
Xn (4.55)
L
and the dots over G denote differentiation with respect to t. Multiplying Eq. (4.54) by
sin kπ x /L and integrating with respect to x from x 0 to x L and interchanging the order
of summation and integration, we get
f L nπ x kπ x L kπ x
¦ [φn (t ) ωn2φn (t )]³ 0 sin L
sin
L
dx ³ 0 F ( x, t )sin L
dx Fk (t )
n 1
From the orthogonality property of the function sin (nπ x /L), we have
L kπ x
[φk (t ) + ω k2 φk (t )] ∫ 0 sin
2
dx = Fk (t )
L
or
2
[φk (t ) + ω k2φk (t )] = Fk (t ), k = 1, 2, … (4.56)
L
This is a linear second order ODE which, for instance, can be solved by using the method
of variation of parameters. Thus, we solve
Gk (t ) X k2 Gk (t ) F k (t ) (4.57)
subject to
φk (0) = φk (0) = 0
where
2 L kπ x
Fk (t ) =
L ∫ 0 F ( x, t )sin L
dx
The complementary function for the homogeneous part is A cos X k t B sin X k t. Taking A and
B as functinos of t, let
Gk (t ) A(t ) cos X k t B (t ) sin X k t
F (t )sin ω k t
A (t ) = − k
ωk
F (t ) cos ω k t
B (t ) = k
ωk
Integrating, we get
1 t
A=−
ωk ∫ 0 Fk (ξ ) sin ωkξ dξ
1 t
B=
ωk ∫ 0 Fk (ξ ) cos ω kξ dξ
Thus,
1 t
φ=
ωk ∫ 0 Fk (ξ ) sin [ωk (t − ξ )] dξ (4.60)
It can be verified easily that zero ICs are also satisfied. Hence the formal solution to the
problem described by Eqs. (4.49) to (4.51), using the superposition principle, is
f
1 t ½ nπ x
u ( x, t ) ¦ ®
¯ω n
³ 0 Fn (ξ )sin [ωn (t ξ )] dξ ¾¿ sin L
(4.61)
n 1
Thus, if u1 is a solution of the problem defined by Eqs. (4.26) to (4.28) and if u2 is a solution
of the problem described by Eqs. (4.49)–(4.51), then (u1 u2 ) is a solution of the IBVP
described by
PDE: utt − c 2u xx = F ( x, t ), 0 ≤ x ≤ L, t ≥ 0 (4.62)
BCs: u (0, t ) = u ( L, t ) = 0, t≥0 (4.63)
ICs: u ( x, 0) = f ( x), ut ( x, 0) = g ( x) (4.64)
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 257
f
ª 1 t º nπ x
¦ «
¬ωn
³ 0 Fn (ξ )sin [ωn (t ξ )] dξ »¼ sin L
(4.65)
n 1
This solution may be termed as formal solution, because it has not been proved that the series
actually converages and represents a function which satisfies all the conditions of the given
physical problem.
ICs: u ( x, y, 0) = f ( x, y ) in IR
ut ( x, y, 0) = g ( x, y ) in IR (4.68)
where B(u ) 0 stands for any one of the following boundary conditions:
(i) u = 0 on w IR (Dirichlet condition)
wu
(ii) = 0 on w IR (Neumann condition)
wn
wu
(iii) u = = 0 on w IR (Robin/Mixed condition)
wn
Before we discuss the method of eigenfunctions, it is appropriate to introduce Helmholtz
equation or the space form of the wave equation. The wave equation in three dimensions may
be written in vectorial form as
utt = c 2 ∇ 2u
By the variables separable method, we assume the solution in the form
u ( x, y, z t ) = φ ( x, y, z ) T (t )
258 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
G T bb c 2 T 2 G
which gives
T ′′ ∇2 φ
= = −λ (a separation constant)
c 2T φ
thereby implying
T bb M c 2 T 0 (4.69)
∇ 2φ + λφ = 0 (4.70)
Equation (4.70) is the space form of the wave equation or Helmholtz equation. Of course,
G 0 is the trivial solution Eq. (4.70). But a nontrivial solution G exists only for certain
values of {Mn }, called eigenvalues and the corresponding solution {Gn }, are the eigenfunctions.
Corresponding to each eigenvalue Mn , there exists at least one real-valued twice continuously
differentiable function Gn such that
∇ 2φn + λnφn = 0 in IR
φn = 0 on w IR
It may be noted that the sequence of eigenfunctions (Gn ) satisfies the orthogonality property
f
u ( x, y , t ) ¦ Cn (t ) φn ( x, y) (4.71)
n 1
where Cn (t ) has to be found out. Substitution of the Fourier series into the PDE (4.66) yields
f
¦ [Cn (t )φn ( x, y) C 2Cn (t )2φn ( x, y)] F ( x, y , t )
n 1
But
∇ 2φn = −λnφn
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 259
Therefore,
f
¦ [Cn (t ) ω n2Cn (t )] φn F ( x, y , t ) (4.72)
n 1
where
X n2 C 2 Mn , n 1, 2, ... (4.73)
Multiplying both sides of Eq. (4.72) by Gm and integrating over the ragion IR and interchaning
the order of integration and summation, we obtain
f
¦ [Cn (t ) ωn2 Cn (t )] ³³ φn ( x, y)φm ( x, y) dA ³³ Fφm dA
n 1 IR IR
Cm (t ) + ω 2 Cm (t ) = Fm (t ) (4.74)
where
1
Fm (t ) =
|| φm ||2 ∫∫ F ( x, y, t ) φm ( x, y ) dA (4.75)
IR
and
|| φm ||2 = ∫∫ |φm | dA
2 (4.76)
IR
∑ Cn (0)φn ( x, y) = f ( x, y)
∑ Cn (0)φn ( x, y) = g ( x, y)
In order to determine Cn (0) and C n (0), we multiply both sides of the above two equations by
Gm and integrate over IR and use the orthogonality property to get
1
Cm (0) =
||φm ||2 ∫∫ f ( x, y ) φm ( x, y ) dA (4.77)
IR
1
C m (0) = ∫∫ g ( x, y ) φm ( x, y ) dA
|| φm ||2 IR
260 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Using the method of variation of parameters, the general solution of Eq. (4.74) is given by
1 t
Cm (t ) = Am cos ω m t + Bm sin ω m t +
ωn ∫ 0 Fm (ξ )sin ωm (t − ξ ) dξ
Using Eq. (4.77), we obtain
1
Am =
||φm ||2 ∫∫ f ( x, y ) φm ( x, y ) dA (4.78)
IR
1
Bm =
ω m || φm ||2 ∫∫ g ( x, y)φm ( x, y) dA, m = 1 , 2, …
IR
Hence, the formal series solution of the general problem represented by Eqs. (4.66)–(4.68) is
f f
1 ª t º
u ( x, y , t ) ¦ ( An cos ω n t Bn sin ω n t ) φn ( x, y ) ¦ ω n «¬ ³ 0 Fn (ξ ) sin {ωn (t ξ )} dξ »¼ φn ( x, y)
n 1 n 1
(4.79)
1 w ⎛ w u ⎞ 1 w 2u
⎜r ⎟= (4.80)
r w r ⎝ w r ⎠ c2 w t 2
If we are looking for a periodic solution in time, we set
u F (r ) eiX t (4.81)
Then
wu w 2u
= F ′(r )eiω t , = −ω 2 F (r ) eiω t
wr wt 2
1 w ω2
[ rF ′( r )eiωt ] = − 2 F ( r ) eiωt
r wr c
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 261
or
F ′(r ) ω 2
F ′′(r ) + + 2 F (r ) = 0 (4.82)
r c
which has the form of Bessel’s equation and hence its solution can at once be written as
F AJ 0 §
¦ X r µ BY ¦ X r µ
¶ 0§ ¶ (4.83)
¨ c · ¨ c ·
F
© ¦
C1 ª J 0 §
X r µ iY ¦ X r µ¸ C © ¦ X r µ iY ¦ X r µ¸
¶ 0§ ¶¹ 2 ª J0 § ¶ 0§ ¶¹ (4.84)
« ¨ c · ¨ c ·º « ¨ c · ¨ c ·º
It can be rewritten as
⎛ ωr ⎞ (2) ⎛ ω r ⎞
F = C1H 0(1) ⎜ ⎟ + C2 H 0 ⎜ ⎟ (4.85)
⎝ c ⎠ ⎝ c ⎠
H 0(1) J0 §
¦ X r µ iY ¦ X r µ
¶ 0§ ¶ (4.86)
¨ c · ¨ c ·
⎛ ωr ⎞ ⎛ ωr ⎞
H 0(2) = J 0 ⎜ ⎟ − iY0 ⎜ ⎟ (4.87)
⎝ c ⎠ ⎝ c ⎠
which behave like damped trigonometric functions for large r. Thus the solution of one-
dimensinoal wave equation becomes
u C1eiX t H 0(1) §
¦ Xr µ C iX t
H 0(2) §
¦ Xr µ
¶ 2e ¶ (4.88)
¨ c · ¨ c ·
2 i ( x −π /4)
H 0(1) ( x) = e
πx (4.89)
2 −i ( x −π /4)
H 0(2) ( x) = e for large x
πx
262 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
the general periodic solution to the given wave equation in cylindrical coordinates is
2c ⎡ −iπ /4 exp [i (ω /c)(r + ct ) exp [i (ω /c) (r − ct ) ⎤
u (r , t ) = ⎢C1e + C2 eiπ /4 ⎥
(4.90)
πω ⎣ r r ⎦
1 w ⎛ 2 wu ⎞ 1 w 2u r>0
⎜r ⎟= , (4.91)
r 2 w r ⎝ w r ⎠ c2 w t 2
We look for a periodic solution in time in the form
u F (r ) eiX t (4.92)
Then
wu w 2u
= F ′(r ) eiω t ,
= −ω 2 F (r ) eiω t
wr w t2
Substituting these derivatives into Eq. (4.91), we obtain
1 w 2 iω t ω2
2 wr
( r F ′e ) = −
2
F (r )eiω t
r c
i.e.
1 ω 2 iωt
2
eiωt [r 2 F ′′ + 2rF ′] = − e F
r c2
Therefore,
F bb
2 X2
Fb 2 F 0
(4.93)
r c
Let
−1/2
⎛ω ⎞
F = ⎜ r⎟ ψ (r )
⎝c ⎠
Then
−3/2 −1/2
ω ⎛ω ⎞ ⎛ω ⎞
F′ = − ⎜ r⎟ ψ (r ) + ⎜ r ⎟ ψ ′(r )
2c ⎝ c ⎠ ⎝c ⎠
2 −5/2 −3/2 −1/2
3⎛ω ⎞ ⎛ω ⎞ ω ⎛ω ⎞ ⎛ω ⎞
F ′′ = ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ r ⎟ ψ (r ) − ⎜ r⎟ ψ ′(r ) + ⎜ r ⎟ ψ ′′(r )
4⎝ c ⎠ ⎝ c ⎠ c⎝c ⎠ ⎝c ⎠
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 263
⎛ω ⎞
−1/2 ⎡ 1 ⎧⎪⎛ ω ⎞2 ⎛ 1 ⎞ 2 ⎫⎪ ⎤
⎜ r⎟ ⎢ψ ′′(r ) + ψ ′(r ) + ⎨⎜ ⎟ − ⎜ ⎟ ⎬ψ (r ) ⎥ = 0
⎝c ⎠ ⎢⎣ r ⎩⎪⎝ c ⎠ ⎝ 2r ⎠ ⎭⎪ ⎥⎦
Since
¦ X r µ y 0, we have
§ ¶
¨ c ·
Z b(r ) ¯¦§ X µ¶
© ¬ 2 2 ¸
1 ¦ 1 µ » ¯
Z
ª bb( r ) § ¶ ¼Z (r ) ¹ 0
ª r ¯¨ c ·
® ¨ 2r · ½¯ ¹
« º
⎛ω ⎞ ⎛ω ⎞
ψ (r ) = A′J1/2 ⎜ r ⎟ + B ′J −1/2 ⎜ r ⎟
⎝c ⎠ ⎝c ⎠
A ⎛ω ⎞ B ⎛ω ⎞
F (r ) = J1/2 ⎜ r ⎟ + J −1/2 ⎜ r ⎟ (4.95)
r ⎝c ⎠ r ⎝c ⎠
But, we know that
2
J1/2 ( x) = sin x
πx
2
J −1/2 ( x) = cos x
πx
Therefore,
2c ⎡ sin(ω r/c) cos(ω r/c) ⎤
F (r ) = ⎢ A +B ⎥ (4.96)
πω ⎣ r r ⎦
In complex form,
1 w 2u w 2u 1 wu 1 w 2u
PDE: = + + (4.99)
c2 w t 2 w r2 r w r r 2 wθ 2
and the boundary and initial conditions are given by
BCs: u (a, θ , t ) = 0, t≥0 (4.100)
i.e. the boundary is held fixed, and
wu
ICs: u ( r , θ , 0) = f1 ( r , θ ), ( r , θ , 0) = f 2 (r , θ ) (4.101)
wt
Let us look for a solution of Eq. (4.99) in the following variables separable form:
u = R(r ) H (θ ) T (t ) (4.102)
Substituting into Eq. (4.99), we obtain
RHT bb 1 1
2
RbbHT RbHT RH bbT
c r r2
T bb 2 © R bb 1 R b 1 H bb ¸
N (say)
2
c
ª 2 H ¹
T « R r R r º
Then
T ′′ + μ 2T = 0 (4.103)
Rbb Rb N 2 2 H bb
r2 r r
2
k (say)
R R c2 H
i.e.
¦ u2 2µ
r 2 Rbb rRb § r2 k ¶R 0 (4.104)
§ c2 ¶
¨ ·
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 265
H ′′ + k 2H = 0 (4.105)
Here, N 2 and k 2 are arbitrary separation constants. The general solutions of Eqs. (4.103)–
(4.105) respectively are
T A cos N t B sin N t
¦ Nr µ ¦ Nr µ
R PJ k § ¶ QYk § ¶ (4.106)
¨ c · ¨ c ·
H E cos kR F sin kR
where J k , Yk are Bessel functions of first and second kind respectively of order k. Thus, the
general solution of the wave equation (4.99) is
¬ ¦ Nr µ ¦ Nr µ »
u (r , R , t ) ( A cos Nt B sin Nt ) PJ k §¨ ¶· QYk §¨ ¶· ¼ ( E cos kR F sin kR ) (4.107)
® c c ½
¦ Na µ
Jn § ¶0 (4.108)
¨ c ·
which has an inifinte number of positive zeros. These zeros (roots) are tabulated for several
values of n in many handbooks. Their representation requires two indices. The first one
indicates the order of the Bessel function, and the second, the solution. Thus denoting the
roots by μ nm ( n = 0, 1, 2, …; m = 1, 2, 3, …), we have, after using the principle of superposition,
the solution of the circular membrane in the form
f f
§μ r·
u (r , θ , t ) ¦ ¦ PJ n ¨ nm ¸ ( A cos μ t B sin μ t ) ( E cos nθ F sin nθ )
© c ¹
m 1 n 1
Alternatively,
È Pnm r Ø
u (r , T , t ) ÇÇ J
m 1 n 1
n ÉÊ c ÙÚ ^[anm cos nT bnm sin nT ]cos P t [cnm cos nT d nm sin nT ]sin Pt `
(4.109)
266 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Now, to determine the constants, we shall use the prescribed ICs which yield
∞ ∞
⎛μ r⎞
f1 (r , θ ) = ∑ ∑ (anm cos nθ + bnm sin nθ ) J n ⎜ nm ⎟
⎝ c ⎠
(4.110)
m =1 n =1
∞ ∞
⎛ μnm r ⎞
f 2 (r , θ ) = ∑∑ μnm (cnm cos nθ + d nm sin nθ ) J n ⎜
⎝ c ⎟⎠
m =1 n =1
Hence, the solution of the circular membrance is given by Eq. (4.109), where
2 2π a ⎛ r⎞
anm = 2
π a [ J n′ ( μnm )] 2 ∫0 ∫0 f1 (r , θ ) J n ⎜ μnm
⎝
⎟ cos nθ r dr dθ
c⎠
2 2π a ⎛ r⎞
bnm = 2
π a [ J n′ ( μnm )] 2 ∫0 ∫0 f1 (r , θ ) J n ⎜ μnm ⎟ sin nθ r dr dθ
⎝ c⎠
2 2π a ⎛ r⎞
cnm = 2
π a [ J n′ ( μnm )] 2 ∫0 ∫0 f 2 (r , θ ) J n ⎜ μnm ⎟ cos nθ r dr dθ ,
⎝ c⎠
2 2π a ⎛ r⎞
d nm = 2
π a [ J n′ ( μnm )] 2 ∫0 ∫0 f 2 (r , θ ) J n ⎜ μnm ⎟ sin nθ r dr dθ
⎝ c⎠
ut ( x, 0) = g ( x), 0≤ x≤L
and the BCs:
u (0, t ) = u ( L, t ) = 0
Proof Suppose u1 and u2 are two solutions of the given wave equation (4.111) and let
v = u1 − u2 . Obviously v ( x, t ) is the solution of the following problem:
v ( x, 0) = 0, vt ( x, 0) = 0, 0≤ x≤L
and
v (0, t ) = v ( L, t ) = 0
which, in fact, represents the total energy of the vibrating string at time t. It may be noted
that E (t ) is differentiable with respect to t , as v ( x, t ) is twice continuously differentiable. Thus,
dE L
= ∫ ⎡⎣ c 2 vx vxt + vt vtt ⎤⎦ dx (4.114)
dt 0
dt ³0 vt (vtt c 2 vxx ) dx 0
L
E (0) = c = ∫ ⎡⎣c 2 v 2x + v 2t ⎤⎦ dx = 0
0 t =0
vtt ( X , t ) − c 2∇ 2 v( X , t ) = 0, X in R3 ,
with the conditions
v ( X , 0, τ ) = 0, vt ( X , 0, τ ) = F ( X , τ )
then u ( X , t ) satisfies
utt − c 2 ∇ 2u = F ( x, t ), X in R3 , t > 0
u ( X , 0) = ut ( X , 0) = 0
utt − c 2∇ 2u = F ( X , t ) (4.115)
with
u ( X , 0) = ut ( X , 0) = 0
Let us assume the solution of the problem (4.115) in the form
t
u ( x, t ) = ∫ v ( X , t − τ , τ ) d τ (4.116)
0
Noting that u satisfies Eq. (4.115), v satisfies Eq. (4.117), and after using Eq. (4.117), the
above equation reduces to
t
utt = vt ( X , 0, t ) + ∫ c 2∇ 2 v dτ
0
vtt − c 2 ∇ 2 v = 0
with the conditions
v ( X , 0, τ ) = 0, vt ( X , 0, τ ) = F ( X , τ ) at t = τ
then, u defined by Eq. (4.116) satisfies the given inhomogeneous equation (4.115) and the
specified conditions. Here, the function v ( X , t ) is called the pulse function or the force
function.
EXAMPLE 4.8 Use Duhamel’s principle to solve the heat equation problem described by
ut ( x, t ) ku xx ( x, t ) f ( x, t ), f x f, t ! 0 (4.122)
u ( x, 0) = 0, f x f
Solution We have obtained, in Section 3.3, the unique solution of the problem
vt ( x, t ) kvxx ( x, t ), f x f, t ! 0
v( x, 0) f ( x, τ )
in the form
1 f
³ f exp [( x ξ ) /(4kt )] f (ξ ) dξ
2
v ( x, t )
4π kt
270 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Hence, using Duhamel’s principle, the solution of the corresponding inhomogeneous problem
described by Eq. (4.122) is given by
t
u ( x , t , τ ) = ∫ v ( x, t − τ , τ ) dτ
0
or
t ∞ 1 ⎡ −( x − ξ )2 ⎤
u ( x, t , τ ) = ∫ 0 ∫ −∞ 4π k (t − τ )
exp ⎢ ⎥ f (ξ ) dξ dτ
⎢⎣ 4k (t − τ ) ⎥⎦
(4.123)
EXAMPLE 4.9 A uniform string of line density ρ is stretched to tension ρ c 2 and executes
a small transverse vibtration in a plane through the undisturbed line of string. The ends
x = 0, L of the string are fixed. The string is at rest, with the point x = b drawn aside through
a small distance ε and released at time t = 0. Find an expression for the displacement
y ( x, t ).
IC: yt ( x, 0) = 0
Using the variables separable method, let
y ( x, t ) = X ( x) T (t )
then, we have from Eq. (4.124),
X ′′ 1 T ′′
= 2 = ±λ 2
X c T
The equation of the string is given by (see Fig. 4.7)
⎧ε x
⎪⎪ b , 0≤ x≤b
y ( x,0) = ⎨
⎪ ε ( x − L) , b ≤ x ≤ L
⎩⎪ (b − L)
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 271
The solution to the given problem is discussed now for various values of M .
y
P(b, ε)
A (L, 0)
x
O (0, 0) (b, 0)
Fig. 4.7 Illustration of Example 4.9.
X bb M 2 X 0 T bb c 2 M 2T
Thus, the general solution is
y ( x, t ) = ( A cosh λ x + B sinh λ x) (C cosh cλ t + D sinh cλ t )
Now the BCs:
y (0, t ) = 0 gives A = 0
and
y ( L, t ) = 0 gives B sinh λ L = 0
which is possible only if B = 0. Thus we are again getting only a trivial solution.
X cc λ 2 X 0 T cc c 2 λ 2T 0
In this case, the general solution is
y ( x, t ) ( A cos λ x B sin λ x) ( P cos cλ t Q sin cλ t )
272 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
y (0, t ) 0 gives A 0
y ( L, t ) 0 gives B sin λ L 0
nπ x cnπ t
y ( x, t ) = BP sin cos , n = 1, 2, …
L L
Using the principle of superposition, we have
nQ x cnQ t
y ( x, t ) ¦ bn sin
L
cos
L
n 1
which gives
f
nπ x
y ( x, 0) ¦ bn sin L
n 1
This is half-range sine series, where
2 L nπ x
bn =
L ∫ 0
y ( x, 0) sin
L
dx
2 b ε nπ x 2 L ε nπ x
=
L ∫ 0 b
x sin
L
dx +
L ∫0 b−L
( x − L) sin
L
dx
b b
2ε ⎡ cos (nπ x /L) ⎤ 2ε ⎡ sin (nπ /L) x ⎤
= ⎢− x⎥ − ⎢− 2 2 2 ⎥
Lb ⎣ nπ /L ⎦ 0 Lb ⎣ n π /L ⎦0
L L
2ε ⎡ cos (nπ x/L) ⎤ 2ε ⎡ sin(nπ x/L) ⎤
+ ⎢− ( x − L) ⎥ − ⎢− 2 2 2 ⎥
L(b − L) ⎣ nπ /L ⎦ b L(b − L) ⎣ n π /L ⎦ b
or
2ε L2 nπ b
bn = sin
n π b ( L − b)
2 2
L
Hence the subsequent motion of the string is given by
f
2ε L2 nπ b nπ x cnπ t .
y ( x, t ) ¦ n π b ( L b)
2 2
sin
L
sin
L
cos
L
n 1
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 273
Solution Taking the clue from Example 4.9, we assume the solution in the form
f
nπ x
y ( x, t ) ¦ An (t ) sin
L
n 1
f
nπ x
g ( x) ¦ Bn sin
L
n 1
f ª 2 º f
§ nπ c · nπ x nπ x
¦ « Ancc(t ) ¨
«¬ © L
¸
¹
An (t ) » sin
»¼ L
cos ω t ¦ Bn sin
L
n 1 n 1
2
¦ nQ c µ
Anbb (t ) § ¶ An (t ) Bn cos X t
¨ L ·
EXAMPLE 4.11 A rectangular membrane with fastened edges makes free transverse
vibrations. Explain how a formal series solution can be found.
Solution Mathematically, the problem can be posed as follows:
Solve
PDE: utt − c 2 (u xx + u yy ) = 0, 0 ≤ x ≤ a, 0 ≤ y ≤ b
X ′′ + p 2 X = 0, Y ′′ + q 2Y = 0, T ′′ + r 2 c 2T = 0
The possible separable solution is
u ( x, y , t ) = ( A cos px + B sin px) (C cos qy + D sin qy) ( E cos (rct ) + F sin ( rct ))
Using the BCs: u (0, y, t ) = 0 gives A = 0
u ( x, 0, t ) = 0 gives C = 0
u ( x, b, t ) = 0 gives q = nπ /b, n = 1, 2, …
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 275
f f
mπ x nπ y
f ( x, y ) ¦¦ Amn sin
a
sin
b
m 1 n 1
where
4 a b mπ x nπ y
ab ∫ 0 ∫0
Amn = f ( x, y )sin sin dx dy (4.126)
a b
mS x nS y
g( x, y) cr ÇÇ Bmn sin a
sin
b
m 1n 1
where
4 a b mπ x nπ y
abcr 0 ∫ 0
∫
Bmn = g ( x, y ) sin sin dx dy (4.127)
a b
Hence, the required series solution is given by Eq. (4.125), where Amn and Bmn are given by
Eqs. (4.126) and (4.127).
PDE: utt c 2u xx F ( x, t ), f x f, t t 0
with the data
Solution In Example 4.4, we have obtained the Riemann-Volterra solution for the
inhomogeneous wave equation in the following form:
1 1 x + ct 1
u ( x, t ) = [η ( x − ct ) + η ( x + ct )] + ∫ v (ξ ) dξ + ∫∫ F ( x, t ) dx dt (4.128)
2 2c x − ct 2c IR
276 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Since u ( x, 0) = η ( x) = 0, the first term on the right-hand side of Eq. (4.128) vanishes. Also,
1 x + ct 1 x + ct
2c ∫ x − ct
v (ξ ) dξ = ∫
2c x −ct
cosh bξ dξ
x + ct
1 ⎛ sin bξ ⎞ 1
= ⎜ ⎟ = [sinh b ( x + ct ) − sinh b ( x − ct )]
2c ⎝ b ⎠ x −ct 2bc
and
1 1
2c ∫∫ F ( x, t ) dx dt =
2c ∫∫ (4 x + t ) dx dt
IR IR
From Fig. 4.4, we can write the equation of the line PA in the form
x x0 ct0
t
c
or
x x0 ct ct0
Similarly, the equation of the line PB is
x x0 ct0 ct
Thus
1 t0 x0 + ct0 − ct
2c ∫∫ F ( x, t ) dt = ∫ 0 ∫ x +ct −ct
0 0
(4 x + t ) dx dt
IR
t0
= ∫ (4 x0t0 −4tx0 + tt0 − t 2 ) dt = 2 x0 t02 + t03/6
0
EXAMPLE 4.13 Derive the wave equation representing the transverse vibration of a string
in the form
−2
w 2u ⎧⎪ ⎛ w u ⎞ 2 ⎫⎪ w 2u
= c ⎨1 + ⎜
2
⎟ ⎬
w t2 ⎩⎪ ⎝ w x ⎠ ⎭⎪ w x2
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 277
Solution Consider the motion of an element PQ E s of the string as shown in Fig. 4.8.
In equilibrium position, let the string lie along the x-axis, such that PQ is originally at Pb Qb .
Let the displacement of PQ from the x-axis, be denoted by u. Let T be the tension in the string
and S be the density of the string. Writing down the equation of motion of the element PQ
of the string in the u-direction, we have
u
T
δs
P
ψ
T
δx
x
O P′ Q′
Fig. 4.8 An Illustration of Example 4.13.
w 2u
T sin (ψ + δψ ) − T sin ψ = ρδ s
w t2
Neglecting squares of small quantities, we get
w 2u
T cos ψδψ = ρδ s (4.129)
w t2
by noting that
wu w 2u
tan ψ = , sec2 ψδψ = δx
wx w x2
Equation (4.129) becomes
w 2u w 2u w x w 2u
ρ = T cos3 ψ = T cos 4
ψ (4.130)
w t2 w x2 w s w x2
but
−1
⎧⎪ ⎛ w u ⎞2 ⎫⎪
1
cos ψ =2
= ⎨1 + ⎜ ⎟ ⎬ (4.131)
1 + tan 2 ψ ⎪⎩ ⎝ w x ⎠ ⎪⎭
278 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EXERCISES
1. A homogeneous string is stretched and its ends are at x 0 and x l. Motion is
started by displacing the string into the form f ( x ) = u0 sin (π x/l ), from which it is
released at time t 0. Find the displacement at any point x and time t.
2. Solve the boundary value problem described by
PDE: utt − c 2u xx = 0, 0 ≤ x ≤ l, t ≥ 0
ut ( x, 0) = 0
ut 0 when t 0 and u ( x, 0) x, 0 x π
4. Solve
utt c 2u xx , 0 d x d l, t t 0
subject to
u (0, t ) = 0, u (l , t ) = 0 for all t
u ( x, 0) = 0, ut ( x, 0) = b sin 3 (π x / l )
5. Solve the vibrating string problem described by
PDE: utt − c 2 u xx = 0, 0 < x < l, t > 0
ut ( x, 0) = 0, 0≤ x≤l
6. In spherical coordinates, if u is a spherical wave, i.e. u u (r , t ), then the wave
equation becomes
1 w ⎛ 2 w u ⎞ 1 w 2u
⎜r ⎟=
r 2 w r ⎝ w r ⎠ c2 w t 2
which is called the Euler-Poisson-Darboux equation. Find its general solution.
280 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PDE: utt c 2 u xx e x
with the given data
u ( x,0) 5, ut ( x,0) x 2
w 2φ 1 w 2φ
− = 0, 0 < x < a, t > 0
w x2 c2 w t 2
11. A piano string of length L is fixed at both ends. The string has a linear density S
and is under tension U . At time t = 0, the string is pulled a distance s from equilibrium
position at its mid-point so that it forms an isosceles triangle and is then released
( s c L). Find the subsequent motion of the string.
12. Obtain the normal frequencies and normal modes for the vibrating string of Problem 11.
HYPERBOLIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 281
13. A flexible stretched string is constrained to move with zero slope at one end x = 0, while
the other end x = L is held fixed against any movement. Find an expression for the
time-dependent motion of the string if it is subjected to the initial displacement given
by
⎛π x ⎞
y ( x, 0) = y0 cos ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2L ⎠
and is released from this position with zero velocity.
14. Show that if f and g are arbitrary functions, then
u = f ( x − vt + iα y ) + g ( x − vt − iα y )
is a solution of the equation
1
u xx + u yy = utt
c2
provided α 2 = 1 − v 2/ c 2.
Choose the correct answer in the following questions (15 and 16):
15. The solution of the initial value problem
utt = 4 u xx , t > 0, −∞ < x < ∞
Green’s Function
5.1 INTRODUCTION
Consider the differential equation
Lu ( x) f ( x) (5.1)
u ( x) = L−1 f ( x) = ∫ G ( x, ξ ) f (ξ ) dξ (5.2)
The kernel of this integral operator is called Green’s function for the differential operator.
Thus the solution to the non-homogeneous differential equation (5.1) can be written down,
once the Green’s function for the problem is known. Applying the differential operator L to
both sides of Eq. (5.2), we get
f ( x) = LL−1 f ( x) = ∫ LG ( x, ξ ) f (ξ ) dξ (5.3)
This equation is satisfied if we choose G ( x, Y ) such that (see propety III of Section 3.4)
LG ( x, Y ) E ( x Y ) (5.4)
282
GREEN’S FUNCTION 283
Definition 5.1 Let us consider an auxiliary function G ( x) of a real variable x which possesses
derivatives of all orders and vanishes outside a finite interval. Such functions are called test
functions.
Now we shall introduce the concept of the derivative of a δ -function in terms of the
derivative of a test function. We say that E b ( x) is the derivative of E ( x) if
f
³ f δ c( x) φ ( x) dx φ c (0) (5.5)
Ô
G ( x ) I ( x ) dx I (0) (5.6)
With this definition of a derivative, we can show that the δ -function is the derivative of
a Heaviside unit step function H ( x) defined by
¬1 for x s 0
H ( x) (5.7)
®0 for x 0
To see this result, we consider
f f f
³ f H c( x) φ ( x) dx ³ f H ( x) φ c ( x) dx ³ 0 φ c ( x) dx φ (0)
By comparing the above result with property III of Section 3.4, i.e., with
f
³ f δ ( x) φ ( x) dx φ (0)
we obtain
H b( x) E ( x) (5.8)
Similarly, the notion of δ -function and its derivative enables us to give a meaning to the
derivative of a function that has a Jump discontinuity at x Y of magnitude unity. Let
¬1, x sY
H (x Y )
®0, x Y
f f
(x ξ ) H (x ξ ) ³ f ( x ξ ) H c( x ξ ) dx ³ f H ( x ξ ) dx
f
³ f H ( x ξ ) dx (5.10)
d 2u
f ( x), u (0) u (1) 0
dx 2
In this case, Eq. (5.4) becomes
d 2G
LG = = δ (x − ξ ) (5.11)
dx 2
Noting that the δ -function is the derivative of the Heaviside unit step function and integrating
Eq. (5.11), we get
d
[G ( x, Y )] H ( x Y ) C1 (Y )
dx
where C1 (Y ) is an arbitrary function. Integrating the above result once again with respect to
x, we get
∫
G ( x, ξ ) = H ( x − ξ ) dx + C1 (ξ ) x + C2 (ξ )
= ( x − ξ ) H ( x − ξ ) + C1 (ξ ) x + C2 (ξ )
where C1 (Y ) and C2 (Y ) can be determined from the boundary conditions. Thus, from Eq. (5.2) we
have
x f f
u ( x) ³ 0 ( x ξ )H ( x ξ ) f (ξ ) dξ x³ f C1 (ξ ) f (ξ ) dξ ³ f C2 (ξ ) f (ξ ) dξ
GREEN’S FUNCTION 285
x 1
u ( x) = ∫ 0 ( x − ξ ) H ( x − ξ ) f (ξ ) dξ − x∫ 0 (1 − ξ ) f (ξ ) dξ (5.12)
Comparing this result with Eq. (5.2), we have the kernel of the integral operator, which is
known as Green’s function or source function given by
G ( x, ξ ) = ( x − ξ ) H ( x − ξ ) − x (1 − ξ ), 0 ≤ξ ≤1 (5.13)
Here the expression δ ( X − X′) is the generalization of the concept of delta function in three-
dimensional space IR and G ( X; Xb) represents the effect at the point X due to a source
function or delta function input applied at Xb . Equation (5.15) has the following interpretation
in heat conduction or electrostatics: G ( X; Xb) can be viewed as the temperature (the electrostatc
potential) at any point X in IR due to a unit source (due to a unit charge) located at Xb.
Multiplying Eq. (5.15) on both sides by f ( Xb) and integrating over the volume V with
respect to Xb, we get
u ( X) = ∫V X′
G ( X; X′) f ( X′) dVX ′ (5.17)
which is the solution of Eq. (5.14). This leads to the simple definition that a function
u ( x, y, z; x′, y ′, z ′) is a fundamental solution of the equation, for example, ∇2u = 0, if u is a
solution of the non-homogeneous equation
∇ 2u = δ ( x, y, z; x′, y ′, z ′)
This idea can be easily extended to higher dimensions. Thus the Green’s function technique
can be applied, in principle, to find the solution of any linear non-homogeneous partial
differential equation. Although a neat formula (5.17) has been given for solution of non-
homogeneous PDE, in practice, it is not an easy task to construct the Green’s function. We
shall now present a few singularity solutions, also called fundamental solutions to the well-
known operators. These will guide us to construct Green’s function for the solutions of partial
differential equations which occur most frequently in mathematical physics.
To start with, the fundamental solution for a three-dimensional potential problem satisfies
∇ 2 u = δ ( X) (5.18)
or
div grad u = δ ( X)
where u can be interpreted, for example, as the electrostatic potential. We seek a solution
which depends only on the source distance r | X |; thus, for r > 0, u (r ) satisfies
1 w ⎛ 2 wu ⎞
∇ 2u = ⎜r ⎟=0
r2 w r ⎝ w r ⎠
On integration, we get
A
u B
r
Using the fact that the potential vanishes at infinity, we have
u A/r
Integrating Eq. (5.18) over a small sphere RF of radius F , we have
∫ Rε [div grad u] dV = 1
Using the divergence theorem, we obtain
wu
∫σ ε wr r =ε
dS = 1
GREEN’S FUNCTION 287
Therefore,
A = −1/4π
Thus, the singularity solution or the fundamental solution of ∇ 2 u = 0 is
1
u (5.19)
4Q r
The two-dimensional case of Eq. (5.18) is
1 w ⎛ wu ⎞
⎜r ⎟ = 0, r>0
r wr ⎝ wr ⎠
On integration, we get
u A ln r B
Integrating Eq. (5.18) over a disc RF of small radius F , whose surface is T F , we get
∫ Rε div grad u = 1
Hence
wu A A
∫σ ε wr r =ε
dS = ∫ r ε
dS = × 2πε = 1
ε
Therefore, A 1/ 2 Q . The constant B remains arbitrary and can be set equal to zero for
convenience. Thus, the fundamental solution is
1
u (r ) ln r (5.20)
2Q
If r ( x, y, z ) and r ′ ( x′, y ′, z ′) are two distinct points in three-dimensional space IR , then the
singularity solution of Laplace equation is
1
u= (5.21)
4π | r − r ′ |
Similarly, the singularity solution for the diffusion equation
ut − k ∇ 2u = 0
in three-space variables assumes the form
1 ⎡ − | r − r ′ |2 ⎤
exp ⎢ ⎥ (5.22)
8[π k (t − τ )]3/2 ⎣ 4k (t − τ ) ⎦
288 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
eik |r r |
b
(5.23)
| r rb |
Before we attempt to solve Eq. (5.17), we shall examine the form of three-dimensional
δ -function in general curvilinear coordinates as a preparation to study the solution of partial
differential equations in polar coordinates, spherical polar coordinates etc. Suppose we are
looking for a transformation from Cartesian coordinates, x, y to curvilinear coordinates ξ , η
through the relations
x f (Y , I ), y g (Y , I ) (5.24)
where f and g are single-valued, continuously differentiable functions of their arguments.
Suppose that under this transformation, ξ = β1 and η = β 2 correspond to x = α1 and y = α 2
respectively. Also,
È dx Ø È f[ fK Ø È d [ Ø w ( f , g ) È d[ Ø È d[ Ø
É Ù É ÙÉ Ù JÉ Ù
Ê dy Ú Ê g[ gK Ú Ê d KÚ w ([ , K) ÉÊ d K ÙÚ Ê d KÚ
∫∫ φ ( x, y ) δ ( x − α1 ) δ ( y − α 2 ) dx dy = φ (α1 , α 2 )
becomes
∫∫ φ ( f , g ) δ [ f (ξ , η ) − α1 ] δ [ g (ξ , η ) − α 2 ] | J | dξ dη = φ (α1, α 2 ) (5.25)
where J is the Jacobian of the transformation. Equation (5.25) states that the Dirac δ -function
E [ f (Y , I ) B1 ] E [ g (Y , I ) B 2 ] | J | assigns to any test function G ( f , g ) the value of that test
function at the points where f B1 , g B 2 , i.e. at the poins Y C1 , I C 2 . Thus we may write
δ [ f (ξ , η ) − α1 ] δ [ g (ξ , η ) − α 2 ] | J | = δ ( x − α1 ) δ ( y − α 2 ) | J | = δ (ξ − β1 ) δ (η − β 2 )
Hence,
δ (ξ − β1 ) δ (η − β 2 ) (5.26)
δ ( x − α1 ) δ ( y − α 2 ) =
|J|
In the next few sections, we shall duscuss the Green’s function method for solving partial
differential equations with particular emphasis on elliptic equations. The discussion on wave
equation and heat equation is also included in Sections 5.5 and 5.6 respectively.
GREEN’S FUNCTION 289
Suppose that u is known at every point of the boundary ∂ IR and that it satisfies the relation
∇2u = 0 in IR
The task is to find u ( P ) when P ∈ IR . Let OP = r, and let C be a sphere with centre at P
and radius ε . Also, let Σ be the new region exterior to C and interior to IR. Further, let the
boundary of Σ be denoted by ∂ Σ, and
1
u′ = (5.27)
| r − r′ |
where r ′ is another point Q either in Σ or on the boundary ∂ Σ. If u and u¢ are twice continuously
differentiable functions in IR and have first order derivatives on ∂ IR, then by Green’s theorem in
the region IR we have, from Eq. (2.19), the relation
⎛ ∂ u′ ∂u ⎞
∫∫∫ (u ∇ u′ − u′ ∇ u) dV = ∫∫ ⎜⎝ u ∂ n − u′ ∂ n ⎟⎠ dS
2 2
IR ∂ IR
Here, n is the unit vector normal to dS drawn outwards from IR and ∂ /∂ n denotes differentiation
in that direction. Since ∇ 2 u = ∇ 2 u ′ = 0 within ∂ Σ, we have, in the region Σ, the relation
⎛ ∂ u′ ∂u ⎞ ⎛ ∂ u′ ∂u ⎞
∫ ⎜⎝ u ∂ n − u′ ∂ n ⎟⎠ dS ′ + ∫∫ ⎜u
⎝ ∂n
− u ′ ⎟ dS = 0
∂n⎠
(5.28)
C ∂ IR
290 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
⎡ w ⎛ 1 ⎞ 1 wu ⎤
∫∫ ⎢⎣u (r′) w n ⎜⎝ | r − r′ | ⎟⎠ − | r − r′ | w n (r′)⎥⎦ dS ′
C
⎡ w ⎛ 1 ⎞ 1 wu ⎤ (5.29)
+ ∫∫
⎢u (r ′) w n ⎜ | r − r ′ | ⎟ − | r − r ′ | w n (r ′) ⎥ dS = 0
⎝ ⎠
w IR ⎣ ⎦
When Q is on C, we have
1 1 w ⎛ 1 ⎞ 1
= , =
| r − r′ | ε w n ⎜⎝ | r − r ′ | ⎟⎠ ε 2
w ⎛ 1 ⎞ 1
∫∫ u (r′) w n ⎝⎜ | r − r′ | ⎠⎟ dS ′ = ∫∫ [u (r) + O (ε )] ε 2 × ε sin θ dθ dφ
2
C C
= u ( P) ∫∫ sin θ dθ dφ + O (ε )
C
2π π
= u ( P) ∫φ =0 ∫θ =0 sin θ dθ dφ + O (ε )
= 4π u (r ) + O (ε )
1 w 1 ⎡w u ⎤
∫∫ | r − r′ | w n (r′) dS ′ = ε ∫∫ ⎢⎣w n (r) + 0 (ε )⎥⎦ ε sin θ dθ dφ + 0 (ε )
2
C
GREEN’S FUNCTION 291
Employing these results and taking the limit as F n 0, Eq. (5.29) becomes
⎡ w ⎛ 1 ⎞ 1 w ⎤
4π u (r ) + ∫∫ ⎢⎣u (r′) w n ⎝⎜ | r − r′ | ⎠⎟ − | r − r′ | w n u (r′)⎥⎦ dS = 0
w IR
implying thereby
1 ⎡ 1 wu w ⎛ 1 ⎞⎤
u (r ) =
4π ∫∫ ⎢ | r − r ′ | w n (r ′) − u (r ′) w n ⎜ | r − r ′ | ⎟ ⎥ dS
⎣ ⎝ ⎠⎦
(5.30)
w IR
Therefore, the value of u at an interior point of the region IR is determined, if u and w u /w n are
known on the boundary, w IR . This leads to the conclusion that both the values of u and w u /w n are
required to obtain the solution of Dirichlet’s problem. But this is not so, as can be seen from
the concept of the Green’s function defined as follows: Let H (r, r b) be a function harmonic
in IR . Then the Green’s function for the Dirichlet problem involving the Laplace operator is
defined by G, the two point function of position, as
1
G (r, r ′) = + H (r, r ′) (5.31)
| r − r′ |
where H (r , r b) satifies the following
(i)
⎛ w2 w2 w2 ⎞
⎜⎜ + + ⎟ H (r, r ′) = 0 (5.32)
⎝ w x′
2
w y ′2 w z ′2 ⎟⎠
(ii)
1
G= + H (r, r ′) = 0 on w IR (5.33)
| r − r′ |
Thus the Green’s function for the Dirichlet problem involving the Laplace operator is a
function G (r, r b) which satisfies the following properties:
Following the procedure adopted in the derivation of Eq. (5.30), replacing u b by G (r, r b),
we can show that
1 ⎡ wu wG ⎤
u (r ) = −
4π ∫∫ ⎢⎣G (r , r ′) w n (r ′) − u (r ′) w n (r, r ′) ⎥⎦ dS (5.38)
w IR
From Eqs. (5.31) and (5.33) we can see that G = 0 on w IR. Thus the solution u at an interior
point is given by the relation
1 wG
u (r ) = −
4π ∫∫ u (r ′)
wn
(r, r ′) dS (5.39)
w IR
and, therefore, the solution of the interior Dirichlet’s problem is reduced to the determination
of Green’s function G (r, r b).
Green’s function can be interpreted physically as follows: Let w IR be a grounded electrical
conductor (boundary potential zero) and if a unit charge is located at the source point r, then
G is the sum of the potential at the point r b due to the charge at the source point r in free
space and the potential due to the charges induced on w IR . Thus,
1
G (r, r b) H (r, r b) (5.40)
| r rb |
Hence, property (i), viz, Eq. (5.34), essentially means that ∇ 2 G = 0 everywhere except at the
source point (r).
EXAMPLE 5.1 Consider a sphere with centre at the origin and radius ‘a’. Apply the divergence
theorem to the sphere and show that
⎛1⎞
∇ 2 ⎜ ⎟ = −4πδ (r )
⎝r⎠
⎛1⎞ ⎛1⎞
grad ⎜ ⎟ = ∇ ⎜ ⎟
⎝r⎠ ⎝r⎠
we get
⎛1⎞ ⎛1⎞
∫∫∫ ∇ ⋅ ∇ ⎜⎝ r ⎟⎠ dV = ∫∫ ∇ ⎜⎝ r ⎟⎠ ⋅ nˆ dS
V S
GREEN’S FUNCTION 293
wu 1 wu 1 wu
grad u eˆr + eˆθ + eˆφ sin θ
wr r wθ r wφ
Hence,
⎛1⎞ w ⎛1⎞ 1 1
∫∫ grad ⎜⎝ r ⎟⎠ ⋅ eˆr dS = ∫∫ w r ⎜⎝ r ⎟⎠ dS = ∫∫ r 2 dS = − a2 × 4π a = −4π
2
S S S
⎛1⎞
∫∫∫ ∇ ⎜ ⎟ dV = −4 πδ (r )
2
⎝r⎠
V
Now we shall prove the symmetric property through the following theorem.
Theorem 5.1 Show that the Green’s function G (r , r b) has the symmetric property. In other
words, if P1 and P2 are two points within a fininte region IR bounded by the surface w IR, then
the value at P2 of the Green’s function for the point P1 and the surface w IR is equal to the
value at P1 of the Green’s function for the point P2 and the surface w IR .
1
G H
| r rb |
where H is harmonic, then
⎛ 1 ⎞
∇2G = ∇ 2 ⎜ ⎟ + ∇ H = −4πδ (r − r ′) + 0
2
⎝ | r − r ′ | ⎠
Recalling Green’s theorem
⎛ w u′ wu ⎞
∫∫∫ (u∇ u′ − u′ ∇ u) dV = ∫∫ − u ′ ⎟ dS
2 2
⎜u (5.41)
⎝ wn wn⎠
IR w IR
294 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
G (r1 , r ′) = 0 on w IR when r ′ ∈ IR
Also,
⎛ 1 ⎞
∇ 2G (r1 , r ′) = ∇ 2 ⎜ ⎟ = −4πδ (r1 − r ′)
⎝ | r1 − r ′ | ⎠
G (r2 , r ′) = 0 on w IR
⎡ wG
∫∫∫ [G(r1, r′) ∇ G(r2 , r′) − G(r2 , r′) ∇ G(r1, r′)] dV = ∫∫ ⎢G (r1 , r ′) w n (r2 , r ′)
2 2
IR w IR
⎣
wG ⎤
− G (r2 , r ′) (r1 , r ′) ⎥ dS
wn ⎦
implying thereby
−4π ∫∫∫ [G(r1, r′) δ (r2 − r′) − G(r2 , r′) δ (r1 − r′)] dV = 0
IR
Proof Let C be a sphere with radius ε bounded by ∂ C (see Fig. 5.1). We have already
noted that G satisfies
∇ 2G = δ (r − r ′)
Integrating both sides over the sphere C, we get
∫∫∫ ∇ G dV = 1
2
∫∫∫ ∇ G dV = 1
2
Lt
ε →0
C
Applying the divergence theorem, we get at once the result
∂G
ε →0 ∫∫
Lt dS = 1 (5.43)
∂n
∂C
EXAMPLE 5.2 Use Green’s function technique to solve the Dirichlet’s problem for a semi-
infinite space.
The Green’s function G (r, r ′) for the present problem must satisfy the following relations:
1
(i) G (r, r ′) = +H
| r − r′ |
⎛ w2 w2 w2 ⎞
(ii) ⎜⎜ + + ⎟ H (r, r ′) = 0
2⎟
⎝ w x ′ 2
w y ′ 2
w z ′ ⎠
(iii) G (r, r b) 0 on the plane x 0.
Let Pb( S ) be the image of the point P (r ) in x 0. If condition (ii) is satisfied
1
H (r , r b)
| S rb |
Then the required Green’s function by the method of images is given by the equation
1 1
G (r, r ′) = − (5.44)
| r − r′ | | U − r′ |
which satisfies condition (iii). But from Eq. (5.39), we have
1 wG
u (r ) = −
4π ∫∫ u (r′) w n (r, r′) dS (5.45)
w IR
GREEN’S FUNCTION 297
wG w ⎡ 1 1 ⎤
=− ⎢ −
wn w x′ ( x − x′)2 + ( y − y ′) 2 + ( z − z ′)2 2 ⎥
⎣ ( x + x′) + ( y − y ′) + ( z − z ′) ⎦
2 2
⎛wG ⎞ 2x
⎜ ⎟ = 2
⎝ w x′ ⎠ x′=0 [ x + ( y − y ′)2 + ( z − z ′)2 ]3/2
Substituting this result and noting that u (r ′) = f ( y ′, z ′), Eq. (5.45) reduces to
x f f f ( y c, z c ) dy c dz c
u ( x, y , z )
2π ³ f ³ f [ x2 ( y y c)2 ( z z c)2 ]3/2 (5.46)
which can be integrated when the nature of the function f ( y b, z b) is explicity given.
EXAMPLE 5.3 Obtain the solution of the interior Dirichlet problem for a sphere using the
Green’s function method and hence derive the Poisson integral formula.
∇ 2 u = 0, 0 ≤ r ≤ a, 0 ≤θ ≤π, 0 ≤ φ ≤ 2π (5.47)
subject to
u (a, θ , φ ) = f (θ , φ ) (5.48)
Green’s function for a sphere can be expressed as
1
G (r, r b) H (r, r b) (5.49)
| r rb |
where H is so chosen that the conditions
§ w2 w2 w2 ·
¨ ¸ H (r, r c ) 0 (5.50)
© w xc2 w y c2 w z c2 ¹
G (r, r b) 0 (5.51)
are satisfied on the surface of the sphere.
Let P (r , θ , φ ) be a point inside a sphere as shown in Fig. 5.4, where we place a unit
charge with position vector r and let its inverse point with respect to the sphere be Pb (see
Fig. 5.4) such that
OP ⋅ OP′ = a 2
298 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PQb r a
PbQb a S
a a
H (r, r b)
a2 r a2
r rb r r rb (5.52)
r r r2
This form of H satisfies the Laplace equation (5.50). Let Q (r b, R b, G b) be a variable point
inside the sphere. When Q lies on the surface of the sphere, say Qb, we can verify that
PQ r
(5.53)
PbQ a
GREEN’S FUNCTION 299
1 a /r
G (r, r ′) = −
| r − r′ | a2
r − r′ (5.54)
r2
or
1 a /r 1 a /r
G (r , r ′) = − = − (5.55)
| PQ | | P Q | R R′
′
where PQ R, PbQ Rb. On the surface of the sphere, using Eq. (5.53) we can verify that
G vanishes, and hence G defined by Eq. (5.54) is the appropriate Green’s function.
Using cosine law in solid geometry, we get
( PQ )2 r 2 (r b2 ) 2rr b cos R R 2
a4 2a 2
( P′Q) 2 = + (r ′)2 − r ′ cos θ = ( R′)2
r2 r
From Eq. (5.55), on the sphere,
wG wG 1 w R a /r w R′ 1 ⎡ w R ⎛ a ⎞ R3 w R′ ⎤
= =− 2 + =− 3 ⎢R −⎜ ⎟ R ′ ⎥
wn wr ′ ′
R w r ( R′) w r
2 ′ R ⎣⎢ w r ′ ⎝ r ⎠ ( R′)
3 w r ′ ⎦⎥
wG 1 ⎡ w R ⎛ a ⎞ r 3 w R′ ⎤
=− 3 ⎢R −⎜ ⎟ R′ ⎥
wn R ⎣ w r ′ ⎝ r ⎠ a3 w r ′ ⎦
Also, Eq. (5.56) yields
wR
2R = 2r ′ − 2r cos θ
w r′
w R′ a2
2 R′ = 2r ′ − 2 cos θ
w r′ r
300 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Hence,
wG 1 ⎡ r2 ⎛ a2 ⎞⎤
=− ⎢ ( a − r cos θ ) − ⎜ a − cos θ ⎟ ⎥
wn r ′= a
3
R ⎣ a 2⎝ r ⎠⎦
1 ⎛ r 2 ⎞ r 2 − a2
=− ⎜ a − ⎟=
R3 ⎝ a ⎠ aR3
or
wG r 2 − a2
=
wn r ′= a a (r 2 + a 2 − 2ar cos θ )3/2
If u f (R , G ) on the surface of the sphere, then the solution to the interior Dirichlet’s
problem for a sphere is
−1 f (θ ′, φ ′) (−1) (a 2 − r 2 )
u (r , θ , φ ) =
4π ∫∫ a (r 2 + a 2 − 2ar cos θ )3/2
dS ′
S
a (a 2 − r 2 ) 2π π f (θ ′, φ ′)sin θ ′ dθ ′ dφ ′
∫ 0 ∫ 0 (r 2 + a2 − 2ar cos θ )3/2
u (r , θ , φ ) = (5.57)
4π
which is called the Poisson integral formula.
EXAMPLE 5.4 Consider the case when IR consists of the half-plane defined by x s 0,
f y f, and hence solve ∇ 2 u = 0 in the above region subject to the condition
u f ( y ) on x 0, using the Green’s function technique.
Solution In this problem x 0 is the boundary. Let Pb( x, y ) be the image point of
P ( x, y ). If Q ( xb, y b) is a point on the boundary x 0 (see Fig. 5.5), then PQ PbQ, and
we construct the Green’s function G such that
1 1
G ln H ln H
| r rb | PQ
Let
1 1
H ln ln
| S rb | PbQ
Then, G = ln ( P′Q /PQ).
1 © ( x xb)2 (y y b)2 ¸
G ( x, y; xb, y b) ln ª ¹
2 ª« ( x xb)2 (y y b)2 ¹º
Here, the outward drawn normal to the boundary is in the direction of the x-axis. Therefore,
wG ⎛wG ⎞ 1⎡ 2x 2x ⎤ 2x
= −⎜ ⎟ =− ⎢ + =− 2
wn ⎝ w x′ ⎠ x′=0 2 ⎣ ( x + x′)2 + ( y − y ′)2 ( x − x′)2 + ( y − y ′)2 ⎥⎦ ′= x + ( y − y ′) 2
x 0
From Eq. (5.39),
1 © 2 x ¸
u ( x, y ) f ( y b) ª 2 dy b
2Q ± «x (y b
2¹
y) º
or
x
Ë f ( y ) Û
u ( x, y )
S Ô
Ì x 2 ( y y ) 2 Ü dy
Í Ý
(5.58)
EXAMPLE 5.5 Determine the Green’s function for the Dirichlet problem for a circle given by
∇ 2u = 0, r<a
u = f (θ ) on r = a
Solution Let P (r , R ) and Q(r b, R b) have position vectors r and r b, and let Pb be the
inverse of P with respect to the circle so that OP OPb a 2 and Pb has coordinates ( a 2/ r , θ ), as
shown in Fig. 5.6.
Let H = ln (r ⋅ P′Q / a) (as for the sphere) so that it can be verified that
∇2 H = 0
r PbQ
G ln (5.59)
a PQ
On the circle r = a,
P′Q P′Q
G = ln = ln = ln 1 = 0
PQ (r/a ) P′Q
However,
a4 a2
P′Q 2 = r ′2 + − 2r ′ cos (θ ′ − θ ) (5.61)
r2 r
Substituting Eqs. (5.60) and (5.61) into Eq. (5.59), G can be written as
1 ⎡ r 2 {r ′2 + a 4/ r 2 − 2r ′a 2 cos (θ ′ − θ )/ r} ⎤
G= ln ⎢ ⎥
2 ⎣⎢ a 2 {r 2 + r ′2 − 2rr ′ cos (θ ′ − θ )} ⎦⎥
⎛wG ⎞ ⎛wG ⎞ −( a 2 − r 2 )
⎜ ⎟ =⎜ ⎟ =
⎝ w n ⎠r ′= a ⎝ w r ′ ⎠r ′= a a [a 2 − 2ar cos (θ ′ − θ ) + r 2 ]
Therefore,
a2 − r 2 2π f (θ ′) dθ ′
u (r , θ ) =
2π a ∫0 {a − 2ar cos (θ ′ − θ ) + r 2 }
2
∇2u = f (5.63)
GREEN’S FUNCTION 303
∇ 2G = δ ( x − ξ , y − η ) in IR (5.65)
G = 0, on w IR (5.66)
Now, consider the eigenvalue problem associated with the operator ∇ 2 in the domain
IR , i.e.
∇ 2φ + λφ = 0 in IR (5.67)
G 0 on v IR (5.68)
Let Mmn be the eigenvalues and Gmn be the corresponding eigenfunctions. Suppose we give
Fourier series expansion to G and E in terms of the eigenfunctions Gmn in the following
form:
G ( x, y; Y , I ) ¥¥ a
m n
mn (Y , I ) Gmn ( x, y )
(5.69)
E ( x Y , y I ) ¥¥ b mn (Y , I ) Gmn ( x, y )
(5.70)
m n
where
1 φmn (ξ , η )
bmn =
|| φmn || 2 ∫∫ δ ( x − ξ , y − η) φmn ( x, y) dx dy = || φmn ||2
(5.71)
IR
IR
Now, substituting Eqs. (5.69) and (5.70) into Eqs. (5.65) and (5.66) and noting that Eq. (5.67)
has the form
Hence, Eqs. (5.69) and (5.73) give the required Green’s function for the Dirichlet problem,
in the form
∑∑φmn (ξ , η) φmn ( x, y)
G ( x, y; ξ ,η ) = − m n (5.74)
λmn || φmn ||2
EXAMPLE 5.6 Find the Green’s function for the Dirichlet problem on the rectangle
IR:0 ≤ x ≤ a, 0 c y c b, described by the PDE
(∇ 2 + λ ) u = 0 in IR (5.75)
and the BC u = 0 on w IR .
Solution The eigenfunctions of the given PDE can be obtained easily by using the
variables separable method. Let us assume the solution of the given PDE in the form
u ( x, y ) = X ( x) Y ( y ). Substituting into the given PDE, we obtain
X ′′ ⎛ Y ′′ ⎞
= − ⎜ + λ ⎟ = −ν (a separation constant) (5.76)
X ⎝Y ⎠
X ( x) = A cos ν x + B sin ν x
Y ′′ + (λ − ν n ) Y = 0, Y (0) = Y (b) = 0
GREEN’S FUNCTION 305
Following the above procedure, we can show at once that the eigenfunctions are given by
mπ y
Ym = sin , m = 1, 2, …
b
and the corresponding eigenvalues are
m2π 2 ,
λ −ν n = m = 1, 2, …
b2
Thus, we obtain the eigenfunctions to the given problem in the form
mπ x nπ y
φmn ( x, y ) = sin sin , m = 1, 2, ...; n = 1, 2, ... (5.78)
a b
while the eigenvalues are given by
m 2π 2 n 2π 2 m2 n2
λmn = + =π2 + (5.79)
a2 b2 a2 b2
Computation of || φmn || gives
a b mp x np y ab
|| fmn ||2 = Ú0 Ú0 sin 2
a
sin 2
b
dx dy =
4
(5.80)
Hence, the Green’s function for the given Dirichlet problem can be obtained from Eq. (5.74)
with the help of Eqs. (5.79) and (5.80) as
• •
4ab sin (mp x/a) sin (np y/b) sin (mpx /a) sin (nph b)
G ( x, y; x , h ) = -
p 2 ÂÂ m2 b2 + n2 a 2
(5.81)
m =1 n =1
∇2u + k 2u = 0 (5.82)
in the region IR . Also, let all the singularities of u lie outside the closed region IR (see
Fig. 5.7), the boundary of which is denoted by ∂ IR . Consider the singularity solution of the
Helmholtz equation given by
u ′ = exp{ik | r − r ′ |}/ | r − r ′ | (5.83)
306 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
⎛ ∂ u′ ∂u ⎞
∫∫∫ (u ∇ u′ − u′∇ u) dV = ∫∫
2 2
⎜u − u ′ ⎟ dS (5.84)
⎝ ∂n ∂n⎠
IR ∂ IR
where n is the outward normal to ∂ IR. Since P(r) lines outside IR , | r − r′ | ≠ 0, and it is
possible to calculate ∇ 2 u ′ for all r ′ ∈ R. Thus, setting u = ψ and u ′ = ψ ′ into the left-hand side
of Eq. (5.84), we obtain, after using Eqs. (5.82) and (5.83), relation
Therefore,
However,
w ⎧ exp (ik | r − r ′ |) ⎫ w ⎧ exp (ikε ) ⎫ ik exp (ik ε ) exp (ik ε ) exp (ik ε ) ⎛ 1⎞
⎨ ⎬= ⎨ ⎬= − = ⎜ ik − ⎟
wn⎩ | r − r′ | ⎭ wε ⎩ ε ⎭ ε ε 2 ε ⎝ ε⎠
⎛ 1 ⎞ exp (ik | r − r ′ |)
= ⎜ ik −
⎝ | r − r ′ | ⎠⎟ | r − r′ |
Hence,
⎧⎛ 1 ⎞ w ⎫ exp (ik | r − r ′ |)
=− ∫∫ ⎩⎨⎝⎜ ik − | r − r′ | ⎠⎟ψ (r′) − w n ψ (r′)⎭⎬ ⋅ | r − r′ |
dS (7.86)
C
dS = ε 2 sin θ dθ dφ
wψ ⎛ wψ ⎞
=⎜ ⎟ + 0 (ε )
w n ⎝ w n ⎠P
Equation (5.86) can be rewritten as
⎧⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎛ wψ ⎞ ⎫ exp (ik | r − r ′ |) 2
∫∫ ⎩⎨⎝⎜ ik − | r − r′ | ⎠⎟ [ψ (r) + 0 (ε )] − ⎝⎜ w n ⎠⎟P + 0 (ε )⎭⎬ | r − r′ |
ε sin θ dθ dφ
C
Hence,
Thus, combining the results (5.85) and (5.87), we have the Helmholtz theorem which
states that if Z (r ) is a solution of the spatial form of the wave equation ∇ 2ψ + k 2ψ = 0,
possessing continuous first and second order partial derivatives in IR bounded by w IR, then
308 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
1 w Z (r b) wG
Z (r ) ©
G (r, r b ) Z (r b )
¸
(r, r b ) ¹ dS
4Q ±± ª
« wn wn º
w IR
where n is the outward drawn normal to w IR. If G G1 such that G1 satisfies (i) and (ii) and
G1 (r , r ′) = 0 on w IR , then
1 wG
ψ (r ) = −
4π ∫∫ ψ (r′) w n (r, r′) dS (5.89)
w IR
EXAMPLE 5.7 Determine the Green’s function for the Helmholtz equation for the half-space
z s 0.
Solution Here the boundary is the xoy-plane. Let P (r ) be a point and let Pb be its
image in the plane z 0 (see Fig. 5.8). Also, let r = ( x, y, z ); then U = ( x, y, − z ); again, let
r b ( xb, y b, z b). When r b lies on the boundary, i.e., on the xy plane, r b ( x b, y b, 0) and
| P rb | | r rb | .
Let
exp (ik | r r b |) exp (ik | S r b |)
G (r, r b) (5.90)
| r rb | | S rb |
But
2 zeikR ⎛ 1⎞ w ⎛ eikR ⎞
= ⎜ ik − ⎟ = 2 ⎜ ⎟
R2 ⎝ R⎠ wz⎝ R ⎠
EXAMPLE 5.8 Solve the following one-dimensional wave equation using the Green’s function
method:
PDE : utt − c 2u xx = 0, 0 ≤ x ≤ L, t ≥ 0
BCs: u (0, t ) = u ( L, t ) = 0 for t ≥ 0
ICs: u ( x, 0) = f ( x)
ut ( x, 0) = g ( x), 0≤ x≤L
310 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Solution In Section 4.5, the general solution of the one-dimensional wave equation was
obtained as
f
§ nπ x · § nπ ct nπ ct ·
u ( x, t ) ¦ sin ¨
© L ¹© ¸ ¨ An cos
L
Bn sin
L ¹
¸ (5.92)
n 1
where
2 L nπ x
An =
L ∫0 f ( x)sin
L
dx
2 L nπ x
Bn =
L ∫ 0 g ( x)sin L
dx
It can be shown that these series converge for all values of x, t , Y , U . It can also be noted that
G as a function of x satisfies the boundary conditions, i.e.,
G (0, t , Y , U ) 0, G ( L, t , Y , U ) 0, ts0
Also,
G ( x, U ; Y , U ) 0, 0c xcL
G (Y , t ; x, U ) G ( x, t ; Y , U ) for all x and Y
G ( x , U ; Y , t ) G ( x , t ; Y , U ) for all t and U
Thus, the function G defined by Eq. (5.93) is called the Green’s function of the given IBVP.
Substituting the series expression for G and formally interchanging the operations of
summation and integration, we can verify that the series solution (5.92) of the given problem
can be rewritten in terms of Green’s function of the form
L L
u ( x, t ) = ∫ 0 Gt ( x, t; ξ , 0) f (ξ ) dξ + ∫ 0 G ( x, t; ξ , 0) g (ξ ) dξ
(iii) The initial condition Lt G 0 for all points in the volume V except at the point r ,
t nt b
where G assumes the singularity solution as given in the introduction in the form
1 ⎡ | r − r ′ |2 ⎤
exp ⎢− ⎥ (5.99)
8[π k (t − t ′)]3/2 ⎣ 4k (t − t ′) ⎦
It is easy to note that G depends only on t through the term (t t b) . Hence, equivalently, Eq. (5.97)
can also be written as
wG
= −k ∇ 2G (5.100)
w t′
Here, G can be interpreted as the temperature at the point r b at time t, corresponding to a
source of unit strength generated at t t b. Initially, the solid with volume V and surface S is
at zero temperature. Since t b must lie within the time interval for t for which Eqs. (5.94) and
(5.95) are valid, these equations may be rewritten as
wu (5.101)
= −k ∇ 2u, t′ < t
w t′
u (r b, t b) R (r b, t b), r b S (5.102)
Also,
w wu wG
(uG ) = G +u
w t′ w t′ w t′
Now, using Eqs. (5.100) and (5.101), we have
w
(uG ) Gk ³ 2 u ku³ 2 G
w t
312 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
⎧ t −ε w ⎫ t −ε
∫∫∫ ∫ 0
⎨
⎩ w t′
(uG ) dt ′⎬ dτ ′ =
⎭ ∫∫∫ (uG)0 dτ ′ = ∫∫∫ (uG)t′=t −ε dτ ′ − ∫∫∫ (uG)t′=0 dτ ′
V V V V
But
[u (r ′, t ′)]t ′=t −ε = u (r ′, t − ε )
and we want values of u for times greater than some initial time. Hence, u (r b, t F ) can be
taken as u (r, t b) . After using IC (5.96), the left-hand side of Eq. (5.103) becomes
dτ ′ 1 ⎡ | r − r ′ |2 ⎤
∫∫∫ G (r, r ′, t − t ′) t ′=t −ε = ∫∫∫ 8(π kε )3/2 exp ⎢ −
⎣ 4k ε ⎦
⎥ =1
V V
as F n 0. After applying Green’s theorem, the right-hand side of Eq. (5.103) beomes
t F t F ¬ ¦ wu w Gµ »
¬ (G2u u2G ) d U b » dt b k ± ¯ u ¯
k±
±±± ¼ ±± ¨§ w n
G ¶ dS b ¼ dt b
0 0 wn·
® V ½ ®¯ S ½¯
which is the required solution to the boundary value problem described by Eqs. (5.94)–(5.96).
GREEN’S FUNCTION 313
EXAMPLE 5.9 Determine Green’s function for the problem of heat flow in an infinite rod
described by
PDE: ut α u xx , f x f, t ! 0
IC: u ( x, 0) f ( x), f x f
Solution The variables separable method of solution as discussed in Section 3.3 to the
given problem is
1 f f
u ( x, t )
4πα t ³ f f ( y ) exp {( x y )2/(4α t )} dy ³ f G( x y, α t ) f ( y) dy (5.105)
where
1
G ( x − y, α t ) = [exp{−( x − y)2/(4tα )}] (5.106)
4π tα
is called the Green’s function for heat transfer in infinite rod.
EXAMPLE 5.10 Find a Green’s function for the heat flow problem in a finite rod described
by
PDE: ut = α u xx , 0 ≤ x ≤ L, t > 0
BCs: u (0, t ) = u ( L, t ) = 0, t >0
IC: u ( x, 0) = f ( x), 0≤ x≤L
Solution In Example 3.5, we have obtained the variables separable solution to the given
PDE; its general form is
u ( x, t ) CeBM t sin M x
2
u ( L, t ) Ce BM t sin M L 0
2
f
u ( x, t ) ¦ Cn exp (αλn2t ) sin λn x, λn nπ /L (5.107)
n 1
f
f ( x) ¦ Cn sin λn x
n 1
314 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
2 L
Cn =
L ∫0 f ( y ) sin λn y dy (5.108)
Inserting Eq. (5.108) into Eq. (5.107), we obtain the following integral representation of the
solution:
L ª2 f º
u ( x, t ) ³0 «
«¬ L
¦ exp (αλn2t ) sin λn y sin λn x » f ( y ) dy
»¼
(5.109)
n 1
If we define
f
2
G ( x, y , t )
L ¦ exp (αλn2t ) sin λn y sin λn x (5.110)
n 1
L
u ( x, t ) = ∫ 0 G( x, y, t ) f ( y) dy for 0 ≤ x ≤ L, t > 0 (5.111)
The function G ( x, y , t ) defined in Eq. (5.110) is called the Green’s function for the given
heat equation.
It can be observed that this function has the following properties:
Equation (5.112) follows from Eq. (5.110) by term-by-term differentiation. Thus the Green’s
function satisfies the heat equation. In fact, it is symmetric and satisfies the boundary conditions.
EXERCISES
1. Show that the three-dimensional Dirac δ -function can be written as
δ ( x, y, z; ξ , η , ζ ) = δ ( x − ξ ) δ ( y − η ) δ ( z − ζ )
r ′2 = ( x − x1 )2 + ( y − y1 )2 + ( z + z1 )2
5. Solve
∇ 2u = 0
in the upper half-plane defined by y t 0, f x f, using Green’s function method,
subject to the condition
u f ( x) on y 0
6. Determine the Green’s function for the Robin’s problem on the quarter infinite plane
described by
∇ 2u = φ ( x, y ), x > 0, y>0
subject to the conditions
u f ( y) on x 0
wu
g ( x) on y 0
wn
7. Show that the Green’s function for the heat flow problem in semi-infinite rod described
by
PDE: ut α u xx , x ! 0, t ! 0
6.1 INTRODUCTION
Laplace transform is essentially a mathematical tool which can be used to solve several
problems in science and engineering. This transform was first introduced by Laplace, a
French mathematician, in the year 1790 in his work on probability theorem. This technique
became popular when Heaviside applied to the solution of an ordinary differential equation
referred hereafter as ODE, representing a problem in electrical engineering. To the basic
question as to why one should learn Laplace transform technique when other techinques are
available, the answer is very simple. Transforms are used to accomplish the solution of certain
problems with less effort and in a simple routine way. To illustrate, consider the problem of
finding the value of x from the equation
x1.85 3 (6.1)
It is an extremely tedious task to solve this problem algebraically. However, taking logarithms
on both sides, we have the transformed equation as
1.85 ln x ln 3 (6.2)
In this transformed equation, the algebraic operation and exponentiation have been changed
to multiplication which immediately gives
ln 3
ln x
1.85
To get the required result, it is enough if we take the antilogarithm on both sides of the above
equation, which yields
⎛ ln 3 ⎞
x = ln −1 ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 1.85 ⎠
With the help of any ordinary calculator, we can now compute x. Following this simple
example, the Laplace transform method reduces the solution of an ODE to the solution of an
316
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 317
algebraic equation. In fact, this method has a particular advantage in finding the solution of
an ODE with appropriate ICs, without first finding the general solution and then using ICs
for evaluating the arbitrary constants. Also, when the Laplace transform technique is applied
to a PDE, it reduces the number of independent variables by one.
and the limit does not exist when γ < γ 0 , then such a function is said to be of exponential
order H 0 , also written as
| f (t ) | 0(eH 0t )
Variables such as velocity and current are always finite; which means that f (t ) is bounded.
Thus for any bounded function f (t ), | f (t ) | eH t n
0 for all H 0. The order of such a function
is zero. However, variables such as electrical charge and mechanical displacement may increase
without limit but of course proportional to t. Such functions are also of exponential order.
For illustration, let us consider the following examples:
(i) Lt teH t 0
t nf
¦ tn µ ¦ nt n 1 µ
Lt t n eH t Lt § ¶ Lt § ¶ (using L’Hospital’s rule)
t nf t n f § eH t ¶ t nf § Ht ¶
¨ · ¨ He ·
¦ n! µ
Lt t n eH t Lt ¶0
t nf t n §
f § H n eH t
¨
¶
·
(ii) In an unstable system a function may increase as eat and we can see that
Lt eat eH t 0 if H a
t nf
Definition 6.2 Let f (t ) be a continuous and single-valued function of the real variable t
defined for all t , 0 t f, and is of exponential order. Then the Laplace transform of f (t )
is defined as a function F ( s ) denoted by the integral
f
L [ f (t ); s ] F ( s ) ± e st f (t ) dt (6.3)
0
over that range of values of s for which the integral exists. Here, s is a parameter, real or
complex. Obviously, L[ f (t ); s ] is a function of s. Thus,
L[ f (t ); s ] = F ( s)
f (t ) = L−1[ F ( s ); t ]
where L is the operator which transforms f (t ) into F ( s ) , called Laplace transform operator,
and L1 is the inverse Laplace transform operator.
The Laplace transform belongs to the family of “integral transforms’’. An integral transform
F ( s ) of the function f (t) is defined by an integral of the form
b
∫ a k (s, t ) f (t ) dt = F (s) (6.4)
where k ( s, t ), a function of two variables s and t, is called the kernel of the integral transform.
The kernels and limits of integration for various integral transforms are given in Table 6.1
(which is not exhaustive).
Laplace transform e st 0 e
Fourier transform eist / 2π e e
2
Fourier sine transform
Q
sin st 0 e
2
Fourier cosine transform
Q
cos st 0 e
Hankel transform tJ n ( st ) 0 e
Mellin transform t s 1 0 e
The integral transforms defined above are applicable, either for semi-infinite or infinite
domains. Similarly, finite integral transforms can be defined on finite domains.
Now, we are in a position to verify the following important result.
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 319
In other words, I 2 can be made as small as we like provided T is large enough and, therefore,
I 2 exists. Hence, L[ f (t ); s ] exists for s H .
f
at f st at f ( s a )t © e ( s a )t ¸ 1
(iv) L [e ; s ] ± e e dt ± e dt ª ¹ , sa
0 0 ª« ( s a) ¹º 0 sa
f f 1
(v) L [e at ; s] ± e st e at dt ± e( s a )t dt
0 0 sa
1 s + ia s
Re = Re 2 = 2
s − ia s +a 2
s + a2
s + ia a
(ii) L [sin at; s] = Im L [eiat ; s ] = Im 2 2
=
s +a s + a2
2
1⎛ 1 1 ⎞ s
= ⎜ + ⎟=
2 ⎝ s − a s + a ⎠ s2 − a2
⎡ eat − e− at ⎤ 1
(ii) L [sinh at ; s ] = L ⎢ ; s ⎥ = {L[eat ; s ] − L[e− at ; s ]}
⎢⎣ 2 ⎥⎦ 2
1⎛ 1 1 ⎞ a
= ⎜ − ⎟=
2 ⎝ s − a s + a ⎠ s2 − a2
Hence,
n n 1
L[t n ; s ] L[t ; s ]
s
Similarly, we can prove the following:
n 1 n2
L[t n 1; s ] L[t ; s ]
s
n − 2 n −3
L[t n − 2 ; s ] = L[t ; s ]
s
2
L[t 2 ; s ] = L[t ; s ]
s
1
L[t ; s ] =
s2
Therefore,
n n 1 n 2 2 1 n!
L[t n ; s ]
... 2 n1
s s s s s s
which can be expressed in Gamma function as
n 1
L[t n ; s ]
s n 1
f f
c1 ± e st f1 (t ) dt c2 ± e st f 2 (t ) dt
0 0
c1L[ f1 (t ); s ] c2 L[ f 2 (t ); s ]
c1F1 ( s ) c2 F2 ( s )
322 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Theorem 6.3 (Shifting property). If a function is multiplied by eat, the transform of the
resultant is obtained by replacing s by ( s a) in the transform of the original function. That
is, if
L[ f (t ); s ] F ( s )
then
L[eat f (t ); s ] F ( s a)
Similarly,
L[e at f (t ); s ] F ( s a ) (6.5)
Hence,
d d ⎡ f − st ⎤
ds
[ F ( s )] = ⎢
ds ⎣ ∫0 e f (t ) dt ⎥
⎦
Interchanging the operations of differentiation and integration for which we assume that the
necessary conditions are satisfied, and since there are two variables s and t, we use the notation
of partial differentiation and obtain
d f w − st f − st
ds
[ F ( s )] = ∫0 ws
{e f (t )} dt = − ∫0 e tf (t ) dt = − L[tf (t ); s ]
Therefore,
d
L[tf (t ); s ] F (s)
ds
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 323
dn
L[t n f (t ); s] = (−1)n F ( s ) = (−1)n F ( n) ( s ) (6.6)
ds n
= − f (0) + sL [ f (t ); s ] = sF ( s ) − f (0)
Thus, in general,
(i) eat cos bt , (ii) e at sin bt , (iii) eat cosh bt , (iv) eat t n , and (v) cos at cosh bt.
b b
(ii) L[e at sin bt ; s ] = 2 2
=
s +b s→( s− a) ( s − a)2 + b2
s s−a
(iii) L[eat cosh bt ; s ] = 2 2
=
s −b s→( s − a) ( s − a)2 − b 2
324 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
n! n!
(iv) L[e at t n ; s ] n 1
s so( s a ) ( s a ) n 1
ª § ebt ebt · º
(v) L[cos at cosh bt ; s ] L « cos at ¨ ¸¹ ; s »
¬ © 2 ¼
1
{L[ebt cos at ; s ] L[ebt cos at ; s ]}
2
1 sb sb ½
2 ®¯ ( s b)2 a 2 ( s b)2 a 2 ¾¿
d2 d2 § 1 · d § 1 · 2
(i) L[t 2 eat ; s ] (1)2 L[eat ; s ] ¨ ¸
ds 2
ds 2 © s a ¹ ds ¨© ( s a)2 ¹¸ ( s a )3
Alternatively,
2! 2
L[eat t 2 ; s ] 3
(using the shifting property)
s so( s a) ( s a )3
d d § a · 2as
(ii) L[t sin at; s ] (1)1 L[sin at; s ] ¨ 2
ds ds © s a 2 ¸¹ ( s a 2 )2
2
d2 d2 § s ·
(iii) L[t 2 cos at ; s ] (1)2 L[cos at ; s ] ¨ ¸
ds 2 ds 2 © s 2 a 2 ¹
d ª a2 s 2 º 2s3 6sa 2
« »
ds «¬ ( s 2 a 2 )2 »¼ ( s 2 a 2 )3
n! n!
(iv) L[e at t n ; s ] n 1
(using the shifting property)
s so( s a) ( s a )n 1
1
(ii) Since sin 2t sin 3t (cos t cos 5t ),
2
1
L[sin 2t sin 3t ; s ] {L[cos t ; s ] L[cos 5t ; s ]}
2
1§ s s · 12 s
2
2 © s 1 s 25 ¸¹
¨ 2
( s 1) ( s 2 25)
2
3 3 1
(iii) Since sin 6t sin 3 (2t ) 3 sin 2t 4 sin 3 2t , we have sin 2t sin 2t sin 6t.
4 4
Thus,
3 1 3§ 2 · 1§ 6 ·
L[sin 3 2t; s ] L[sin 2t; s ] L[sin 6t ; s ]
4 4 4 ¨© s 2 4 ¸¹ 4 ¨© s 2 36 ¸¹
48
( s 4)( s 2 36)
2
π
ª e(i s )t º ª e(i s )π 1º is
Im « » Im « » Im [1 e sπ (cos π i sin π )]
¬ i s ¼0 ¬ is ¼ 2
s 1
is 1 e sπ
Im [1 e sπ ]
s2 1 s2 1
326 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Theorem 6.6 (Initial value theorem). If f (t ) and f c(t ) are Laplace transformable and
F ( s ) is the Laplace transform of f (t ) , then the behaviour of f (t ) in the neighbourhood of
t 0 corresponds to the bebaviour of sF ( s) in the neighbourhood of s f. Mathematically,
Lt f (t ) Lt sF ( s )
t o0 s of
since s is independent of t, we can take the limit before integrating the left-hand side of Eq.
(6.9), thus getting
f f
ª Lt e st f c (t ) º dt
s of ³0 ³0
st
Lt e f c (t ) dt 0
«¬ s of »¼
and Eq. (6.9) becomes
Lt sF ( s) f (0) Lt f (t )
s of to 0
Hence the result. For example, let f (t ) be a polynomial of degree n of the form
f (t ) a0 a1t a2t 2 an t n
Its Laplace transform is
a0 a1 2a2 n !a
F (s) 2 3 n 1k
s s s s
Now, taking the limit on both sides as s o f, we obtain
Lt sF ( s ) a0 f (0)
s of
EXAMPLE 6.9 Verify the initial value theorem for the function
f (t ) 1 e t (sin t cos t )
2s s 2
sF ( s ) 1
s 2 2s 2
Therefore,
2/ s 1
Lt sF ( s ) Lt 1 11 2
s of s of 1 2/ s 2 / s 2
Lt sF ( s ) f (0)
s of
Hence the result.
Theorem 6.7 (Final value theorem). If f (t ) and f c (t ) are Laplace transformable and F ( s )
is the Laplace transform of f (t ), then the behaviour of f (t ) in the neighbourhood of t f
corresponds to the behaviour of sF ( s ) in the neighbourhood of s 0. Mathematically,
Lt f (t ) Lt sF ( s )
t of so0
But,
f f
³0 so 0
Lt e st f c(t ) dt ³0 f c(t ) dt [ f (t )]0f Lt f (t ) f (0)
t of
328 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
L[ f (t ); s ] F ( s)
then
ª f (t ) º f
L«
¬ t
; s»
¼ ³s F ( s ) ds (6.10)
Integrating the above equation with respect to s between the limits s to f, we get
f fª f º f § f ·
³s ³s ³0 est f (t) dt » ds ³0 ³s e
st
F(s) ds «¬ f (t) ¨ ds ¸ dt (by changing the order of integration)
¼ © ¹
f
f § est · f f (t) st ª f (t ) º
³0 f (t ) ¨
© t ¸¹s
dt ³0 t
e dt L «
¬ t
; s»
¼
where,
1 s
F (s) L[(1 cos t ); s] L[1; s] L[cos t; s] 2
s s 1
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 329
Therefore,
ª1 cos t º f §1 s ·
L«
¬ t
; s»
¼ ³s ¨© s 2 ¸ ds
s 1¹
f f
ª 1 2 º ª s º
«¬ln s 2 ln ( s 1) »¼ «ln 2 1/2 »
s ¬ ( s 1) ¼ s
f
ª 1 º s
«ln 2 1/2 »
0 ln
¬ (1 1/s ) ¼ s ( s 1)1/2
2
( s 2 1)1/2
ln
s
ª § cos 2t cos 3t · º f
(ii) L Ǭ
© t
¸¹ ; s »
¼ ³s F ( s ) ds
where
s s
F (s) L[(cos 2t cos 3t ); s ] 2
2
s 4 s 9
Therefore,
ª cos 2t cos 3t º f§ s s ·
L«
¬ t
; s»
¼ ³s ¨© 2 2 ¸ ds
s 4 s 9¹
f f
1 ª § s2 4 ·º 1 § 1 4/ s 2 ·
«ln » ln
2 ¬ ¨© s 2 9 ¸¹ ¼ s 2 ¨© 1 9/ s 2 ¸¹
s
1 § s2 9 ·
ln
2 ¨© s 2 4 ¸¹
T f
³0 e ³0 e
st
f (t ) dt e sT su
f (u ) du
T
³0 e
st
f (t ) dt e sT L[ f (t ); s ]
Rearranging, we get
T
(1 e sT ) L[ f (t ); s ] ³0 e
st
f (t ) dt
Thus,
T
³0 e
st
L[ f (t ); s ] f (t ) dt/(1 e sT )
EXAMPLE 6.11 Obtain the Laplace transform of the periodic saw-tooth wave function
given by
t
of period T , 0 t T
f (t )
T
Solution The graph of the periodic saw-tooth function is described in Fig. 6.1. Since
f (t )
is periodic with period T, we have
1 T t 1 T 1 T § e st ·
L [ f (t ); s ]
1 e sT ³0 e st
T
dt
T (1 e sT ) ³0 e st tdt
T (1 e sT ) ³0 td ¨
© s ¸¹
ª § st ·T T º
1 « te ¸ 1
³0 e »
st
sT « ¨
dt
T (1 e ) ¬ © s ¹ 0 s ¼»
1 ª Te sT 1 º
sT « s
2 (e sT 1)»
T (1 e ) ¬ s ¼
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 331
f (t)
t
O T 2T 3T
Fig. 6.1 Saw-tooth function with period T.
Therefore,
1 e sT
L[ f (t ); s ]
s 2T s (1 e sT )
EXAMPLE 6.12 Find the Laplace transform of the following full wave rectifier function:
E sin ω t , 0 t λ /ω
f (t ) ®
¯0, λ /ω t 2λ /ω
Given that
§ 2M ·
f ¨t ¸ f (t )
© X ¹
Solution Since the given function f (t) is periodic with period 2λ /ω , we have
1 2λ /ω
L [ f (t ); s ]
1 e 2λ s /ω ³0 e st f (t ) dt
1 ª λ /ω st 2λ /ω º
1 e 2λ s /ω «¬ ³0 e E sin ω t dt ³λ /ω e st (0) dt »
¼
λ /ω
E ª e st º
« 2 ( s sin ω t ω cos ω t ) »
1 e2λ s /ω ¬s ω 2
¼0
Therefore,
E ª e sλ /ω ω º»
L[ f (t ); s ] « ( s sin λ ω cos λ )
1 e2λ s/ω ¬« s 2 ω 2 s 2 ω 2 »¼
332 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
⎧ 1, 0≤t<2
f (t ) = ⎨
⎩−1, 2≤t<4
f (t + 4) = f (t )
1 4
1 − e−4 s ∫0
− st
L [ f (t ); s ] = e f (t ) dt
1 ⎛ 2 4 ⎞
∫0 e ∫2 e
− st − st
= ⎜⎝ (1) dt + (−1) dt ⎟
1− e −4 s ⎠
1 ⎛ −2e−2 s e−4 s 1 ⎞
= ⎜⎝ + + ⎟
1 − e −4 s s s s⎠
This function occurs in many branches of science and engineering; for example, in probability
theory, the theory of heat conduction, and so on. In terms of the power series, we have
∞
2 t (−1)n 2 n
erf (t ) =
π ∫0 n∑=0 n!
u du (6.13)
∞
2 ( −1)n t 2 n +1
erf (t ) =
π ∑ n ! (2n + 1)
(6.14)
n=0
We can easily verify that these series converge everywhere and, therefore, erf (t) is an entire
function. From the definition (6.12), it can be verified at once that
erf (0) = 0 (6.15)
2 ∞ 1/2
−u 2
π ∫0
erf (∞ ) = e du = =1 (6.16)
π
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 333
t
O
In solving heat conduction equation, it has been found useful to introduce the complementary
error function defined as
2 f u 2 2 § f u 2 t
u 2 ·
erfc (t )
Q t ³
e du ¨© e du e du ¹¸
Q 0 0 ³ (6.17) ³
Therefore,
erfc (t ) 1 erf (t ) (6.18)
Now we shall find the Laplace transform of erf (t): From the definition of Laplace
transform,
f 2 t
u 2
³0 e Q ³0
st
L[erf (t ); s ] e du dt
2 s 2/4 f
(u s /2)2
s π
e ³0 e du
2 s 2/4 f
x2
L[erf (t ); s ]
s π
e ³s /2 e dx
1 s 2/4 (6.19)
e erfc ( s /2)
s
334 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
2 f f
u 2
L [erf (t1/2 ); s ]
π ³0 e du ³u 2
e st dt
2 f
u 2 su 2
s π ³0 e du
2 f
(1 s )u 2
s π ³0 e du
Setting (1 s )u 2 x 2 or 1 su x, we have
du dx / 1 s
Then
2 f 2 1 § 2 f 2 ·
L [erf (t1/2 ); s]
s π 1 s ³0 e x dx ¨
s 1 s © π ³0 e x dx ¸
¹
or
1
L [erf (t1/2 ); s] (6.20)
s 1 s
cos t
t
cos t
f c (t )
2 t
Using the property of the Laplace transform of the derivative of a function, we have
L [ f c (t ); s ] sL [ f (t )] f (0)
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 335
Therefore,
ª cos t º
L« ; s» sL [sin t ; s ] (6.21)
¬ 2 t ¼
But,
ª§ ( t )3 ( t )5 · º
L [sin t ; s ] L «¨ t ¸ ; s »
¬ © 3! 5! ¹ ¼
ª§ t 3/2 t 5/2 · º
L « ¨ t1/2 ¸ ; s »
¬© 3! 5! ¹ ¼
π ª §1· 1§1· º
2 3
1§1·
«1 ¨ ¸ ¨ ¸ ¨ ¸ »
2 s3/2 ¬ © 4 s ¹ 2! © 4 s ¹ 3! © 4s ¹ ¼
π
3/2
e1/4 s (6.22)
2s
ª cos t º π 1/4 s
L« ; s» e
¬ 2 t ¼ 2s 1/2
Therefore,
ª cos t º π 1/4 s
L« ; s» e
¬ t ¼ s
For n 0 , we have
f 2r f 2r
(1)r § t · (1)r § t ·
J 0 (t ) ¦ ¨ ¸
r! r 1 © 2 ¹ ¦ ¨ ¸
(r !)2 © 2 ¹
r 0 r 0
t2 t4 t6
1
22 2 2 u 42 2 2 u 42 u 6 2
Thus,
1 1
L [ J 0 (t ); s ] L [1; s ] 2
L[t 2 ; s ] 2 2
L[t 4 ; s ]
2 2 u4
1 1 2! 1 4! 1 6!
2 3 2 2 5
2
s 2 s 2 u4 s 2 u 4 u 6 s7
2 2
1 ª 1 § 1 · 1u 3 § 1 · º
2 3
1u 3 u 5 § 1 ·
«1 ¨ 2 ¸ ¨ ¸ ¨ ¸ »
s ¬ 2 © s ¹ 2 u 4 © s2 ¹ 2 u 4 u 6 © s2 ¹ ¼
1/2
1§ 1· 1
1
s ¨© s 2 ¸¹ 1 s2
Hence,
1
L [ J 0 (t ); s ]
1 s2
(ii) From the properties of Laplace transform, we have
dn
L [t n f (t ); s] (1)n F (s)
ds n
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 337
Therefore,
d d § 1 ·
L[tJ 0 (t ); s ] (1) [ L[ J 0 (t ); s ]] ¨
ds ds © 1 s 2 ¸¹
Thus,
s
L [tJ 0 (t ); s ]
(1 s 2 )3/2
(iii) From the shifting property of the Laplace transform, we have
L [e at f (t ); s ] F (s a)
Therefore,
1 1
L[e at J 0 (t ); s ]
1 s2 so( s a) 1 ( s a)2
In particular, if f (t ) e st , then
f
³0 e
st
L[E (t a); s ] E (t a ) dt e as , a ! 0 (6.23)
L [ f (t ); s ] F (s)
then
f (t ) L1[ F ( s ); t ] (6.24)
338 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
In other words, the inverse Laplace transform of a given function F (s) is that function f (t)
whose Laplace transform is F ( s ). It can be established that f (t ) is unique. Here, L–1 is known
as inverse Laplace transform operator. From the elementary definition (6.24) and from the
results obtained thus far in finding the Laplace transform of some elementary functions, we
can immediately generate the following table of transforms:
f (t ) L[ f (t ); s] F ( s) F (s) L1[ F ( s ); t ] f (t )
0 0 0 0
1 1/s 1/s 1
t 1/s 2 1/s 2 t
tn n !/s n +1 1/s n +1 t n/ n !
a a
sin at sin at
s2 a2 s2 a2
s s
cos at cos at
s2 a2 s2 a2
a a
sinh at sinh at
s2 a2 s2 a2
s s
cosh at cosh at
s2 a2 s2 a2
2as 2as
t sin at t sin at
( s 2 a 2 )2 ( s 2 a 2 )2
s2 a2 s2 a2
t cos at t cos at
(s a )
2 2 2
( s 2 a 2 )2
L1[ F ( s ); t ] f (t )
L[e at f (t ); s] F ( s a)
L1[ F ( s a); t ] e at f (t )
Thus,
4 s 2 3s 5
( s 1)( s 2 2 s 2)
4 s 2 3s 5 A Bs C
( s 1)( s 2 s 2)
2 s 1 s 2s 2
2
Therefore,
4s 2 3s 5 A ( s 2 2 s 2) ( Bs C ) ( s 1)
Let s = –1; then A = 12/5. Equating the coefficient of s on both sides, we have
B + C = 9/5
Equating the coefficient of constant on both sides, we get 2 A C 5 which gives C = 1/5,
and hence B = 8/5. The given expression can now be written as
4 s 2 3s 5 12 1 8 s 1 1
( s 1)( s 2 s 2)
2 5 s 1 5 ( s 1) 2 12 5 ( s 1)2 12
340 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
⎡ 4 s 2 − 3s + 5 ⎤ 12 ⎡ 1 ⎤ 8 ⎡ ( s − 1) + 1 ⎤ 1 −1 ⎡ 1 ⎤
L−1 ⎢ ; t ⎥ = L−1 ⎢ ; t ⎥ + L−1 ⎢ ; t⎥ + L ⎢ ; t⎥
2
⎢⎣ ( s + 1) ( s − 2 s + 2) ⎥⎦ 5 ⎣s +1 ⎦ 5 2 2
⎣ ( s − 1) + 1 ⎦ 5
2 2
⎣ ( s − 1) + 1 ⎦
12 −t −1 ⎡ 1 ⎤ 8 t −1 ⎡ s + 1 ⎤
= e L ⎢ ; t⎥ + e L ⎢ 2 ; t⎥
5 ⎣s ⎦ 5 ⎣s +1 ⎦
1 ⎡ 1 ⎤
+ et L−1 ⎢ 2 ; t ⎥ (by using the shifting property)
5 ⎣ s +1 ⎦
12 t 8 t 1
e e (cos t sin t ) et sin t
5 5 5
12 t 8 t 9
e e cos t et sin t
5 5 5
⎡ F (s) ⎤ t
L−1 ⎢
⎣ s
; t⎥ =
⎦ ∫ 0 f ( x) dx
t
Proof Let G (t ) = ∫ 0 f ( x) dx. Then G (0) 0 and G b(t ) f (t ); Also,
⎡ F (s) ⎤ t
L−1 ⎢
⎣ s
; t ⎥ = G (t ) =
⎦ ∫ 0 f ( x) dx (6.26)
⎡ F (s) ⎤ t t t t
L−1 ⎢ n ; t ⎥ = ∫ 0 ∫ 0 ∫ 0 ∫ 0 f (t ) dt
n
(6.27)
⎣ s ⎦
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 341
L−1[ F ( s ), t ] = f (t )
then
1 ¦ t µ
L1[ F (B s ); t ] f §
B ¨ B ¶·
Proof From the definition of Laplace transform, we have
f
F ( s) ± e st f (t ) dt
0
Therefore,
f
F (B s ) ± eB st f (t ) dt
0
1 f sx ¦ xµ 1 © ¦ xµ ¸ 1 © ¦ t µ ¸
F (B s) ± 0 e f §¨ B ¶· dx B L ª« f §¨ B ¶· ; s ¹º B L ª« f §¨ B ¶· ; s ¹º
B
Thus,
1 ¦ t µ
L1[ F (B s ); t ] f §
B ¨ B ¶· (6.28)
1 s2 2s − 3 s3
(i) , (ii) , (iii) , (iv) .
(s a) n
s 2 4s 13 s 2 − s − 3/4 ( s 2 a 2 )2
© 1 ¸ © 1 ¸ e at t n 1
L1 ª ; t e at L1 ª
n ¹
;t
n ¹
« (s a) º «s º (n 1)!
s2 ( s 2) 4
(ii)
s 4 s 13
2
( s 2)2 32
Therefore,
© s2 ¸ © ( s 2) ¸ © 1 ¸
L1 ª ; t ¹ L1 ª ; t 4 L1 ª
2 ¹
;t
2 ¹
« s 4 s 13 º
2
« ( s 2) 3 º
2
« ( s 2) 3 º
2
Thus,
⎡ s+2 ⎤
L−1 ⎢ 2 ; s ⎥ = e 2t cos 3t + (4/3)e 2t sin 3t
⎣ s − 4 s + 13 ⎦
2s − 3 2s − 3 2( s − 1/2) − 2
(iii)
2
= 2
=
s − s − 3/4 ( s − 1/2) − 1 ( s − 1/2)2 − 1
Thus,
⎡ 2s − 3 ⎤ ⎡ ( s − 1/2) ⎤ ⎡ 1 ⎤
L−1 ⎢ 2 ; t ⎥ = 2 L−1 ⎢ 2
; t ⎥ − 2 L−1 ⎢ 2
; t⎥
⎣ s − s − 3/4 ⎦ ⎣ ( s − 1/2) − 1 ⎦ ⎣ ( s − 1/2) − 1 ⎦
Therefore,
⎡ 2s − 3 ⎤
L−1 ⎢ 2 ; t ⎥ = 2et /2 cosh t − 2et /2 sinh t
⎣ s − s − 3/4 ⎦
s3 s(s 2 a 2 a 2 ) s a2 s
(iv)
( s 2 a 2 )2 ( s 2 a 2 )2 s2 a2 ( s 2 a 2 )2
Hence,
⎡ s3 ⎤ ⎡ s ⎤ ⎡ s ⎤
L−1 ⎢ 2 ; t = L−1 ⎢ 2
2 2 ⎥
; t − a 2 L−1 ⎢ 2
2 ⎥
;t
2 2 ⎥
⎣⎢ ( s + a ) ⎦⎥ ⎣s + a ⎦ ⎣ (s + a ) ⎦
Thereore,
© s3 ¸ a
L1 ª 2
;
2 2 ¹
t cos at t sin at
ª (s a )
« º¹ 2
s2 + 1 , ⎛s⎞
(i) ln (ii) cot −1 ⎜ ⎟ .
s ( s + 1) ⎝k⎠
L[t n f (t ); s ] (1)n F ( n ) ( s )
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 343
In particular, n 1 gives
L[tf (t ); s ] F b( s )
i.e.
d
F ( s ) L[tf (t ); s ] (6.29)
ds
Let
s2 + 1
L [ f (t ); s ] = ln = F (s)
s ( s + 1)
Then,
d d
F ( s ) [ln ( s 2 1) ln s ln ( s 1)]
ds ds
2s 1 1
L [tf (t ); s]
s 1 s
2 s 1
⎛1 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎛ s ⎞
tf (t ) = L−1 ⎜ ; t ⎟ + L−1 ⎜ ; t ⎟ − 2 L−1 ⎜ 2 ;t⎟
⎝s ⎠ ⎝ s +1 ⎠ ⎝ s +1 ⎠
= 1 + e−t − 2 cos t
Therefore,
© s 2 1 ¸ 1 et 2 cos t
f (t ) L1 ªln ; t¹
« s ( s 1) º t
¦sµ
(ii) Let L[ f (t ); s ] cot 1 §¶ F (s)
¨k·
Then,
d d ¦ sµ k
F ( s ) § cot 1 ¶ 2
ds ds ¨ k· k s2
344 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
© k ¸
tf (t ) L1 ª 2 2
; t ¹ sin kt
«k s º
Hence,
⎡ ⎛ s ⎞ ⎤ sin kt
f (t ) = L−1 ⎢cot −1 ⎜ ⎟ ; t ⎥ =
⎣ ⎝k⎠ ⎦ t
This integral is called the convolution of f and g and is denoted by the symbol f * g .
© f sv ¸© f su ¸
F ( s )G ( s ) ª ± e f (v) dv ¹ ª ± e g (u ) du ¹
« 0 º« 0 º
f f
s (v u )
f (v) g (u ) dv du
±0 ±0 e
f ¬ f
(v u ) »
± 0 g (u ) ± e
® 0
f (v) dv ¼ du
½
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 345
t=u t=
t
O
Fig. 6.3 Convolution integral.
Then, we get
f ¬ t st »
F (s) G(s) ± ± e f (t u ) g (u ) du ¼ dt
0 ® 0 ½
f st ¬ t »
± e ± f (t u ) g (u ) du ¼ dt
0 ® 0 ½
© t ¸
L ª ± f (t u ) g (u ) du; t ¹
« 0 º
It can be verified that f and g can be interchanged in the convolution, i.e., f and g are
commutative. Let t u v in Eq. (6.31) so that du dv. Then,
0 t
f *g = − ∫t f (v) g (t − v) dv = ∫ 0 g (t − v) f (v) dv
Therefore,
f *g = g * f (6.32)
346 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Solution Consider
s 1© s a ¸
(i)
(s 2
a
2 2
) a « s a s a 2 ¹º
ª 2 2 2
Now choosing
s a
F (s) = 2 2
, G ( s) = ,
s +a s + a2
2
¦ s µ
L1 § 2 2
; t ¶ cos at f (t )
¨ s a ·
¦ a µ
L1 § 2 2
; t ¶ sin at g (t )
¨s a ·
⎡ s ⎤ 1 t
L−1 ⎢ 2 ;t =
2 2 ⎥ a
⎣ (s + a ) ⎦
∫ 0 cos a(t − u) sin au du
1 t
=
a ∫ 0 (cos at cos au + sin at sin au) sin au du
1 t sin at t
=
2a
cos at ∫ 0 sin 2au du + 2a ∫ 0 (1 − cos 2au) du
t t
cos at ⎛ cos 2au ⎞ sin at ⎛ sin 2au ⎞
= ⎜− ⎟ + ⎜u − ⎟
2a ⎝ 2 a ⎠0 2a ⎝ 2a ⎠0
1 cos at t sin at
=− 2
(cos at cos 2at + sin at sin 2at ) + 2
+
4a 4a 2a
t sin at
=
2a
Therefore,
© s ¸ t sin at
L1 ª 2 2 2
; t¹
« (s a ) º 2a
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 347
(ii) Consider
s 1 s
( s a) ( s 1) 2 s a s2 1
Now choosing
1 , s
F (s) = G( s) = 2
s+a s +1
the inverse transforms for this pair are obtained as
⎡ 1 ⎤
L−1 ⎢ ; t = e− at = f (t )
⎣ s + a ⎥⎦
⎡ s ⎤
L−1 ⎢ 2 ; t ⎥ = cos at = g (t )
⎣s +1 ⎦
Hence, using the convolution theorem, we obtain
⎡ 1 ⎤ t − a ( t −u )
L−1 ⎢
⎣ ( s + a ) ( s 2
+ 1)
; t⎥ =
⎦
∫0e cos u du
t au
= e− at ∫0e cos u du (a standard integral)
t
− at ⎡ eau ⎤
=e ⎢ 2 (sin u + a cos u ) ⎥
⎣a +1 ⎦0
Therefore,
© s ¸ 1
L1 ª 2
; t¹ 2
(a cos t sin t ae at )
« ( s a ) ( s 1) º a 1
⎡1 ⎤
L−1 ⎢ 2 ; t ⎥ = t = f (t )
⎣s ⎦
⎡ 1 ⎤ ⎡1 ⎤
L−1 ⎢ ; t = e−t L−1 ⎢ 2 ; t ⎥ = e−t t = g (t )
2 ⎥
⎣ ( s + 1) ⎦ ⎣s ⎦
348 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
⎡ 1 ⎤ t
L−1 ⎢ 2 ∫ 0 (t − u) ue
−u
;t =
2 ⎥
du
⎣ s ( s + 1) ⎦
t −u t 2 −u
=t ∫0e u du − ∫0u e du
⎡ t −u ⎤ t
= −t ⎢(ue−u ) t0 − ∫0e du ⎥ + [u 2 e−u ] t0 − 2 ∫ 0 ue
−u
du
⎣ ⎦
= (t + 2) e−t + t − 2
Therefore
© 1 ¸
L1 ª 2 2
; t ¹ (t 2) et t 2
«s ( s 1) º
© 1 ¸
L1 ª 2
; t ¹ sin t
« s 1 º
Definition 6.4 The unit step function or Heaviside unit function is defined as
¬0 for t a
H (t a)
®1 for t s a, a s 0
Graphically, it can be depicted as in Fig. 6.4.
H(t – a)
t
O a
Fig. 6.4 Illustration of Heaviside unit function.
a − st f − st
= ∫0 e ⋅ 0 ⋅ dt + ∫a e 1 dt
e− as
= , s>0
s
L[ f (t a ) H (t a ); s ] e as F ( s)
L1[e as F ( s ); t ] f (t a ) H (t a )
a f
± 0 dt ± e st f (t a) dt
0 a
350 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Let t – a = v, and hence dt = dv, the right-hand side of the above equation becomes
f f
³0 e s ( a v ) f (v) dv e as ³0 e sv f (v) dv
e as F ( s )
Therefore,
L[ f (t a ) H (t a ); s ] e as F ( s) (6.33)
L1[e as F ( s ); t ] f (t a ) H (t a ) (6.34)
e as
, a0
s2 1
L1[e as F ( s ); t ] f (t a ) H (t a )
In the given problem,
1
F (s)
s 1
2
Hence,
© 1 ¸
f (t ) L1[ F ( s ); t ] L1 ª 2
; t ¹ sin t
« s 1 º
Therefore,
© 1 ¸
L1 ªe as 2 ¹
sin (t a ) H (t a )
« s 1º
¬0, ta
®sin (t a ), tsa
n
⎡ F (s) ⎤ F (αi ) αit
L−1 ⎢ ; t⎥ =
⎣ G(s) ⎦
∑ G ′(α i )
e (6.35)
i =1
F (s) F (s) A1 A2 An
= = + ++ (using partial fractions)
G(s) n s − α1 s − α 2 s − αn
Π ( s − αi )
i =1
Multiplying both sides by ( s B i ) and taking the limit as s n B , we obtain the coefficients
i
F ( s) ( s Bi ) s Bi
Ai Lt F (B i ) Lt
s nBi G(s) s nB i G(s)
which take indeterminate form and, therefore, using L’Hospital’s rule, we get
1 F (B i )
Ai F (B i ) Lt
s nBi G b( s ) G b(B i )
Hence,
F ( s ) F (α1 ) 1 F (α 2 ) 1 F (α n ) 1
= + + +
′ ′
G ( s ) G (α1 ) ( s − α1 ) G (α 2 ) ( s − α 2 ) ′
G (α n ) ( s − α n )
Thus,
⎡ F ( s) ⎤ F (α1 ) −1 ⎡ 1 ⎤ F (α 2 ) −1 ⎡ 1 ⎤
L−1 ⎢ ; t⎥ = L ⎢ ; t⎥ + L ⎢ ; t⎥ +
⎣ G ( s ) ⎦ G ′(α1 ) ⎣ s − α1 ⎦ G ′(α 2 ) ⎣ s − α 2 ⎦
n
F (α n ) −1 ⎡ 1 ⎤ F (α i ) αit
+
′
G (α n )
L ⎢ ; t⎥ =
⎣ s − αn ⎦
∑ G ′(α i )
e (6.36)
i =1
Hence the result.
EXAMPLE 6.24 Using the method of Heaviside expansion theorem, find the Laplace inverse
of
s2 + 1
s3 + 3s 2 + 2s
G ( s ) s3 3s 2 2 s s ( s 1) ( s 2)
352 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Here, G ( s ) has three distinct roots 0, 1, 2 and the degree of F ( s ) is lower than that of
G ( s). Hence, using the Heaviside expansion theorem, we have
But, G ′( s ) = 3s 2 + 6 s + 2. Therefore,
© s2 1 ¸ 1 5 2 t
L1 ª 3 2
; t¹ 2e
t
e
« s 3s 2 s º 2 2
Theorem 6.16 Let f (t ) and f b(t ) be continuous functions on t s 0 and f (t ) = 0 for t < 0. In
addition, if f (t ) is 0(eγ 0t ) and
F ( s ) = L [ f (t ); s ]
Then
1 H if st
L1[ F ( s ); t ] f (t ) e F ( s ) ds
2Q i ± H if
f
Proof Let g (t ) and g b(t ) be continuous functions and if ± f g (t ) dt converges absolutely
1 f ⎡ f ⎤
g (t ) =
2π ∫ −f g (ν ) ⎢⎣ ∫ −f cos ω (t − ν ) dω ⎥⎦ dν
1 f ⎡ f ⎤
=
2π ∫ −f ⎢⎣ ∫ −f g (ν ) cos ω (t − ν ) dν ⎥⎦ dω (6.37)
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 353
1 f © f ¸
± ª ± f
g (O ) sin X (t O ) dO ¹ dX 0
2Q f « º
1 f © f
g (O ) eiX (t O ) dO ¹ dX
¸
g (t )
2Q ± f ª ± f
« º
1 f iX t © f
e ª ± g (O ) eiXO dO ¹ dX
¸
(6.38)
2Q ± f « f º
⎧⎪e−γ t f (t ), t≥0
g (t ) = ⎨
⎪⎩0, t<0
where H is a real number greater than H 0 . Thus, g (t ) satisfies all the conditions required by
the Fourier integral theorem and, therefore, we have from Eq. (6.38), for t s 0 the relation
1 f iX t © f HO ¸
eH t f (t ) e ª ± e f (O ) eiXO dO ¹ dX
2Q ± f « f º
1 f iX t © f (H iX )O ¸
e ª± e f (O ) dO ¹ dX
2Q ± f « f º
1 f iX t
e F (H iX ) dX [From the definition of Laplace transform]
2Q ± f
1 H if t ( s H )
eH t f (t ) e F ( s) ds
2Q i ± H if
Therefore,
1 H if st
f (t ) e F ( s ) ds, ts0 (6.39)
2Q i ± H if
⎡ 1 ⎤ 1 γ +i f e st ds
L−1 ⎢
⎣ ( s + 1) ( s − 2)
;t =
2 ⎥ 2π i
⎦
∫ γ −i f (s + 1) (s − 2)2
e st
= sum of the residues of
( s + 1) ( s − 2)2
⎡ 1 ⎤ ( s + 1) e st d ⎛ e st ⎞
L−1 ⎢ ; t =
2 ⎥ s →−1
Lt + Lt ⎜ ⎟
⎣ ( s + 1) ( s − 2) ⎦ ( s + 1) ( s − 2)2 s →2 ds ⎝ s + 1 ⎠
e −t ⎡ e st {( s + 1) t − 1} ⎤
= + Lt ⎢ ⎥
9 s →2 ⎢⎣ ( s + 1)2 ⎥⎦
e−t t 2t 1 2t
= + e − e
9 3 9
Solution Let
sinh ( x s )
F (s)
sinh (l s )
Then,
1 H if st sinh ( x s ) 1 sinh ( x s )
L1[ F ( s ); t ] ± e ds ± e st ds
2Q i H if sinh (l s ) 2Q i C sinh (l s )
i.e.,
el s
e l s
0, implying 2l s 1 e2 nQ i .
n2Q 2
s , n 0, 1, 2, ...
l2
Thus, we have to compute the residues at the poles
n2π 2 ,
s 0, s sn n 1, 2, }
l2
Now, the residue at s 0 is
sinh ( x s )
Lt se st 0
s n0 sinh (l s )
The residues at s sn are obtained as
sinh ( x s ) 2 s
Lt ( s − sn ) e st = e st sinh ( x s ) s = s
s → sn sinh (l s ) l cosh (l s ) n
−n 2π 2
2 ⎛ −n 2π 2 ⎞
l2⎛ −n 2π 2t ⎞
= exp ⎜ ⎟ sinh ⎜⎜ x ⎟⎟
⎛ −n 2π 2 ⎞ ⎝ l2 ⎠ ⎝ l2 ⎠
l cosh ⎜⎜ l ⎟
⎟
⎝ l2 ⎠
(−1)n +1 ⋅ 2nπ ⎛ nπ ⎞ ⎛ −n 2π 2t ⎞
= sin ⎜ x ⎟ exp ⎜ ⎟ ; n = 1, 2, ...
l2 ⎝ l ⎠ ⎝ l2 ⎠
Therefore,
¥
f
© sinh ( x s ) ¸ 2Q ¦ nQ µ ¦ n 2Q 2 t µ
L1 ª ;t¹ 2 (1) n 1 n sin § x ¶ exp § ¶
« sinh (l s ) º l n 1 ¨ l · ¨ l2 ·
356 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
d2y dy
2
B C y f (t ) (6.40)
dt dt
subject to the ICs
y (0) A, y b(0) B (6.41)
where B and C are constants. Taking the Laplace transform of (6.40) on both sides, we obtain
L[{ y bb B y b C y}; s ] L[ f (t ); s ]
Using the property of the Laplace transform of the derivatives, we get
( s 2 B s C ) L[ y (t ); s ] L[ f (t ); s ] ( s B ) A B
Alternatively,
(s 2 B s C ) Y (s) F (s) (s B ) A B
i.e.
(s B ) A B F (s)
Y (s) (6.42)
s Bs C
2
s Bs C
2
Taking the inverse Laplace transform on both sides, we get the solution in the form
© ( s B ) A B ¸ 1 © F ( s ) ¸
y (t ) L1 ª ; t¹ L ª 2 ; t¹ (6.43)
« s Bs C º «s Bs C º
2
EXAMPLE 6.27 Solve the equation using the Laplace transform method
y bb 4 y b 8 y cos 2t
s
{s 2Y ( s ) sy (0) y b(0)} 4{sY ( s) y (0)} 8Y ( s) 2
s 4
Using the initial conditions, we get
s
s 2Y ( s) 2s 1 4sY ( s) 8 8Y ( s)
s 4
2
s
( s 2 4s 8) Y ( s ) 2s 9
s 4
2
Therefore,
1 s 1 1 1 ( s + 2) − 2 2
= × 2 + 2 − × 2 2
−
20 s + 4 5 s + 4 20 ( s + 2) + 2 5
1 2( s + 2) − 4 9
× 2 2
+ 2 2
+
( s + 2) + 2 ( s + 2) + 2 ( s + 2)2 + 22
1 s+3
X (s) = +
3
( s + 1) ( s + 2) ( s + 1) ( s + 2)
1 1 1 1 1 1
= × − × + ×
2 s + 1 2 ( s + 1) 2 2 ( s + 1)3
1 1 2 1
− × + − (using partial fractions)
2 s + 2 s +1 s + 2
The inverse Laplace transform yields
©¬ 5 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 » ¸
x(t ) L1 ª t t t t ;t
«®
2 s 1 2 ( s 1)2 2 ( s 1)3 2 s 2 ¼½ ¹º
5 t 1 t 1 t t 2 3 2t e t ¦ t 2 µ 3 2t
e e t e e §5 t ¶ e
2 2 2 2 2 2 ¨ 2· 2
EXAMPLE 6.29 Using the Laplace transform technique, solve the following initial value
problem:
ty ′′ + y ′ + ty = 0, y (0) = 1, y ′(0) = 0
Solution This is an example of ODE with variable coefficients. Taking the Laplace
transform on both sides of the given ODE and using Eq. (6.7), we get
d d
L[ y bb; s ] L[ y b; s ] L[ y; s ] 0
ds ds
d 2 d
{s Y ( s ) sy (0) y b(0)} {sY ( s ) y (0)} {Y ( s )} 0
ds ds
Applying the ICs, we obtain
d 2 d
{s Y ( s ) s} {sY ( s ) 1} Y ( s ) 0
ds ds
or
dY
( s 2 1) sY 0
ds
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 359
dY s ds
+ 2 =0
Y s +1
Integrating, we see that
1
ln Y + ln ( s 2 + 1) = ln c
2
c
Y=
2
s +1
y (t ) = J 0 (t )
Solution Taking the Laplace transform of both the equations and using the notation
Y = L[ y; s ], we have
1
sX − x(0) − Y = L[et ; s ] =
s −1
1
sY − y (0) + X = L [sin t ; s ] = 2
s +1
Using the given ICs, the above equations reduce to
s
sX − Y = (6.44)
s −1
1
X + sY = 2
(6.45)
s +1
Solving Eqs. (6.44) and (6.45), we get
s2 1 (6.46)
X= 2
+
( s − 1) ( s + 1) ( s + 1)2
2
360 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
s3 s 2 2s
Y (6.47)
( s 1) ( s 2 1) 2
s s
= 2 2
− (6.48)
( s + 1) ( s − 1) ( s 2 + 1)
Using partial fractions, we get
s2 A Bs C 1 ¦ 1 s 1 µ
( s 1) ( s 1)
2 ( s 1) s 2 1 2 ¨§ s 1 s 2 1 s 2 1 ·¶
Hence Eq. (6.46) gives
1¦ 1 s 1 µ 1
X § ¶ 2
2 ¨ s 1 s 1 s 1 · ( s 1)2
2 2
equation. Before we consider the Laplace transform method of solution of IBVP, we consider
the following example to prove some of the useful elementary results.
wu
(i) L ª« ; s º» sU ( x, s ) u ( x, 0)
¬wt ¼
ª w 2u º
(ii) L « 2 ; s » s 2U ( x, s ) su ( x, 0) ut ( x, 0)
¬wt ¼
wu
(iii) L ⎡⎢ ; s ⎤⎥ =
dU ( x, s)
⎣w x ⎦ dx
ª w 2u º d2
(iv) L « 2 ; s » U ( x, s )
¬w x ¼ dx 2
ª w 2u º d d
(v) L « ; s» s U ( x, s ) u ( x, 0) .
¬w x w t ¼ dx dx
where U ( x, s ) L[u ( x, t ); s ].
ªw u º f wu p wu
(i) L « ; s»
¬wt ¼ ³0 e st
wt
dt Lt
p of 0 ³ e st
wt
dt
ª p º
Lt {e st u ( x, t )}0p s ³0 e
st
u ( x, t ) dt »
p of «
¬ ¼
f
³0 e
st
u ( x, 0) s u ( x, t ) dt
Therefore,
ªw u º
L « ; s» sU ( x, s ) u ( x, 0)
¬wt ¼
ª w 2u º ªwV º wu
(ii) L « 2 ; s » L« ;s , V
¬wt ¼ ¬ w t »¼ wt
sL [V ; s ] V ( x, 0)
s {sU ( x, s ) u ( x, 0)} ut ( x, 0)
362 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Thus,
⎡ ∂ 2u ⎤
L ⎢ 2 ; s ⎥ = s 2U ( x, s ) − su ( x, 0) − ut ( x, 0)
⎣∂t ⎦
⎡∂ u ⎤ ∞ ∂u d ∞ dU
∫0 e ∫0 e
− st − st
(iii) L ⎢ ; s ⎥ = dt = u ( x, t )dt = ( x, s )
⎣∂ x ⎦ ∂x dx dx
⎡ ∂ 2u ⎤ ⎡ ∂ u ⎤ d ⎛ dU ⎞ d U
2
∂u
(iv) L ⎢ 2 ; s ⎥ = L ⎢ ; s ⎥ = ⎜⎝ ⎟⎠ = ( x, s ), u =
⎣∂ x ⎦ ⎣ ∂ x ⎦ dx dx dx 2 ∂x
⎡ ∂ 2u ⎤ d dU du
(v) L ⎢ ; s ⎥ = [ sU ( x, s ) − u ( x, 0)] = s ( x, s ) − ( x, 0)
⎣ ∂ x ∂ t ⎦ dx dx dx
Thus, we notice from the above results that the partial derivatives are transformed into ordinary
derivatives.
Solution Taking the Laplace transform of both sides of the given PDE, we have
d 2U
sU ( x, s ) − u ( x, 0) =
dx 2
Thus, the solution of the second order PDE reduces to the solution of second order ODE given
by
d 2U
− sU ( x, s ) = −1(1 + sin π x) (after using IC) (6.51)
dx 2
The general solution of Eq. (6.51) is found to be
1 sin π x
U ( x, s ) = Ae sx
+ Be− sx
+ + 2 (6.52)
s π +s
1 1
U (0, s ) = , U (1, s ) =
s s
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 363
1 1
A B
s s
Hence, A B 0, and
1 1
Ae s
Be s
s s
Therefore,
Ae s
Be s
0
This is a homogeneous system; the determinant of the coefficient matrix is
1 1
s s
e s
e s
y0
e e
Thus, the only possible solution is the trivial solution and, therefore,
AB0
From Eq. (6.52), we now have
1 sin Q x
U ( x, s ) (6.53)
s Q2 s
Taking the inverse Laplace transform of Eq. (6.53), we get
¦1 µ © sin Q x ¸
u ( x, t ) L1 § ; t ¶ L1 ª 2 ; t¹
¨s · «Q s º
Thus,
2
u ( x, t ) = 1 + sin π x e−π t (6.54)
is the required solution.
EXAMPLE 6.33 Using Laplace transform, solve the following initial boundary value problem:
PDE: kut = u xx , 0 x 1, 0tf
Solution Taking the Laplace transform of both sides of the PDE, we get
d 2U
K [ sU ( x, s ) − u ( x, 0)] =
dx 2
364 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Thus the solution of PDE reduces to the solution of ODE which, after using the IC, can be
rewritten as
d 2U
− KsU ( x, s) = 0 (6.55)
dx 2
Its general solution is found to be
U (0, s ) 0, U (l , s ) G ( s ) (6.57)
Applying Eq. (6.57) in Eq. (6.56), we get 0 = A. Therefore,
G(s) B sinh ( ks l )
which implies
G ( s)
B (6.58)
sinh ( ks l )
1 H if sinh ( ks x)
u ( x, t ) ± G ( s ) e st ds (6.59)
2Q i H if sinh( ks l )
To evaluate the integral on the right-hand side of this equation, we use the method of residues
for which we note that the integrand has poles given by
sinh ( ks l ) = 0 = e ks l
− e− ks l
e2 ks l
= 1 = e2nπ i
n2π 2 ,
sn = − n = 0, ± 1, ± 2, …. (6.60)
Kl 2
Now,
1 H f sinh ( ks x)
± G ( s ) e st ds sum of the residues of the integrand at the poles.
2Q i H f sinh ( ks l )
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 365
sinh ( ks x)
Lt G ( s ) e st
s nsn d
[cosh ( ks l )]
ds
2 sG ( s )
Lt e st sinh ( ks x)
s nsn l k cosh ( ks l )
n 2Q 2 ¦ n 2Q 2 µ
G§
¨ kl 2 ¶·
2 ¦ n 2Q 2 µ
kl 2 ¦ n 2Q 2 µ
exp § § x¶ , n 1, 2, 3, ...
¨ kl 2 ¶·
sinh
¦ n 2Q 2 µ ¨ l2 ·
l k cosh § l ¶
¨ l2 ·
¦ n 2Q 2 µ
2inQ ¨ kl 2 ¶·
G§
¦ inQ µ ¦ n 2Q 2 t µ
2 sinh § x¶ exp § n 1, 2, ...
¨ kl 2 ¶·
,
l k cosh (inQ ) ¨ l ·
2nQ (1) n ¦ nQ µ ¦ n 2Q 2 µ ¦ n 2Q 2 µ
u ( x, t ) sin § x ¶G § ¶ exp § t ¶, n 1, 2, ...
l 2k ¨ l · ¨ kl
2
· ¨ kl
2
·
Therefore, the required solution is
f ⎛ n 2π 2 ⎞
2π ⎛ nπ ⎞
u ( x, t ) =
l 2k
∑ (−1)n nG ⎜ 2 ⎟ sin ⎜
⎝ kl ⎠ ⎝ l
x ⎟ exp[(−n 2π 2/ kl 2 ) t ]
⎠
(6.61)
n =1
w 2u 1 wu , 0 c x c a, t 0
PDE:
wx 2 k wt
BCs: u (0, t ) = f (t ), u ( a, t ) 0
IC: u ( x, 0) = 0
using the Laplace transform method.
366 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
d 2U1
= [ sU ( x, s) − u ( x, 0)]
2 (6.62)
dx k
d 2Us
− U ( x, s ) = 0
2
(6.63)
dx k
Its general solution is found to be
U ( x, s) = Ae ( s/k ) x
+ Be− ( s/k ) x (6.64)
Now taking the Laplace transform of the BCs, we have
U (0, s ) F ( s) (6.65)
U ( a, s ) 0 (6.66)
Using Eqs. (6.64) and (6.65), we obtain
F ( s) A B (6.67)
Substituting Eq. (6.66) into Eq. (6.64), we get
U (a, s ) = A exp [ ( s / k ) a ] + B exp [− ( s / k ) a ] (6.68)
Combining Eqs. (6.67) and (6.68), we get
F ( s) = A (1 − e2 a s/ k
)
Therefore,
A = F ( s)/(1 − e2a s/k
)
and
F (s) F ( s )e 2 a s /k
B = F (s) − −
(1 − e2 a s /k
) 1 − e2a s /k
or
A = F ( s) e− a s/k
/(e− a s/k
− ea s/k
)
and
B = F ( s ) ea s/k
/(ea s/k
− e− a s/k
)
Therefore,
U ( x, s ) =
(e a s/k
F (s)
−e −a s / k
)
{e s / k (a − x)
− e− s / k (a− x)
}
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 367
© s ¸
sinh ª (a x ) ¹
« k º (6.69)
F (s)
¦ s µ
sinh § a¶
¨ k ·
© © s ¸ ¸
ª F ( s ) sinh ª (a x) ¹ ¹
1 « k º ¹
u ( x, t ) L ª ;t
ª ¦ s µ ¹ (6.70)
ª sinh § a¶ ¹
« ¨ k · º
© s ¸
e st F ( s ) sinh ª (a x) ¹
1 H if k
« º
ds (6.71)
2Q i ± H if ¦ s µ
sinh § a¶
¨ k ·
EXAMPLE 6.35 Using the Laplace transform method, solve the IBVP described as
1
PDE: u xx = utt − cos ω t , 0 c x f, 0ctf
c2
BCs: u (0, t ) = 0, u is bounded as x tends to f
ICs: ut ( x, 0) = u ( x, 0) = 0
d 2U 1 s
[ s 2U ( x, s) su ( x, 0) ut ( x, 0)]
dx 2
c 2
s X2
2
d 2U s2 s
U ( x, s ) (6.72)
dx 2
c 2
s X2
2
c2
U ( x, s ) = Ae( s / c ) x + Be − ( s / c ) x +
s(s 2 + ω 2 )
368 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
c2
U ( x, s ) = Be− ( s / c ) x + (6.73)
s(s 2 + ω 2 )
Taking the Laplace transform of the BC, we get
U (0, s) 0
Using this result in Eq. (6.73), we have
c2
B
s(s 2 X 2 )
Hence,
c2
U ( x, s ) = [1 − e− ( s / c ) x ] (6.74)
s(s 2 + ω 2 )
Now, taking its inverse Laplace transform, we get
−( s / c ) x
⎡ 1 ⎤ 2 −1 ⎡ e ⎤
u ( x, t ) = c 2 L−1 ⎢ 2 ; t ⎥ − c L ⎢ ; t⎥ (6.75)
⎣ s(s + ω ) ⎦ ⎣⎢ s ( s + ω ) ⎦⎥
2 2 2
But,
© 1 ¸ 1 ¬ 1 © 1 ¸ 1 © s ¸» 1
L1 ª 2 ; t¹ 2 L ª ; t ¹ L ª 2 ; t ¹ ¼ 2 (1 cos X t ),
« s( s X ) º X «s º «s X º½ X
2 2
®
⎡ e − ( x /c ) s ⎤ 1 ⎧ ⎛ x ⎞⎫ ⎛ x⎞
L−1 ⎢ 2 ; t ⎥ = 2 ⎨1 − cos ω ⎜ t − ⎟ ⎬ H ⎜ t − ⎟ ,
⎣⎢ s ( s + ω ) ⎦⎥ ω ⎩
2 ⎝ c ⎠⎭ ⎝ c ⎠
where H is the Heaviside unit function. Substituting these results in Eq. (6.75), we arrive at
c2 c2 ⎡⎧ ⎛ x ⎞⎫ ⎛ x ⎞⎤
u ( x, t ) = (1 − cos ω t ) − 2 ⎢⎨
1 − cos ω ⎜ t − ⎟ ⎬ H ⎜ t − ⎟ ⎥
ω 2
ω ⎣⎩ ⎝ c ⎠⎭ ⎝ c ⎠⎦
d 2U
− s 2U = (1 − s) sin π x (6.76)
dx 2
Its general solution is found to be
( s 1) sin Q x
U ( x, s) Ae sx Be sx (6.77)
Q 2 s2
The Laplace transform of the BCs gives
U (0, s ) 0, U (1, s ) 0 (6.78)
Using Eq. (6.78) into Eq. (6.77), we find A B 0. Hence, we obtain
( s 1) sin Q x
U ( x, s ) (6.79)
Q 2 s2
Taking the inverse Laplace transform, we get
¬ © s 1 ¸» ¬ © s ¸ © 1 ¸»
u ( x, t ) sin Q x L1 ª 2 ; t sin Q x L1 ª 2
2 ¹¼
; t L1 ª 2
2 ¹ 2 ¹¼
;t
® «s Q º½ ® «s Q º «s Q º½
¦ sin Q t µ
sin Q x § cos Q t ¶
¨ Q ·
Hence the required solution of the given IBVP is
¦ sin Q t µ
u ( x, t ) sin Q x § cos Q t ¶
¨ Q ·
1
PDE: xxx = utt + k , 0 ≤ x ≤ l, t >0
c2
BCs: u (0, t ) = u x (l , t ) = 0, t 0,
ICs: u ( x, 0) = ut ( x, 0), 0c xcl
then, show that
⎡ kc 2 ⎛ cosh {s (l − x)/c} ⎞ ⎤
u ( x, t ) = L−1 ⎢ 3 ⎜ − 1⎟ ; t ⎥
⎣⎢ s ⎝ cosh {sl /c} ⎠ ⎦⎥
and find the solution.
370 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
d 2U 1 k
2
2
[ s 2U ( x, s ) su ( x, 0) ut ( x, 0)]
dx c s
Using the initial conditions, we obtain
d 2U s2 k
2
− 2
U ( x, s ) = (6.80)
dx c s
Its general solution is found to be
kc 2
U ( x, s ) = Ae( s/c ) x + Be−( s/c ) x − 3
(6.81)
s
Taking the Laplace transform of the BCs, we get
dU
U (0, s ) = (l , s ) = 0 (6.82)
dx
Using these boundary conditions, Eq. (6.81) gives
A + B = kc 2/ s3
As ( s / c )l s
e − B e − ( s / c )l = 0
c c
Eliminating B, we get
s kc
A [e ( s / c ) l + e − ( s / c )l ] = 2 e − ( s / c ) l
c s
which gives
kc 2 ⎛s ⎞
A= e−( s / c)l /cosh ⎜ l ⎟
2s 3 ⎝c ⎠
kc 2 ⎛s ⎞
B= e( s / c )l/cosh ⎜ l ⎟
2s 3 ⎝c ⎠
Hence, from Eq. (6.81), we have
©s ¸
cosh ª (l x) ¹
kc 2 «c º kc 2
U ( x, s )
s3 ¦s µ
cosh § l ¶ s3 (6.83)
¨c ·
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 371
⎡ ⎡s ⎤ ⎤
⎢ cosh ⎢ (l − x) ⎥ ⎥
2 −1
u ( x, t ) = kc L ⎢ ⎣ c ⎦ ; t − kc 2 L−1 ⎡ 1 ; t ⎤ (6.84)
⎥ ⎢ 3 ⎥
⎢ s3 cosh ⎛ l ⎞
s ⎥ ⎣s ⎦
⎜ ⎟
⎣⎢ ⎝c ⎠ ⎦⎥
©s ¸
e st cosh ª (l x) ¹
kc 2 H if «c º kc 2 t 2
ds (6.85)
2Q i ± H if ¦s µ 2
s3 cosh § l ¶
¨c ·
But
⎡s ⎤
γ +if
e st cosh ⎢ (l − x) ⎥
1 ⎣c ⎦ ds =
2π i ∫ γ −if 3 ⎛ s ⎞
sum of the residues at the poles s = 0 of order
s cosh ⎜ l ⎟ three and at the poles of cosh ( s/c)l , i.e., at
⎝c ⎠
e(2 s/c )l = −1 = ei (2nπ +π )
or at
(2n 1)cQ i
s , n 0, q 1, q 2, ...
2l
Now the residue at the pole s = 0 of order 3 is
© st ¬s »¸ © ¬s »
2 ªe cosh (l x) ¼ ¹ ª cosh (l x) ¼
1 d
ª
®c ½
¹
1 d
ªte st
®c ½ xt l x
Lt Lt e
s n0 2 ds 2 ª ¦s µ
cosh § l ¶ ¹ 2 s n 0 ds ª ¦ s
cosh § l ¶
µ c
ª« ¨c · ¹
º ª
« ¨c ·
¬s » ¬s » ¦ s µ¸
sinh (l x) ¼ cosh (l x) ¼ sinh § l ¶ ¹
® c ½ l
st ¦ µ ® c ½ ¨c ·
t e § ¶ ¹
¦s µ ¨c· 2¦s µ ¹
cosh § l ¶ cosh § l ¶ ¹
¨c · ¨c · º
i (2n + 1) π c
sn = , n = 0, 1, 2, …
2l
1 1 ⎛l − x ⎞
= exp ( sn t ) cosh ⎜ sn ⎟ , n = 0, 1, 2, ...
sn3 l ⎛l ⎞ ⎝ c ⎠
sinh ⎜ sn ⎟
c ⎝c ⎠
⎧⎛ 2n + 1 ⎞ ⎫ ⎧⎛ 2n + 1 ⎞ ⎛ l − x ⎞⎫
c exp ⎨⎜ ⎟ π ict ⎬ cosh ⎨⎜ ⎟ π ic ⎜ ⎟⎬
⎩ ⎝ 2l ⎠ ⎭ ⎩⎝ 2l ⎠ ⎝ c ⎠⎭
=
(2n + 1)3π 3i 3c3
3 3
2 l
l sinh
(2n + 1)
2l {
π ic
l
c }
¬¦ 2n 1 µ » ¬¦ 2n 1 µ »
8l 2 c exp § c ¶ Q ict ¼ cosh § ¶ Q i (l x) ¼
®¨ 2l · ½ ®¨ 2l · ½
(2 n 1)
(2n 1)3 Q 3 (i )c3 sinh \ Q i^
2
¬ ¦ 2n 1 µ » ¬¦ 2n 1 µ »
8l 2 exp i § ¶ Q ct ¼ cos § ¶ Q (l x) ¼
® ¨ 2l · ½ ®¨ 2l · ½
(since sinh iR i sin R
Q cosh iR cos R )
(2n 1)3 Q 3c 2 sin (2n 1)
2
Therefore,
© ¬s »¸
ª cosh (l x) ¼ ¹ t 2 x2 lx
®c
L1 ª ½
¹
2
ª
s 3
cosh
¦ s
l
µ ¹ 2 2c c2
ª« § ¶
¨c · ¹ º
© ¦ 2n 1 µ ¸ ©¦ 2n 1 µ ¸
(1)n 8l 2 ªcos § ¶ Q ct ¹ cos ª§ ¶ Q (l
¥
f x) ¹
« ¨ 2l · º «¨ 2l · º
n 0 (2n 1)3 Q 3c 2
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 373
¥
f
kx 8kl 2 (1)n © ¦ 2 n 1 µ ¸ ©¦ 2 n 1 µ ¸
u ( x, t ) ( x 2l ) 3 cos ª§ ¶ Q ct ¹ cos ª§ ¶ Q (l x) ¹
2 Q n 0 (2n 1) 3
«¨ 2l · º «¨ 2l · º
EXAMPLE 6.38 A string is stretched and fixed between two points (0, 0) and (l, 0). Motion
is initiated by displacing the string in the form u M sin (Q x/l ) and released from rest at time
t 0. Find the displacement of any point on the string at any time t.
d 2U
s 2U ( x, s) su ( x, 0) ut ( x, 0) c 2
dx 2
Using the ICs, we get
d 2U s 2U Ms Qx
2
2
2
sin (6.86)
dx c c l
Its general solution is found to be
λ s sin (π / l ) x
U ( x, s) = Ae( s / c ) x + Be−( s / c ) x + (6.87)
s 2 + π 2 c 2/l 2
The Laplace transform of the BCs is given by
U (0, s ) 0, U (l , s ) 0
Applying these conditions in Eq. (6.87), we obtain
A+ B = 0
Ae sl/c + Be − sl /c = 0
On solving the above set of equations, we get only the trivial solution, viz.
AB0
Thus,
λ s sin (π / l ) x
U ( x, s ) =
s 2 + π 2 c 2/ l 2
374 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
⎡ s ⎤ πx ⎛πc ⎞ πx
u ( x, t ) = λ L−1 ⎢ 2 ; t sin
2 2 2 ⎥
= λ cos ⎜ t ⎟ sin
⎣ s + π c /l ⎦ l ⎝ l ⎠ l
EXAMPLE 6.39 An infinitely long string having one end at x 0 is initially at rest on the
x-axis. The end x 0 undergoes a periodic transverse displacement described by A0 sin ω t , t > 0.
Find the displacement of any point on the string at any time t.
Solution Let u ( x, t ) be the transverse displacement of the string at any point x and at
any time t. Then the transverse displacement of the string is described by the
PDE: utt = c 2u xx , x > 0, t >0
BCs: u (0, t ) = A0 sin ω t , t > 0 ( A0 = constant)
ICs: u ( x, 0) = 0, ut ( x, 0) = 0, x≥0
The Laplace transform of the PDE gives
d 2U
s 2U su ( x, 0) ut ( x, 0) c 2 (6.88)
dx 2
After using the ICs, Eq. (6.88) becomes
d 2U s2
U ( x, s ) 0 (6.89)
dx 2 c2
Its general solution is found to be
U ( x, s ) = Ae( s / c ) x + Be −( s / c ) x
⎡ Aω ⎤
u ( x, t ) = L−1 ⎢ 2 0 2 e− ( s / c ) x ; t ⎥
⎣s +ω ⎦
⎧ ⎛ x⎞ x
⎪⎪ A0 sin ω ⎜⎝ t − c ⎟⎠ if t >
c
=⎨
⎪0 x
if t <
⎪⎩ c
f st 2 1/ t u 2
L[erf (1/ t ); s ] ± e e du dt
0 Q ±0
2 f 1/ t st u 2
e du dt
Q ±0 ±0
2 f u 2 1/u 2 st
L [erf (1/ t ); s] e du ± e dt
Q ±0 0
2f u 2 s / u 2 2
± (e eu ) du (6.92)
s Q 0
u = 1/t
t
O
since
2 f u 2
e du 1
Q ±0
Differentiating Eq. (6.93) partially with respect to b, we get
wI f 2 2 2 2
2b ± u 2 ea u b /u du (6.95)
wb 0
1 f 1
I ( a, b) ± exp ( x 2 a 2b 2/ x 2 ) dx I (1, ab) (6.96)
a 0 a
w I ( a , b) 0 x2 § a 2b2 · b
wb
2b ³f b 2
exp ¨
© x 2
x 2 ¸ 2 dx
¹x
f § x 2 a 2b 2 ·
2 ³0 exp ¨
© x2
¸¹ dx
From Eqs. (6.96) and (6.97), we can eliminate I (1, ab) and arrive at
wI
2aI
wb
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 377
On integration, we get
ln I 2ab ln c, I (a, b) ce2 ab
Thus,
f a 2u 2 b 2/u 2 Q
±0 e du e2 ab (6.98)
2a
By making use of Eq. (6.98), the Laplace transform of the given function is obtained from
Eq. (6.92) as
2 ⎛ π −2 s π⎞ 1 −2 s
L[erf (1/ t ); s ] = − ⎜ e − ⎟ = (1 − e )
s π ⎝ 2 2 ⎠ s
−1/ s
EXAMPLE 6.41 Find the inverse Laplace transform of e .
s
¥ ¥
f f
1 1/ s 1 (1)n (1)n
e
s s n 0 n ! s n n 0 n ! s n 1 2
Therefore,
© e 1/s
¥ (1)n t n 1/2
¥
f f
¸ (1)n 1 © 1 ¸
L1 ª ; t¹ L ª n 1/2 ; t ¹
« s º n 0
n! «s º n 0 n ! n 1/2
But,
1 (2n)!
n+ = π
2 22 n n !
Hence,
© e 1/ s ¸ f (1) n 22 n t n 1/2
L1 ª ; t¹ 4
« s º n 0 (2n)! Q
1 © (2 t )2 (2 t )4 ¸
ª1 ¹
Qt « 2! 4! º
cos 2 t
Qt
378 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
as
sY − y (0) − kX = (6.100)
s + k2
2
Solving Eqs. (6.101) and (6.102) and using Cramer’s rule, we obtain
ak
k
s k2
2 s k bk
X 2 2
as k s s k
b s
s2 k 2
Similarly, we can show that
a bs
Y= 2 2
+
s +k s + k2
2
Taking the inverse Laplace transform of the above two equations, we get
a
x b sin kt , y sin kt b cos kt
k
which is the required solution.
EXAMPLE 6.43 A beam which is coincident with the x-axis is simply supported at its end
x 0 and is clamped at the other end x l. Let a vertical load W act transversely on the
beam at x = l /4. The differential equation for deflection at any point is given by
d4y
W
δ ( x − l /4)
4
=
dx EI
where EI is the flexural rigidity of the beam. Find the deflection at any point.
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 379
Solution Taking the Laplace transform on both sides of the governing differential
equation and noting the transform of Dirac delta function from Eq. (6.23), we obtain
W
s 4Y − s 3 y (0) − s 2 y ′(0) − sy ′′(0) − y ′′′(0) = exp [−(l /4) s ] (6.103)
EI
Since the beam is simply supported at x 0, we have
y (0) y bb(0) 0 (6.104)
Also, it is given that the beam is clamped at x l , which means that
y (l ) y b(l ) 0 (6.105)
Let y b(0) A and y bbb(0) B. Then using Eq. (6.104) into Eq. (6.103), we get
W −(l /4) s
s 4Y − As 2 − B = e
EI
A B W e−(l /4) s
Y= + +
s2 s4 EI s 4
Taking the inverse Laplace transform, we obtain
⎡ 1 ⎤
L−1 ⎢{e− (l /4) s } ⋅ 4 ; x ⎥ = f ( x − l /4) H ( x − l /4)
⎣ s ⎦
where
© 1 ¸ x3
f ( x) L1 ª 4
; x¹
«s º 3!
Hence Eq. (6.106) becomes
B 3 W ( x l/4)3
y Ax x H ( x l/4)
3! EI 3!
Thus, the deflection is given by
B 3
y = Ax + x for 0 < x ≤ l /4
6
B 3 W ( x − l /4)3
= Ax + x + for l /4 < x < l
6 EI 6
380 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
The unknowns A and B can now be determined by using the conditions (6.105). Thus, we
have
B 3 9 Wl 3
0 = Al + l +
6 128 EI
B 2 9 Wl 2
0 = A+ l +
2 32 EI
whose solution gives
9 Wl 2 81 W
A= , B=−
256 EI 128 EI
Hence the resulting deflection y is given as
⎧ 9 Wl 3 27 Wl 3
⎪ − , 0 < x ≤ l /4
⎪ 256 EI 256 EI
y=⎨
⎪ 18 Wl 3 W
⎪− + ( x − l /4)3 , l /4 < x < l
⎩ 256 EI 6 EI
BCs: u ( x, t ) n 0 as x n f
u (0, t ) g (t )
IC: u ( x, 0) 0
assuming
© ¦ s µ ¸ x ¦ x2 µ
L1 ªexp § x ¶; t ¹ exp § ¶
« ¨ k · º 2 kQ t 3 ¨ 4kt ·
d 2U
sU ( x, s ) u ( x, 0) k (6.107)
dx 2
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 381
d 2U s
2
U ( x, s ) 0 (6.108)
dx k
whose general solution is given by
¦ s µ ¦ s µ
U ( x, s ) A exp § x ¶ B exp § x ¶
¨ k · ¨ k ·
The Laplace transform of the first BC gives:
U n 0 as x n f
Using this in the solution, we get A 0 and
¦ s µ
U ( x, s ) B exp § x¶ (6.109)
¨ k ·
The Laplace transform of the second BC gives
U (0, s) = G ( s)
Using this condition, Eq. (6.109) becomes
¦ s µ
U ( x, s ) G ( s ) exp § x¶ (6.110)
¨ k ·
Taking inverse Laplace transform, we get
Ë È s Ø Û Ë Ë x ÛÛ
u ( x, t ) L1 ÌG ( s ) exp É xÙ ; s Ü L1 Ì L [ g (t ); s] L Ì exp( x 2/4kt ); s Ü Ü
Í Ê k Ú Ý ÌÍ ÌÍ 2 kS t 3 ÜÝ ÜÝ
Finally, through the use of the convolution theorem, we arrive at the result
t x exp[ − x 2 /4k (t − u )]
u ( x, t ) = ∫0 2 π k (t − u )3/2
g (u ) du
PDE: ut ( x, t ) = u xx ( x, t ) − hu ( x, t ),
h = constant, 0 < x < π , t > 0
BCs: u (0, t ) = 0, t>0
u (π , t ) = 1, t>0
IC: u ( x, 0) = 0, t=0
382 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Solution Taking the Laplace transform of the PDE with respect to the variable t, we
have
d 2U
sU ( x, s ) u ( x, 0) hU ( x, s) (6.111)
dx 2
Using the IC: u ( x, 0) = 0, we get
d 2U
(h s)U ( x, s) 0 (6.112)
dx 2
Its general solution is found to be
U ( x, s) = A cosh ( h + s x) + B sinh ( h + s x) (6.113)
U ( x, s ) = B sinh ( h + s x)
1
= B sinh ( h + s π )
s
implying thereby
1 1
B=
s sinh ( h + s π )
Hence, the required solution of Eq. (6.112) is
1 sinh ( h + s x)
U ( x, s ) =
s sinh ( h + s π )
By means of complex inversion formula, we get
1 H if e st sinh ( h s x )
u ( x, t )
2Q i ± H if s sinh ( h s Q )
i h + s π = nπ , implying h + s = −n 2
LAPLACE TRANSFORM METHODS 383
s = − n 2 − h, n = 1, 2, 3, …
The residue of the expression
e st sinh ( h + s x)
at s = 0
s sinh ( h + s π )
is
sinh ( h x )
sinh ( h π )
2
e( − n − h )t
sinh ( −n2 x)
, n = 1, 2, 3, ...
( − n 2 − h) π
sinh −n π + 2
cosh ( −n π ) 2
2 −n 2
Using the relations sinh x i sin ix, and cosh x cos ix, the above residues become
EXERCISES
1. Find the Laplace transform of the following:
(i) t cos at , (ii) te t sin t ,
⎧t /τ , 0 < t <τ
(i) f (t ) = ⎨
⎩1, t >τ
⎧t , 0 < t <1
⎪
(ii) f (t ) = ⎨(1 − t ), 1< t < 2
⎪0, t>2
⎩
3. Find the Laplace transform of
given f (t 2) f (t ) for t 0.
5. Find the Laplace transform of
¬t , 0ct 6
f (t )
®12 t , 6 c t 12
given f (t 2b) f (t ).
7. Find the Laplace transform of erfc (1/ t ).
8. Find the Laplace transform of
(i) J1 (t ), (ii) tJ1 (t ).
9. Find the inverse Laplace transform of
1 , s
(i) (ii)
s ( s + 1)( s + 2) ( s 2)3
(iii) 1 (iv) 4s + 5 ,
,
s ( s 1)
2
( s − 1)2 ( s + 2)
s2 + 1 , s−4 .
(iii) ln (iv) ln
( s − 1) 2 4 + s2
11. State and prove the convolution theorem for Laplace transforms.
12. Using the convolution theorem, find the inverse Laplace transform of
1 1 s .
(i) , (ii) , (iii)
2 2
s (s + a ) 2 s ( s − a) ( s + 4)3
2
d4y
k4 y 0
dt 4
with the initial conditions y (0) 1, y b(0) y bb(0) 0, y bbb(0) 0.
18. Solve the initial value problem using the method of Laplace transform
y bb ty b y 0, y (0) 1, y b(0) 0
19. Using the Laplace transform method, solve the system of equations
dx dy
x y 1
dt dt
dy
2x y
dt
given that x 0 and y 1 when t 0.
386 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
d2x d2x
y 1, x0
dt 2 dt 2
satisfying the ICs x(0) = y (0) = x′(0) = y ′(0) = 0 .
22. Show that, by means of the Laplace transform, the solution R ( x, t ) of one-dimensional
diffusion equation
w 2θ 1 wθ
, 0 d x dπ, t!0
wx 2 k wt
satisfying the boundary conditions
BC: u (0, t ) 0
ICs: u ( x, 0) 0,
ut ( x, 0) 1
26. If G is the potential, i the current, l the inductance per unit length of cable, c the
capacitance to ground per unit length, then G satisfies the wave equation
G xx lcGtt
Initially, the line is considered to be dead, i.e.
φ ( x, 0) = φt ( x, 0) = 0
The other boundary conditions are
φ (0, t ) = f (t ), t>0
φ x (l , t ) = φ (l , t ) = 0, t>0
Find the potential at any point on the cable at any time t, assuming l f.
CHAPTER 7
7.1 INTRODUCTION
Joseph Fourier, a French mathematician, had invented a method called Fourier transform in
1801, to explain the flow of heat around an anchor ring. Since then, it has become a powerful
tool in diverse fields of science and engineering. It can provide a means of solving unwieldy
equations that describe dynamic responses to electricity, heat or light. In some cases, it can
also identify the regular contributions to a fluctuating signal, thereby helping to make sense
of observations in astronomy, medicine and chemistry. Fourier transform has become indispensable
in the numerical calculations needed to design electrical circuits, to analyze mechanical
vibrations, and to study wave propagation.
Fourier transform techniques have been widely used to solve problems involving semi-
infinite or totally infinite range of the variables or unbounded regions. In order to deal with
such problems, it is necessary to generalize Fourier series to include infinite intervals and to
introduce the concept of Fourier integral. In this chapter, we deal with Fourier integral
representations and Fourier transforms together with some applications to Diffusion, Wave
and Laplace equations.
a0 f § nπ x nπ x ·
f ( x)
2 n 1 ¦ ©¨ an cos L
bn sin
L ¹
¸ (7.1)
where
1 L nQ t
an ± f (t ) cos dt , n 0, 1, 2, ... (7.2)
L L L
1 L nQ t
bn f (t )sin dt , n 1, 2, ... (7.3)
L ± L L
Here, an , bn are called Fourier coefficients. Fourier series representation, however, can be
extended to some non-periodic functions also, provided the integral of the modulus of such
a function f (t ) satisfies the condition
f
³ f | f (t ) | dt
is finite.
Substituting Eqs. (7.2) and (7.3) into Fourier series (7.1), we get
f
1 L ª1 L nπ t nπ x 1 L nπ t nπ x º
f ( x)
2L ³ L f (t ) dt ¦ «¬ L ³ L f (t ) cos L
cos
L
dt
L ³ L f (t )sin L
sin
L
dt »
¼
n 1
Noting that cos ( A B ) cos A cos B sin A sin B, and interchanging the order of summation
and integration, we obtain
f
1 L 1 L nπ (t x)
f ( x)
2L ³ L f (t ) dt
L ³ L f (t ) ¦ cos
L
dt (7.4)
n 1
Further, if we assume that the function f ( x) is absolutely integrable, and allowing L to tend
to infinity, i.e.,
f
³ f | f (t ) | dt f (7.5)
we get
1 L
Lt
L of 2L ³ L f (t ) dt 0 (7.6)
In the remaining part of the infinite sum of Eq. (7.4), if we set Δ s = π /L, the equation reduces to
%s
1 Q e
% s n0 Q ³ Q %s
f ( x) Lt f (t ) ¦ cos {n%s (t x)}dt (7.7)
n 1
390 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
As L o f, Δ s o 0, implying that Δs is a small positive number and the points nΔs are
equally spaced along the s-axis. The series under the integral can be approximated by an
integral of the form (as Δs o 0)
f
³ 0 cos {s (t x)} ds
Thus, Eq. (7.7) can be rewritten as
1 f f
f ( x)
π ³ f f (t )³ 0 cos {s (t x)} ds dt (7.8)
1 f f
1 f f 1
π ³ 0 dα ³ f f (t ) cos α (t x) dt
2
[ f ( x 0) f ( x 0)] (7.10)
To establish this result, the central results required are the Riemann-Lebesgue lemma and the
Riemann localization lemma; first we shall state and prove the former.
tends to zero as N o f.
Proof Suppose a1 , a2 , ..., a p are the points in (a, b) taken in the order at which the
± ¥±
p
b ar 1
f ( x)sin Nx dx f ( x)sin Nx dx (7.11)
a ar
r 0
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 391
where Y is some value of x in the range ( ar , ar +1 ). Carrying out the integrations on the right-
hand side of Eq. (7.12), we get
Since the number of terms on the right-hand side of Eq. (7.11) is finite, interchanging of
summation and limit process can be carried out and, therefore,
p p
b ar 1 ar 1
Lt
N of ³a f ( x) sin Nx dx Lt
N of
¦ ³a r
f ( x)sin Nx dx ¦ NLtof ³ a r
f ( x)sin Nx dx 0
r 0 r 0
i.e.,
b
Lt
N of ³ a f ( x) sin Nx dx 0 (7.13)
Riemann localization lemma If f (t ) satisfies Dirichlet’s conditions in the interval (0, a),
where a is finite, then
a sin Nt π
∫ 0 f (t ) t
dt → f (0+)
2
as N o f.
Proof We may write
a sin Nt a sin Nt a sin Nt
±0 f (t ) dt f (0) ± dt ± { f (t ) f (0)} dt I1 I 2
t 0 t 0 t
392 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Since the function f b(t ) is continuous in (0, a), from the definition of derivative
f (t ) f (0 )
t
f sin u π
f (0) ³0 u
du
2
f (0) (7.14)
f
Proof (Fourier integral theorem). Since the integral ³ f f ( x) dx is absolutely convergent,
f
³ f | f ( x)| dx is finite and converges for all B in the range (0, N). Also, | cos B (t x) | c 1,
implying that the integral
f
³ f f (t ) cos α (t x) dt
converges and is independent of B and x. Thus, after changing the order of integration, the
double integral.
N ª f º
I ³ 0 «¬ ³ f f (t ) cos α (t x) dt »¼ dα (7.15)
can be expressed as
f ª N º f ª sin N (t x) º
I ³ f «
¬ ³0 f (t ) cos α (t x) dα » dt
¼ ³ f f (t ) «¬ tx ¼»
dt
When N o f, I1 and I 4 both tend to zero in view of the Riemann-Lebesgue lemma. Thus the
only contribution to the integral will be from the neighbourhood of v 0. Using the Riemann
localization lemma, we get
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 393
E sin Nv Q
I3 Lt ± f (v x) dv f ( x ) (7.16)
N ne 0 v 2
and the second integral
0 sin Nv δ sin Nv π
I2 = ∫ −δ f (v + x )
v
dv = ∫0 f ( x − v)
v
dv = f ( x −)
2
(7.17)
1 f
B (α )
π ³ f f (t ) sin α t dt (7.22)
1 f
A (α )
π ³ f f ( x) cos α x dx
If f ( x) is an odd function, then
1 f 1 f
A (α )
π ³f f ( x) cos α x dx
π ³f f ( x) cos α x dx
1 f
π ³ f f ( x) cos α x dx A(α )
1 f
A (α )
π ³ f f ( x) cos α x dx 0 (7.24)
Also,
1 f
B (α )
π ³ f f ( x) sin α x dx
1 f
π ³f f ( x) sin α x dx if f ( x) is an odd function
1 f 2 f
which is the Fourier sine integral representation, where A(B ) and B(B ) are defined by the
relations (7.24) and (7.25). Similarly, if f ( x) is an even function, i.e., if f ( x) f ( x), then
we obtain the Fourier cosine integral representation
f
f ( x) ³0 A(α ) cos α x dα (7.27)
where
2 f
B(α ) 0, A(α )
π ³0 f ( x) cos α x dx (7.28)
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 395
In terms of the complex exponential function, Eq. (7.29) takes the form
1 f f
iα (t x )
f ( x) ³ 0 ³ f f (t ) [e eiα (t x ) ] dt dα
2π
1 ª f f f f º
iα (t x ) iα (t x )
2𠫬 ³ 0 ³ f f (t )e dt dα ³ 0 ³ f f (t ) e dt dα »
¼
Hence,
1 f f
iα (t x )
f ( x)
2π ³ f ³ f f (t ) e dt dα (7.30)
This is the exponential form of the Fourier integral theorem. Equation (7.30) can be rewritten
as
1 f ª 1 f º
iα t
f ( x) ³ f «¬ 2π ³ f f (t ) e dt » e iα x dα (7.31)
2π ¼
Thus, we formally define the Fourier transform pair as follows:
1 e iB t
F (B ) ³ e f (t ) e dt (7.32)
2Q
then we have, for all x,
1 f
iα x
f ( x)
2π ³ f F (α ) e dα (7.33)
F (B ) * [ f (t ); B ] (7.34)
f ( x) * 1 [ F (B ); x] (7.35)
which constitute the Fourier transform pair.
We have seen in Section 7.2.2 that if f ( x) is an odd function, the Fourier integral
representation of f ( x) reduces to
f
f ( x) ³ 0 B(α ) sin α x dα
or
2 f f
f ( x)
π ³ 0 sin α x³ 0 f (t ) sin α t dt dα (7.36)
If
2
Fs (B ) ³0 f (t ) sin B t dt * s [ f (t ); B ] (7.37)
Q
then
2
Fs (B ) sin B x d B * s1[ Fs (B ); x]
Q ³0
f ( x) (7.38)
Here, Eq. (7.37) is the Fourier sine transform of f ( x) and its inverse sine transform is given
by Eq. (7.38).
Similarly, when f ( x) is an even function, we can obtain the Fourier cosine transform and
the corresponding inverse as
2
Fc (B ) f (t ) cos B t dt * c [ f (t ); B ]
Q ³0
(7.39)
2
Fc (B ) cos B x d B * c1[ Fc (B ); x]
Q ³0
f ( x) (7.40)
e B
2
/2 2
* [ f ( x); B ] ³ e t dt
Q
or
2
e−α /2 2
F (α ) = π = e−α /2
π
f ( x) e a | x | , f x f
1 0 1 f
³ f eax eiα x dx ³0 e
ax iα x
e dx
2π 2π
398 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
1 0 1 f
( a iα ) x ( a iα ) x
2π ³ f e dx
2π ³0 e dx
1 § 1 1 · 2§ a ·
¨© ¸
2π a iα a iα ¹ 𠨩 a 2 α 2 ¸¹
¬1, | x|ca
f ( x)
®0, |x| a
and hence evaluate
f sin α a cos α x f sin α a
³ f α
dα , ³0 α
dα
1 iD x
F (D ) * [ f ( x ); D ] Ô f (x) e
2S
dx
a
1 a iD x 1 È eiD x Ø
2S
Ô a e dx É Ù
2S Ê iD Ú a
Therefore,
¬ 2 sin B a
¯ , B 0
¯ B 2Q
F (B )
¯ Lt 2a sin B a 2a , B 0
¯B n0 2Q B a
® 2Q
Now,
1 iB x
f ( x) * 1[ F (B ); x] ³ F (B ) e dB
2Q
Thus,
i.e.,
Hence,
f sin α a cos α x π , |x|d a
³ f α
dα ®
¯0, | x|! a
EXAMPLE 7.4 Find the Fourier cosine and sine transforms of e bx and evaluate the integrals
cos D x
(i) Ô 0 D 2 + b2 d D
f α sin α x
(ii) ³0 α 2 + b2
dα
Solution Given f ( x) ebx and following the definitions of Fourier cosine and sine
transforms, viz.
2 f
Fc (B ) * c [ f ( x); B ] f ( x) cos B x dx
Q ³0
2 f
Fs (B ) * s [ f ( x); B ] f ( x) sin B x dx
Q ³0
we obtain
2 f bx
* c [ebx ; B ] cos B x dx
Q ³0
e (7.41)
2 f bx
* s [e bx ; B ] sin B x dx
Q ³0
e (7.42)
400 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Let
f
³0 e
bx
I1 cos α x dx
f
³0 e
bx
I2 sin α x dx
b B
I1 , I2
B b2 2
B b2
2
Hence,
2 b 2 B
Fc (B ) , Fs (B )
Q B b 2 2 Q B b2
2
Then,
2 f
f ( x)
π ³0 Fc (α ) cos α x dα
i.e.
2 f 2 b
ebx
π ³0 π α b2
2
cos α x dα
or
f cos α x π bx
³0 α b2 2 2b
e
¬0, 0 xa
¯
f ( x ) x, ac xcb
¯0, xb
®
2 f
Fs (α )
π ³0 f ( x) sin α x dx
2 b
π ³ a x sin α x dx
2 ª § x cos α x · b 1 b º
π
Ǭ
¬© α
¸¹
a α
³ a cos α x dx»¼
2 § a cos α a b cos α b sin α b sin α a ·
𠩨 α α2 ¹¸
* [c1 f ( x ) c2 g ( x ); B ] c1 F (B ) c2 G (B )
* 1[c1F (B ) c2G (B ); x] c1 f ( x) c2 g ( x)
Proof
1 iD x
* [c1 f ( x ) c2 g( x ); D ] Ô e
2S
[ c1 f ( x ) c2 g( x )] dx
c1 iD x c2 iD x
Ô e
2S
f ( x ) dx Ô e
2S
g( x ) dx
c1F (D ) c2 G(D )
402 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Theorem 7.3 (Change of scale). If F (B ) is the Fourier transform of f ( x ), then the Fourier
transform of f (ax) is
1 ¦B µ
F§ ¶
a ¨a·
1 f iB x
* [ f (ax); B ] ³ f e f (ax) dx
2Q
1 1 È D Ø
* [ f (ax ); D ]
a 2S Ô exp ÉÊ i a t ÙÚ f (t ) dt
Hence,
1
* [ f ( ax ); D ] F (D / a), a!0 (7.45)
a
Similarly, it can be shown that
1
* [ f (ax ); D ] F (D / a), a0 (7.46)
a
Combining Eqs. (7.45) and (7.46), we have the property
1
* [ f (ax ); D ] F (D / a), a0 (7.47)
|a|
It can also be established that
1
* s [ f (ax ); D ] Fs (D / a), a!0 (7.48)
a
1
* c [ f (ax ); D ] Fc (D / a), a!0 (7.49)
a
Theorem 7.4 (Shifting property). If F (B ) is the Fourier transform of f ( x ), then the Fourier
transform of f ( x a ), i.e.,
* [ f ( x a); D ] eiD a F (D )
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 403
Therefore,
1 iD x
* [ f ( x a); D ] Ô e
2S
f ( x a) dx
Setting
x a t,
we have dx dt. Then
1 iD ( a t )
* [ f ( x a); D ] Ô e
2S
f (t ) dt
Hence,
Therefore,
1 iD x
È eiD x e iD x Ø
* [ f ( x ) cos ax; D ] Ô
2S
e f ( x ) ÉÊ
2
ÙÚ dx
1Ë 1 i (D a ) x 1 i (D a ) x Û
2 ÌÍ 2S Ô e f ( x ) dx Ô e
2S
f ( x ) dx Ü
Ý
1
[ F (D a) F (D a)] (7.52)
2
404 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
2
S Ô0
*s [ f ( x ) cos ax; D ] f ( x ) cos ax sin D x dx
2 1
S 2 Ô0
f ( x ) [sin (D a) x sin (D a) x ] dx
1Ë 2
Ì
2Í S ^Ô
0
f ( x ) sin (D a) x dx Ô
0 ` Û
f ( x ) sin (D a) x dx Ü
Ý
1
[ Fs (D a) Fs (D a)] (7.53)
2
1
* c [ f ( x ) cos ax; D ] [ Fc (D a) Fc (D a)] (7.54)
2
1
* s [ f ( x ) sin ax; D ] [ Fc (D a) Fc (D a)] (7.55)
2
1
* c [ f ( x ) sin ax; D ] [ Fs (D a) Fs (D a)] (7.56)
2
Theorem 7.6 (Differentiation). If f ( x) and its first ( r 1) derivatives are continuous, and
if its rth derivative is piecewise continuous, then
* [ f (r ) ( x ); D ] ( iD )r * [ f ( x ); D ], r 0, 1, 2, ...
provided f and its derivatives are absolutely integrable. In addition, we assume that f ( x) and
its first (r 1) derivatives vanish as x o r f.
1 drf
* [ f (r ) ( x ); D ] Ô dx r eiD x dx F (r ) (D ) (say)
2S
Integrating by parts, we get
f
1 f drf 1 § d r 1 f iα x · 1 f d r 1 f
³ f dxr eiα x dx ¨© r 1 e ¸¹ 2π ³ f dxr 1 (iα ) e
iα x
dx
2π 2π dx f
If we assume that d r −1/dx r −1 tends to zero as x o r f, we may write the above result in the
form
F ( r ) (B ) (iB ) F ( r 1) (B ) (iB )2 F ( r 2) (B ) (iB )r F (B )
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 405
Hence,
F ( r ) (B ) (iB )r F (B )
and, therefore,
* [ f (r ) ( x ); D ] ( iD )r F (D ) (7.57)
EXAMPLE 7.6 Let Fc( r ) (B ) be the Fourier cosine transform of d rf /dx r and Fs( r ) (B ) be
r −1
Fc(2 r ) (α ) = − ∑ (−1)n a2r −2n−1α 2n + (−1)r α 2r Fc (α )
n =0
r −1
Fc(2 r +1) (α ) = − ∑ (−1)n a2r −2nα 2n + (−1)r α 2r +1Fs (α )
n =0
assuming
§ d r 1 f ·
Lt ¨ r 1 ¸ 0
x of © dx ¹
2 d r −1 f
Lt = ar −1 (say)
x→ 0 π dx r −1
2 f dr f
Fc( r ) (α )
π ³0 dx r
cos α x dx (7.58)
2 f dr f
Fs( r ) (α )
π ³0 dx r
sin α x dx (7.59)
° ª r 1 f ½°
2 d f º f d r 1
Fc( r ) (α )
π
® « r 1 cos (α x) »
°¯ ¬ dx ¼0 ³0 dx r 1
sin (α x)α dx¾
°¿
§ d r 1 f ·
Lt ¨ r 1 ¸ 0
x of © dx ¹
406 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
2 d r −1 f
Lt = ar −1 (say)
x→ 0 π dx r −1
Then
By repeated application of these results, we can show Fc( r ) (B ) to be a sum of a’s and either
¥ (1) a
r 1
Fc(2 r ) (B ) n
B 2n (1)r 1B 2r Fc (B )
2 r 2 n 1
n 0
¥ (1) a
r 1
Fc(2r 1) (B ) n
2r 2n B 2n (1)r 1B 2r 1Fs (B )
n 0
df d 3 f
Note: When x 0 and 0,
dx dx3
2 f d2 f
π ³0 dx 2
cos α x dx α 2 Fc (α )
2 f d4 f
π ³0 dx 4
cos α x dx α 4 Fc (α )
d2 f
Similarly, when x 0 and f 0,
dx 2
2 f d2 f
π ³0 dx 2
sin α x dx α 2 Fs (α )
2 f d4 f
π ³0 dx 4
sin α x dx α 4 Fs (α )
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 407
2 2 at 2
* c [e at ; D ]
S Ô0
e cos D t dt I (say) (7.62)
dI 2 f 1 2 f
at 2 at 2
dα
π ³ 0 te sin α t dt
2a π ³ 0 sin α t d (e )
1 2 at 2 f ½
at 2
®[(e sin α t )] 0f α ³0 e cos α t dt ¾
2a π ¯ ¿
Therefore,
dI α
=− I
dα 2a
i.e.,
dI B
dB
I 2a
On integration, we get
I ce B
2
/ 4a
(7.63)
But when B 0 , from Eq. (7.62) we have
2 f 2
I
π ³0 e at dt
1
From Eq. (7.63) we get c . Hence,
2a
2 1 2
* c [e at ; D ] e D / 4a
2a
408 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
2 ∞ α
f ( x) =
π ³ 0 1 + α 2 sin α x dα
2 ∞ (α 2 + 1) − 1
=
π ³0 α (1 + α 2 )
sin α x dα
2 ∞ sin α x 2 ∞ sin α x
π ³0 α
dα −
π ³ 0 α (1 + α 2 ) dα
But
f sin α x π
³0 α
dα
2
Hence,
π 2 f sin α x
f ( x)
2
π ³ 0 α (1 α 2 ) dα (7.64)
df 2 f cos α x
dx
π ³0 1α2
dα (7.65)
d2 f 2 fα sin α x
dx 2 π ³0 1α2
dα (7.66)
d2 f 2 f sin α x π
dx 2
f
π ³0 α
dα
2
0
f c1e x c2 e x (7.67)
Therefore,
df
= c1e x − c2 e− x
dx
When, x 0, from Eq. (7.64) we have f (0) Q /2, and from Eq. (7.65),
df (0) 2 f dα π
dx
π ³ 0 1α2
2
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 409
2 f
n aα
f ( x)
π ³0 α e cos α x dα (7.68)
1 dn § 1 1 ·
¨© ¸
2 da a ix a ix ¹
n
1
[(1)n n ! (a ix) n 1 (1)n n ! (a ix) n 1 ]
2
(1)n n !
[(a ix) n 1 (a ix) n 1 ]
2
Let
a ix r (cos R i sin R )
Then
a r cos R , x r sin R
Therefore,
x
r 2 a 2 x2 , tan R
a
Thus,
Then
f
n aα n ! cos (n 1)θ
³0 α e cos α x dα
(a 2 x 2 )( n 1) 2
2 n ! cos (n 1)R
f ( x)
Q (a 2 x 2 )( n 1/2)
(i) w n u /w x n of the function u ( x, t ) assuming that u and its first (n – 1) derivatives with
respect to x vanish as x o r f.
(ii) w u /w t.
Also, find the sine and cosine Fourier transforms of w 2 u /w x 2 of the function u ( x, t ) .
Solution (a) We shall adopt the following notation: The Fourier transform of u ( x, t )
with respect to the variable x is defined as
1 iD x
* [u( x, t ); x D ] Ô e
2S
u( x, t ) dx U (D , t ) (7.70)
Ëw u Û 1 wu iD x
* Ì ( x, t ); x D Ü
Íw x Ý Ô
2S w x
e dx
Ëw u Û
* Ì ( x, t ); x D Ü iD * [u( x, t ); x D ] iD U (D , t ) (7.71)
Íw x Ý
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 411
Ë w 2 u ( x, t ) Û 1 w2u 1 Èw uØ
*Ì ; x DÜ Ô eiD x dx Ô e
iD x
dÉ Ù
Í wx 2
Ý 2S w x 2 2S Êw xÚ
1 Ë È w u iD x Ø Û
ÌÉ e Ù iD (eiD x u) (iD )2 Ô eiD x u dx Ü
2S Í Ê w x Ú
Ý
Ëw 2 u Û
* Ì 2 ( x, t ); x D Ü ( 1)2 (iD )2 * [u( x, t ); x D ] ( 1)2 (iD )2 U (D , t ) (7.72)
Íw x Ý
Ë w n u( x , t ) Û
*Ì ; x DÜ ( 1)n (iD )n * [u( x, t ); x D ] ( 1)n (iD )n U (D , t ) (7.73)
Í wx n
Ý
(b) Now
Ëw u Û 1 iD x wu 1 w iD x
* Ì ( x, t ); x D Ü
Íwt Ý Ô e
2S wt
( x, t ) dx Ô e u ( x, t ) dx
2S w t
Ut (D , t )
Therefore,
Ëw u Û
* Ì ( x, t ); x D Ü Ut (D , t ) (7.74)
Íwt Ý
(c) In the case of Fourier sine and cosine transforms, we have
Ëw 2 u Û 2 w2u
S Ô0
* s Ì 2 ( x, t ); x D Ü sin D x dx
Íw x Ý w x2
2 Ëw u Û 2 wu
S ÌÍ w x
sin D x Ü
Ý0 S
D Ô0 cos D x
wx
dx
wu
We assume that o 0 as x o f. Then the RHS term of the above equation becomes
wx
2 f wu 2 f ½
π
α ³0 cos α x
wx
dx α ®[u ( x, t ) cos α x]0f α
π ¯ ³0 u ( x, t )sin α x dx¾
¿
412 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Obviously, the choice of the sine or cosine transform is dccided by the form of the boundary
condition at the lower limit of the variable selected for exclusion. Thus, we observe that for
the exclusion of w 2 u /w x 2 from a given PDE, we require
wu
in the case of cosine transform
wx x 0
is called the convolution or Faltung of the functions f and g over the interval ( f, f). Then
the Fourier transform of this convolution integral yields
1 iD x
* [( f * g); D ]
2S Ô e Ô f (u) g( x u) du dx
1 iD x
2S Ô Ô e f (u) g( x u) du dx (7.78)
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 413
Since f and g are absolutely integrable, the order of integration can be interchanged and,
therefore,
Ë
dx ÛÜ du
1 iD ( x u ) iD u
* [( f *g); D ]
2S Ô f (u) ÍÌ Ô g( x u) e e
Ý
Let x u y. Then dx dy. Therefore,
Ë
dy ÛÜ du
1 iD u iD y
* [( f *g); D ]
2S Ô f (u) ÍÌ e Ô g( y) e Ý
1 iD u 1 iD y
Ô e
2S
f (u) du Ô e
2S
g( y) dy
F (D ) G(D ) (7.79)
1 f
f *g
2π ³ f f (u) g ( x u) du (7.81)
1 f 1 f
f *g
2π ³ f f ( x α ) g (α ) dα 2π ³ f g (u) f ( x u) du g*f (7.82)
f 2 f f
³0 Fc (α ) Gc (α ) cos α x dα
π ³0 Fc (α ) cos α x dα ³0 g (η ) cos ηα dη
2 f f
π ³0 g (η ) dη ³0 Fc (α ) cos xα cos ηα dα
1 f f
2π ³0 g (η ) dη ³0 Fc (α ) [cos | x η | α cos ( x η ) α ] dα
414 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
But,
2 f 1 f
f ( x)
π ³0 Fc (α ) cos xα dα
2 ³0 g (η ) dη [ f (| x η |) f ( x η )] (7.83)
(ii) If Fs (B ) and Gs (B ) are the Fourier sine transforms of f ( x) and g ( x) , then we can
show that
f 1 f
³0 Fs (α ) Gs (α )sin xα dα
2 ³0 f (η ) [ g (| x η |) g ( x η )] dη (7.84)
(iii) Ô0 Fc (D ) Gs (D ) sin xD dD
2
S Ô 0
Fc (D ) sin xD dD Ô g(K) sin KD dK
0
2
S Ô 0
g(K) dK Ô Fc (D ) sin xD sin KD dD
0
1
Ô
2S 0
g(K) dK Ô
0
Fc (D ) [cos | x K | D cos ( x K) D ] dD
1
2 Ô0
g(K) [ f (| x K |) f ( x K)] dK (7.85)
f 1 f
(iv) ³0 Fs (α ) Gc (α )sin xα dα
2 ³0 f (η ) [ g (| x η |) g ( x η )] dη (7.86)
1 f
2 ³0 f (u ) [ g (| x u |) g ( x u )] du
2π ³ f F (α ) G (α ) dα
2π ³ f f (u) g (u) du
For the case g (u ) f *(u ), where f *(u ) is the complex conjugate of the function f (u ), we have
G(D ) * [ g(u); D ] * [ f *( u); D ] F *(D )
Thus,
1 f 1 f
EXAMPLE 7.12 Using the Fourier cosine transform of e ax and e bx , show that
f dα π
³0 (a α ) (b α )
2 2 2 2 2ab (a b)
, a ! 0, b ! 0 (7.89)
2 f 2 f 2 b
³0 ³0 e
bx
Fc (α ) f ( x) cos α x dx cos α x dx
π π π b2 α 2
Similarly, it can be shown that
2 a
Gc (B )
Q a B2
2
However,
f f 2 f
³0 Fc (α ) Gc (α ) dα ³0 Fc (α ) dα
π ³0 g ( x) cos α x dx
f 2 f
³0 g ( x) dx
π ³0 Fc (α ) cos α x dα
f
³0 f ( x) g ( x) dx
i.e.
f f
³ 0 Fc (α ) Gc (α ) dα ³ 0 f ( x) g ( x) dx
416 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
That is, the Fourier transform of the Dirac delta function E (t ) is constant and equal to 1/ 2π .
It then follow that
1
* 1[1; t ] Ô e
iD t
dD 2SG (t ) (7.92)
2S
1 f f
i (α x β y )
f ( x, y )
2π ³ f ³ f e F (α , β ) dα d β (7.95)
We can split Eq. (7.94) into two steps: first by treating f ( x, y ) as a function of x and then
treating the result as a function of y sequentially, i.e.,
1 f
iα x
f *(α , y )
2π ³ f e f ( x, y ) dx
1 f
iβ y
F (α , β )
2π ³ f e f *(α , y ) dy
1 f
iα x
f ( x, y )
2π ³ f e f *(α , y ) dα
1 f
i β y
f *(α , y )
2π ³ f e F (α , β ) d β
Assuming that the partial derivatives of f occurring in the equation are absolutely integrable
and that f , w f /w x, w f /w y tend to zero at infinity, the double Fourier transform of derivatives
yield the following results:
Ëw f Û
*Ì ( x, y); x D , y E Ü iD F (D , E ) (7.96)
Íw x Ý
Ë w2 f Û
*Ì ( x, y); x D , y E Ü DE F (D , E ) (7.97)
Í w xw y Ý
The convolution property leads to the following results:
1
* 1[ F (D , E ) G(D , E ); D x, E y]
2S Ô Ô
f ( x u) g ( x u) g (u, v) du dv (7.98)
their inverses from the well-known theory of Fourier series. It may be recalled that if a
function f ( x) satisfies Dirichlet conditions in the interval 0 c x c Q , then it has Fourier sine
series
f
f ( x) ¦ bn sin nx (7.100)
n 1
in which
2 S
bn
S Ô
0
f ( x) sin nx dx, n 1, 2, 3, (7.101)
a0 f
f ( x)
2 n 1 ¦
an cos nx (7.102)
in which
2 Q
an f ( x) cos nx dx, n 0, 1, 2, ... (7.103)
Q ±0
which is a sequence of numbers. Comparing Eqs. (7.101) and (7.104), we notice that
2
bn Fs (n), n 1, 2, 3, ... (7.105)
Q
Now from Eq. (7.100) we can have the result
2
* s1[ Fs (n); x ] f (x) Ç Fs (n) sin nx
Sn 1
(7.106)
which is the inverse finite sine transform. Similarly, we can define finite sine transform when
the independent variable x lies in the interval (0, L),
L nS x
* s [ f ( x ); n] Fs (n) Ô0 f ( x )sin
L
dx, n 1, 2, 3, (7.107)
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 419
with
2 nS x
* s1[ Fs (n); x ] f (x)
L
Ç Fs (n) sin L
, 0xL (7.108)
n 1
as the corresponding inversion formula.
Fc (0) 2 nS x
* c1[ Fc (n); x ] f (x) Ç Fc (n) cos (7.112)
S Ln 1 L
Having defined the finite cosine transform, we shall attempt to find some results involving
derivatives up to Fourth order to facilitate the solution of a few boundary value problems,
which are actually presented under miscellaneous examples. For instance, if f is a function
of x and t, 0 x L, t 0, then we have
L
Ëw f Û Lw f nS x Ë nS x Û nS L nS x
*s Ì ;n
Í w x ÜÝ Ô 0 w x sin L dx ÌÍ f ( x, t )sin L ÜÝ L
0
Ô 0 f cos L
dx
Therefore,
Ëw f Û nS nS
*s Ì ;n * c [ f ; n] Fc (n) (7.113)
Í w x ÜÝ L L
L
Ëw f Û Lw f nS x Ë nS x Û nS L nS x
*c Ì ;n
Í w x ÜÝ Ô 0 w x cos L dx ÌÍ f ( x, t ) cos L ÝÜ L
0
Ô 0 f sin L
dx
nS
* s [ f ; n] { f (0, t ) f ( L, t ) cos nS } (7.114)
L
420 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Ëw 2 f Û Lw2 f nS x Èw f nS x Ø nS
L
Lw f nS x
*s Ì 2 ; nÜ
Íw x Ý
Ô 0 w x2 sin
L
dx ÉÊ
wx
sin
L Ú0
Ù
L Ô 0 w x cos L
dx
nS ÑÎÈ nS x Ø
L
nS L nS x ÑÞ
L
ÏÉ f cos
ÐÑ Ê L
ÙÚ
0 L Ô0 f sin
L
dx ß
àÑ
nS Ë nS Û
L ÌÍ L * s [ f ; n] [ f (0, t ) f ( L, t ) cos nS ]ÜÝ
Therefore,
Ëw 2 f Û n2S 2 nS
*s Ì 2 ; nÜ * s [ f ; n] { f (0, t ) f ( L, t ) cos nS } (7.115)
Íw x Ý L2 L
Ëw 2 f Û n2S 2
*s Ì 2 ; nÜ * s [ f ; n] (7.116)
Íw x Ý L2
Similarly, it can be shown that
Ëw 2 f Û n2S 2
*c Ì 2 ; nÜ * c [ f ; n] { f x (0, t ) f x ( L, t ) cos nS } (7.117)
Íw x Ý L2
Ëw 2 f Û n2S 2
*c Ì 2 ; nÜ * c [ f ; n] (7.118)
Íw x Ý L2
By repeatedly applying these results, we can deduce that
Ëw 4 f Û n 4S 4
*s Ì 4 ; nÜ * s [ f ; n], (7.119)
Íw x Ý L4
Ëw 4 f Û n4S 4
*c Ì 4 ; nÜ * c [ f ; n] (7.120)
Íw x Ý L4
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 421
provided
f x 0 f xxx when x 0; x L
kD 2* [u( x, t ); x D ] * [ut ( x, t ); x D ]
or
U t (B , t ) kB 2U (B , t ) 0 (7.121)
In deriving this, the BCs are already utilized (as can be seen from Eqs. (7.72) and (7.74). The
Fourier transform of the IC gives
U (α , 0) F (α ), α (7.122)
The solution of Eq. (7.121) can be readily seen to be
U Ae kB
2
t
U (B , t ) F (B )e kB
2
t (7.123)
Inverting this relation, we obtain
1 f 1 f
kα 2t iα x
³ f F (α ) e dα ³ f F (α ) exp (kα t iα x) dα
2
u ( x, t ) e (7.124)
2π 2π
*When the range of spatial variable is infinite, the Fourier exponential transform is used rather than the
sine or cosine transform.
422 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
The product form of the integrand in Eq. (7.124) suggests the use of convolution. If the
Fourier transform of g ( x ) is e kB t , then g ( x) will be given by
2
1 f
kα 2t iα x
g ( x)
2π ³ f e e dα
1 Q ¦ x2 µ 1 ¦ x2 µ
g ( x) exp § ¶ exp § ¶
2Q kt ¨ 4kt · 2kt ¨ 4kt ·
Hence,
1 f 1 ª ( x α )2 º
u ( x, t )
2π ³ f f (α )
2kt
exp «
¬ 4kt ¼
» dα
1 f ª ( x α )2 º
4π kt ³ f f (α ) exp «
¬ 4kt ¼
» dα (7.127)
Z
Bx
4kt
we can rewrite solution (7.127) in the form
1 f 2
u ( x, t )
π ³ f f ( x 4kt z ) e z dz (7.128)
EXAMPLE 7.14 (Flow of heat in a semi-infinite medium). Solve the heat conduction
problem described by
w 2u wu
PDE: k , 0 x f, t!0
wx 2 wt
BC: u (0, t ) u0 , tt0
IC: u ( x, 0) 0, 0 xf
u and w u /w x both tend to zero as x o f.
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 423
2 f
U s (α , t )
π ³ 0 u ( x, t )sin α x dx
we obtain from Eqs. (7.74) and (7.75) the relation
Ë 2 Û w Us
kÌ D u ( x, t ) D 2* s [u ( x, t ); x D ]Ü (D , t )
Í S x 0
Ý wt
or
dU s 2
kB 2U s kB u0 (7.129)
dt Q
Its general solution is found to be
(1 e kB t )
2 u0 2
U s (B , t ) (7.130)
Q B
Inverting by Fourier inverse sine transform, we obtain
2 f
u (α , t )
π ³ 0 U s (α , t ) sin α x dα
Therefore,
2 f sin α x 2
u ( x, t ) u ³0 (1 e kα t ) dα (7.131)
π 0 α
Noting that
2 y u 2
erf ( y ) e du
Q ±0
and using the standard integral
f
α 2 sin (2α y ) π
³0 e α
dα
2
erf ( y )
2u0 © Q Q ¦ x µ¸
u ( x, t ) erf § ¶¹ (7.132)
Q ª« 2 2 ¨ 2kt ·º
¦ 2 x / 2 kt u 2 µ ¦ x µ
u ( x, t ) u0 §1 e du ¶ u0 erfc § ¶ (7.133)
¨ Q ±0 · ¨ 2kt ·
424 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
wu w 2u
PDE: K 0 x f, t!0 (7.134)
wt w x2
and, u , w u /w x, both tend to zero as x o f. Taking the Fourier sine transform of Eq. (7.134)
and denoting
*s [u( x , t ); x D ] by Us
we have
2 fwu 2 f w 2u
π ³0 wt
sin α x dx
π
K ³0 w x2 sin α x dx
which becomes
dUs
K [Bu (0, t ) B 2Us ]
dt
Using the BC (7.135), we obtain
dU s
KB 2Us 0 (7.137)
dt
Also, taking the Fourier sine transform of IC (7.136), we get
U s Fs (B ) at t 0 (7.138)
Now, Eq. (7.137) can be rewritten as
d 2
(Us e Kα t ) = 0 (7.139)
dt
Integrating, we get
U s e KB
2
t
const.
Using Eq. (7.138), we note that Fs (B ) constant . Therefore,
Us e KB
2
t
Fs (B )
Us Fs (B )e KB
2
t
(7.140)
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 425
Finally, taking the inverse Fourier sine transform of Eq. (7.140), we obtain
2 f 2
u ( x, t ) ³0 Fs (α )e Kα t sin α x dα
π
EXAMPLE 7.16 Compute the displacement u ( x, t ) of an infinite string using the method
of Fourier transform given that the string is initially at rest and that the initial displacement
is f ( x), f x f.
w 2u w 2u
c2 , f x f (7.141)
w t2 w x2
and ICs
u ( x, 0) f ( x), f x f (7.142)
ut ( x, 0) 0 (7.143)
In view of two ICs, the given problem is a properly posed problem. Taking the Fourier
transform of PDE, we have
1 f w 2u c2 f w 2u
³ f w t 2 eiα x dx ³ f dx2 e
iα x
dx
2π 2π
w2 1 f
iα x
wt 2 2π ³f ue dx c 2α 2U (α , t )
i.e.,
d 2U
c 2B 2U 0 (7.144)
dt 2
Its general solution is found to be
U (B , t ) A cos (cB t ) B sin (cB t ) (7.145)
The Fourier transform of the ICs gives
dU
(B , t ) 0, U F (B ) (7.146)
dt
426 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
i.e., AcB sin (cB t ) BcB cos (cB t )t 0 0, implying BcB 0 or B 0. Also, Eqs. (7.145) and
(7.146) yield
A F (B ) (7.147)
Thus,
U (B , t ) F (B ) cos (cB t ) (7.148)
Taking its inverse Fourier transform, we obtain
1
Ô F (D ) cos (cD t ) e
iD x
u ( x, t ) dD (7.149)
2S
If we simplify Eq. (7.149) further, an interesting result emerges, i.e.,
icD t
1 Ë ÛÈe e icD t Ø iD x
u ( x, t )
2S Ô Ô Ì
Í
f (u ) eiD u du Ü É
ÝÊ 2
ÙÚ e dD
1Ë 1 Î ÞÛ
Ô Ô f (u) e du ßÜ (e icst eicst ) e isx ds
isu
Ï
2 ÌÍ 2S Ð àÝ
1Ë 1 Î 1 Þ
Ô f (u ) e Ô e
isu is ( x ct )
Ï ds ß du
2 ÌÍ 2S Ð 2S à
1 È 1 Ø Û
Ô f (u ) e Ô e
isu is ( x ct )
ÉÊ ds Ù du Ü
2S 2S Ú Ý
EXAMPLE 7.17 Obtain the solution of free vibrations of a semi-infinite string governed by
ICs: u ( x, 0) f ( x) (7.151)
ut ( x, 0) g ( x ) (7.152)
Now consider
f w 2u
³0 w x2
sin α x dx
f w 2u f
³0 wx 2
sin α x dx α 2 ³0 u sin α x dx α 2U
U ³0 f ( x)sin α x dx F (α )
wU
wt ³0 g ( x) sin α x dx G (α )
wU
cα B (α ) G (α )
wt
Substituting A (B ) and B (B ) into Eq. (7.155), we get
G (B )
U F (B ) cos (cB t ) sin (cB t )
cB
428 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
2 f
u ( x, t )
π ³ 0 U (α , t ) sin α x dα
2 f ª G (α ) º
π ³0 «¬ F (α ) cos (cα t ) sin α x cα sin (cα t ) sin α x »¼ dα
1 f
2π ³0 F (α ) [sin α ( x ct ) sin α ( x ct )] dα
1 f G (α )
2π ³0 cα
[cos α ( x ct ) cos α ( x ct )] dα
Since
2 f
f ( x ct )
π ³0 F (α ) sin α ( x ct ) dα
2 f
g (u )
π ³ 0 G(α ) sin u α dα
x ct 2 f x ct
³ xct g (u) du π ³ 0 G (α ) dα ³ xct sin α u du
x ct
2 f § cos α u ·
π ³0 G (α ) dα ¨
© ¸
α ¹ x ct
2 fG (α )
π ³0 α
dα [cos α ( x ct ) cos α ( x ct )]
EXAMPLE 7.18 Solve the following boundary value problem in the half-plane y > 0,
described by
PDE: u xx u yy 0, f x f, y!0
BCs: u ( x, 0) f ( x), f x f,
Solution Since x has an infinite range of values, we take the Fourier exponential
transform of PDE in the variable x to get
* [uxx ; x D ] * [uyy ; x D ] 0
1 f
iα x
α 2U (α , y )
2π ³ f u yy e dx 0
w2 ª 1 f
iα x º
α 2U (α , y ) «
w y 2 ¬ 2π ³ f u ( x, y) e dx »
¼
0
i.e.,
d 2U (B , y )
2
B 2U (B , y ) 0 (7.157)
dy
Its general solution is known to be
U (B , y ) A (B ) eB y B (B ) eB y (7.158)
Since u must be bounded as y o f, U (α , y ) and its Fourier transform also should be bounded
as y o f, implying A (B ) 0 for B 0; but if B 0, B (B ) 0; thus for any B,
U (B , y ) constant (e|B | y ) (7.159)
Now the Fourier transform of the BC yields
U (D , 0) * [ f ( x ); x D ] F (D ) (7.160)
From Eqs. (7.159) and (7.160), we find that
F (B ) const . (7.161)
Hence,
1 f
U (α , y ) F (α ) e|α | y ³ f f ( x) e
|α | y iα x
e dx
2π
430 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Taking its Fourier inverse transform, we obtain, after replacing the dummy variable x by Y ,
the equation
1
Ë 1
Û
2S Ô Ô
u ( x, y ) Ì 2S f ([ ) e |D | y eiD[ d [ Ü e iD x d D
Í Ý
1
2S Ô
f ([ ) d [ Ô
exp [{D [i ([ x)] | D | y}] dD (7.162)
But
1 f
Substituting Eq. (7.163) into Eq. (7.162), the required solution is found to be
y f f (ξ ) d ξ
u ( x, y )
π ³ f (ξ x)2 y 2 (7.164)
This solution is a well-known Poisson integral formula and is valid for y 0, when f ( x) is
bounded and piecewise continuous for all real x.
PDE: u xx ( x, y ) u yy ( x, y ) 0, f x f, y!0
BC: u y ( x, 0) f ( x), f x f
u is bounded as y o f
w
φ xx φ yy (u xx u yy ) 0 (7.165)
wy
BC: G ( x, 0) u y ( x, 0) f ( x) (7.166)
Thus, the function G ( x, y ) is a solution of the problem described in Example 7.18 and,
therefore, the solution of Eq. (7.165) subject to Eq. (7.166) is of the form
y f f (ξ ) d ξ
φ ( x, y )
π ³ f (ξ x)2 y 2 , y!0 (7.167)
However,
1 f y dy
u ( x, y ) ³ φ ( x, y) dy π ³ f f (ξ )³ ( x ξ )2 y 2
dξ
Therefore,
1 f
³ f f (ξ ) log [( x ξ ) y 2 ] dξ const.
2
u ( x, y ) (7.168)
2π
is the required solution.
EXAMPLE 7.20 Find the Fourier transform of the normal density function
Let x m z; then
T
2
e z /2
* (D ) Ô eiD ( m V z ) dz
2S
432 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
2
e z /2 (iDV z )n
iD m
e ÇÔ 2S n!
dz (7.169)
n 0
and denoting
2
f z n e z /2
In ³ f 2π
dz , n 0, 1, 2, } (7.170)
we obtain
f
(iασ )n
2π F (α ) eiα m ¦ n!
In (7.171)
n 0
For n 0, we have
2
È e− z / 2 Ø
2
exp (− z12 /2) exp (− z22 /2)
Ô Ô − Ô
2
(I0 ) = É dz Ù = dz1dz2
Ê − 2S Ú − 2S
2
2S e − r /2
= Ô 0 Ô0 2S
r dr dT [in polar coordinates]
=1
I 2 n = (2n − 1) I 2n − 2
= (2n − 1) (2n − 3) I 2 n − 4
However,
n
(iασ )2n (2n)! 1 È α 2σ 2 Ø
2π F (α ) eiα m Ç (2n)! 2n n !
eiα m Ç É
n! Ê 2 Ú
Ù eiα m exp ( α 2σ 2/ 2)
n 0 n 0
Thus,
EXAMPLE 7.21 Using the Fourier cosine transform, find the temperature u ( x, t ) in a semi-
infinite rod 0 d x d f, determined by the PDE
ut ku xx , 0 x f, t!0
subject to
IC: u ( x, 0) 0, 0 d x d f,
Solution Since w u /w x is given at the lower limit, we take the Fourier cosine transform
of the given PDE, to obtain
2 ∞wu 2 ∞ w 2u
π Ô0 wt
cos α x dx = k
π Ô 0 w x2 cos α x dx
∞
2 Ëw u Û 2 ∞ wu
=k
π ÌÍ w x cos α x ÜÝ + kα π
0
Ô0 wx
sin α x dx
d 2 §w u · 2 2 f
dt
(U c ) k
π
¨© ¸¹
wx x 0
kα
π
(u sin α x)0f kα 2
π ³0 u cos α x dx
434 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
If u o 0 as x o f, we have
d 2
(U c ) ku0 kB 2U c
dt Q
d 2
(U c ) kB 2U c ku
dt Q 0
which is a linear ODE, whose general solution is found to be of the form
d kB 2t
ku0 ekB t
2 2
(e U c )
dt Q
On integration, we obtain
2 u0
0 const .
Q B2
which yields
u0 2
const .
B 2 Q
Hence,
(1 e kB t )
2 u0 2
Uc (7.173)
QB 2
Finally, taking the Fourier inverse cosine transform of Eq. (7.173), we have
2u0 f cos α x 2
u ( x, t ) ³0 (1 e kα t ) dα
π α 2
EXAMPLE 7.22 Using the method of integral transform, solve the following potential
problem in the semi-infinite strip described by
PDE: u xx u yy 0, 0 x f, 0 ya
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 435
subject to
BCs: u ( x, 0) f ( x)
u ( x, a ) 0
u ( x, y ) 0, 0 y a, 0 xf
and
w u /w x tends to zero as x o f.
Solution Taking the Fourier sine transform of the above PDE, we obtain
2 f w 2u 2 f w 2u
π ³ 0 w x2 sin α x dx
π ³ 0 w y 2 sin α x dx 0
2 2 f d 2U s
α
π
(u cos α x)0f α 2
π ³0 u sin α x dx
dy 2
0
Using the BC
u ( x, y ) 0, 0 y a, 0 xf
we have
d 2Us
2
B 2Us 0
dy
Its general solution is found to be
Now, the Fourier sine transform of the first two BCs gives
2 f
U s (α , 0)
π ³0 f (ξ ) sin αξ dξ , Us (α , a ) 0
2 f
A (α )
π ³0 f (ξ ) sin αξ dξ (7.175)
0 A (α ) cosh α a B (α ) sinh α a
436 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Therefore,
cosh α a 2 f
B (α )
sinh α x π ³0 f (ξ ) sin αξ dξ (7.176)
2 ª f cosh α a sinh α y f º
Us
π «cosh α y
¬
³0 f (ξ ) sin αξ dξ
sinh α a ³0 f (ξ ) sin αξ dξ »
¼
2ª f sinh (a y )α º (7.177)
𠫬 ³0 f (ξ ) sin αξ
sin aα
dξ »
¼
Finally, taking the inverse Fourier sine transform of Eq. (7.177), we have
2 f f sinh (a y )α
u ( x, y )
π ³0 f (ξ ) dξ ³0 sin aα
sin aξ sin α x dα
EXAMPLE 7.23 Using finite sine transform to solve the following BVP described by
1
PDE: u xx ut , 0 x L, t 0
k
BC: u (0, t ) u ( L, t ) 0 for all t
¬ x
¯¯2u0 L , 0 c x c L /2
IC: u ( x, 0)
¯2u0 ¦§1 x µ¶ , L
cxcL
®¯ ¨ L · 2
Solution Taking the finite Fourier sine transform of the given PDE, we have
L w 2u nπ x 1 Lwu nπ x
³0 w x2 sin L
dx
k ³0 w t sin L
dx (7.178)
nπ ⎡⎛ nπ x ⎞
L
nπ L nπ x ⎤ n 2π 2 nπ
−
L
⎢⎜ u cos
⎣⎢ ⎝ L
⎟ +
⎠ 0 L ∫0 u sin
L
dx ⎥ = 2 Us (n) +
⎥⎦ L L
{u (0, t ) − u ( L, t ) cos nπ }
n 2π 2
=− Us (n) [after using the BCs]
L2
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 437
dU kn 2Q 2
2 U 0 (7.179)
dt L
Its general solution is known to be
¦ kn 2Q 2 µ
U Us (n, t ) A exp § t¶ (7.180)
2
¨ L ·
where A is a constant to be determined from the ICs. Taking the finite Fourier sine transform
of the given IC, we have
L /2 x nπ x L ⎛ x⎞ nπ x
U s (n, 0) = ∫0 2u0
L
sin
L
dx + ∫ L/2 2u0 ⎜⎝1 − L ⎟⎠ sin L
dx
L /2
⎡ x nπ x nπ ⎤ 2u0 1 L /2 nπ x
= ⎢ −2u0 cos
⎣ L L L ⎥⎦ 0
+
L nπ L ∫0 cos
L
dx
L
⎡ ⎛ x⎞ nπ x nπ ⎤ 2u 1 L nπ x
+ ⎢ −2u0 ⎜1 − ⎟ cos
⎣ ⎝ L⎠ L ⎥
L ⎦ L /2
− 0
L nπ / L ∫ L /2 cos L
dx
or
4u0 L nQ
U s (n, 0) sin
nQ2 2 2
From Eq. (7.180) when t 0, we get
¬0 if n is even
¯
A 4u0 L (2r 1)Q
¯ (2r 1)2 Q 2 sin 2
if n is odd
®
i.e.
(1)r 4u0 L
A
(2r 1)2 Q 2
Thus, from Eq. (7.180), we have
EXAMPLE 7.24 Find the steady-state temperature distribution u ( x, y ) in a long square bar
of side Q with one face maintained at constant temperature u0 and the other faces at zero
temperature.
Solution Mathematically, the above problem can be posed as the following BVP:
Taking the finite Fourier sine transform with respect to the variable x, we have
S w 2u S w 2u
Ô0 w x 2
sin nx dx Ô0 w y 2 sin nx dx 0
S
Èw u Ø S wu w2 S
ÉÊ
wx
sin nx Ù n
Ú0 Ô0 w x cos nx dx
w y2 Ô0 u sin nx dx 0
S d 2U s
n (u cos nx)S0 n 2 Ô0 u sin nx dx
dy 2
0
Therefore,
d 2U s
2
n 2Us 0
dy
Its general solution is known to be
Us A cosh ny B sinh ny (7.182)
Taking the finite Fourier sine transform of the second set of BCs, we have
Us (n, 0) 0
Q
Q ¦ cos nx µ ¦ 1 cos nQ µ
Us (n, Q ) ± u0 sin nx dx u0 § ¶ u0 § ¶
0 ¨ n ·0 ¨ n ·
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 439
¦ 1 cos nQ µ
B sinh nQ u0 § ¶
¨ n ·
Hence,
u0 ¦ 1 cos nQ µ
Us § ¶ sinh ny
sinh nQ ¨ n ·
Finally, taking the finite Fourier sine inverse transform, we have the result
f
2 u § 1 cos nπ ·
u ( x, y )
π ¦ sinh0n𠨩 n
¸¹ sinh ny sin nx
n 1
f
4u0 sinh (2r 1) y sin (2r 1) x
u ( x, y )
π ¦ (2r 1) sinh (2r 1) π
when n odd
r 0
0 when n even
w 2T [ g ( x, t )] 1 wT
PDE: , f x f, t ! 0
wx 2 k k wt
IC: T ( x, 0) F ( x), f x f
or
1 1 dT (B , t )
B 2T (B , t ) g (B , t ) (7.183)
k k dt
The Fourier transform of the IC is given by
f
iα x
T (α , 0) ³f e F ( x) dx F (α , 0)
Therefore,
f
iα x c
T (α , t ) t 0
T (α , 0) ³f e F ( x c ) dx c F (α , 0)
T exp ⎛⎜ kα 2 dt ⎞⎟ =
2
∫ ∫ g (α , t ) ekα t dt + c
⎝ ⎠
Using the IC, we get
c F (B , 0)
Hence, using the IC, the solution of Eq. (7.183) is obtained as
T (B , t ) e kB t ª F (B , 0) ± g (B , t b) ekB t dt b¹
2 ©
t 2 b ¸
« t b0 º
f
iα x c
g (α , t c ) ³xc f e g ( x c, t c ) dx c
After changing the order of integration and rewriting, Eq. (7.184) becomes
1 f f
T ( x, t )
2π ³ xc f F ( x c ) dx c ³α f
exp [ kα 2t iα ( x x c )] dα
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 441
1 t f f
2π ³ t c 0 dt c ³ xc f g ( xc, t c) dxc ³ α f
exp [ kα 2 (t t c ) iα ( x x c )] dα (7.185)
Now,
f f ª§ x x ·
2
§ x xc · º
2
³α f
exp [ kα 2 (t ) iα ( x x c)] dα ³α f
exp « ¨
¬ © 2 kt
1
iα kt ¸ ¨
¹ © 2 kt ¸¹ ¼
» dα
Let
x xb
iB kt iI
2 kt
Using Eqs. (7.186) and (7.187), the required temperature is obtained from Eq. (7.185) in the
form
1
Ô F ( x ) exp [( x x ) / (4kt )] dx
2
T ( x, t )
4S kt
t dt
Ô t 0 Ô g ( x , t ) exp [( x x )
2
/4D (t t )] dx
4S k (t t )
EXAMPLE 7.26 A uniform string of length L is stretched tightly between two fixed points
at x 0 and x L. If it is displaced a small distance F at a point x b, 0 b L, and
released from rest at time t 0, find an expression for the displacement at subsequent times.
Solution Let u ( x, t ) denote the displacement of the string. Then at t 0, the equation
for OA is: y (F / b) x, (see Fig. 7.1) while the equation for AB is given by
F
y ( x L)
bL
Now, the IBVP is described by the PDE:
utt c 2 u xx
442 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
BCs: u (0, t ) = u ( L, t ) = 0, t ≥ 0,
⎧ε x
⎪⎪ b , 0< x<b
ICs: u ( x, 0) = ⎨
⎪ ε ( x − L) , b<x<L
⎪⎩ b − L
ut ( x, 0) = 0
Taking the finite Fourier sine transform of the PDE, we have
L w 2u nπ x L w 2u nπ x
³0 w t 2 sin
L
dx c2 ³0 w x2 sin L
dx
or
d 2Us ° § w u nπ x ·
L
nπ Lwu nπ x ½°
dt 2
c2 ®¨
©
¯° w x
sin
L 0
¸
¹
L ³0 w x cos
L
dx¾
¿°
nπ 2 ª § nπ x º
L
nπ x · nπ L
L
c « ¨ u cos
¬ © L 0
¸
¹
L ³0 u sin
L
dx »
¼
n 2π 2 c 2 nπ c 2
Us {u (0, t ) u ( L, t ) cos nπ }
L2 L
n 2π 2 c 2
Us (after using BCs)
L2
Therefore,
d 2Us n2Q 2 c 2
Us 0
dt 2 L2
Its general solution is found to be
nQ ct nQ ct
Us (n, t ) A cos
B sin (7.188)
L L
Now, taking finite Fourier sine transform of ICs, we obtain
bFx nQ x L F ( x L) nQ x
Us (n, 0) ± sin dx ± sin dx
0 b L b bL L
b
F L ¦ nQ x µ F L b nQ x
§ x cos ¶ t ± 0 cos dx
b nQ ¨ L ·0 b nQ L
L
FL © nQ x ¸ FL L nQ x
ª ( x L ) cos ¹ ± cos dx
nQ (b L) « L º 0 nQ (b L) b L
2 2
FL nQ b FL nQ b
sin 2 2 sin
n 2Q 2 b L n Q (b L) L
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 443
or
ε L3 nπ b
Us (n, 0) = sin
n π b ( L − b)
2 2 L
ε L3 nπ b
Us (n, 0) = A = sin
n π b ( L − b)
2 2 L
Further, taking finite Fourier sine transform of the second IC, we get
dUs
0
dt
From Eq. (7.188) it can be easily seen that B 0. Thus, we obtain from Eq. (7.188) the
relation
ε L3 nπ b nπ ct
Us (n, t ) = sin cos
n π b ( L − b)
2 2 L L
EXERCISES
1. Find the Fourier transform of
¬1 x 2 ,
¯ | x | c1
f ( x)
¯
®0, | x | 1
and hence evaluate
f§x cos x sin x · x
³ 0 ¨© x 3 ¸¹ cos 2 dx
g ( x) e ax
¬1, 0 xM
f ( x)
®0, xM
show that
f sin λα dα π § 1 e λ a ·
³ 0 α (a 2 α 2 ) 2 ¨© a 2 ¸¹
5. Verify the following relations:
f f
(i)
³ 0 Fs (α ) Gs (α ) dα ³ 0 f ( x) g ( x) dx
f f
³ 0 [ Fc (α )] dα ³ 0 [ f ( x)]
2 2
(ii) dx
f f
³ 0 [ Fs (α )] dα ³ 0 [ f ( x)] dx.
2 2
(iii)
f
ax 2 2bx π b2/ a
³ f e dx
a
e
vt vxx 0, f x f, t ! 0
v ( x, 0) f ( x), f x f
show that
t
u ( x, t ) = ∫ 0 v ( x, t − τ ) d τ
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS 445
is a solution of
ut u xx f ( x), f x f, t ! 0
u ( x, 0) 0, f x f
and hence, write down the Green’s function for the above non-homogeneous PDE with
the homogeneous initial condition.
[Duhamel’s principle]
9. The temperature R ( x, t ) in the semi-infinite rod x s 0 is determined from the differential
equation
wθ w 2θ
α2
wt w x2
subject to
IC: R ( x, 0) 0
BC: R (0, t ) G (t ) for t 0
Using the Fourier sine transform, derive the solution in the form
2 f § x2 · 2
θ ( x, t )
π ³ x /(2a φ ¨ t 2 2 ¸ eu du
t) © 4α u ¹
¬0, x0
u ( x, 0)
®1, x0
and
Lt u ( x, y ) 0 in the above half-plane.
x 2 y 2 of
446 INTRODUCTION TO PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
12. Using the finite Fourier transform, solve the BVP described by
w V w 2V
PDE : , 0 x 6, t 0
w t w x2
subject to
BC: Vx (0, t ) 0 Vx (6, t )
IC: V ( x, 0) 2 x
13. Using the finite Fourier transform, solve the two-dimensional Laplace equation
w 2V w 2V
0 0 x π , 0 y y0
w x2 w y2
subject to
V (0, y ) = 0, V (π , y ) = 1
Vy ( x, 0) = 0, V ( x, y0 ) = 1.
Bibliography
BELL, W.W., Special Functions for Scientists and Engineers, Van Nostrand, London, 1968.
CARSLAW, H. and JAEGER, J., Conduction of Heat in Solids, Oxford University Press,
Fairlawn, N.J., 1950.
CHESTER, C.R., Techniques in Partial Differential Equations, McGraw-Hill, New York,
1971.
CHURCHILL, R., Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill,
New York, 1963.
COLE, J.D., On a quasi-linear parabolic equation occurring in aerodynamics, Q. Appl.
Math., 9, pp. 225–236, 1951.
COPSON, E.T., Partial Differential Equations, S. Chand & Co., New Delhi, 1976.
DENNEMEYER, R., Introduction to Partial Differential Equations, McGraw-Hill, New York,
1968.
DUCHALEAU PAUL and ZACHMANN, D.W., Partial Differential Equations (Schaum’s
Outline Series in Mathematics), McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986.
DUFF, G.F.D. and NAYLOR, D., Differential Equations of Applied Mathematics, Wiley,
New York, 1966.
GARABEDIAN, P., Partial Differential Equations, Wiley, New York, 1964.
GELFAND, I. and SHILOV, G., Generalized Functions, Vol. I, Academic Press, New York,
1964.
GREENBERG, M., Applications of Green’s Functions in Science and Engineering,
Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1971.
GUSTAFSON, K.E., Introduction to Partial Differential Equations and Hilbert Space
Methods, Wiley, New York, 1987.
447
448 BIBLIOGRAPHY
HILDEBRAND, F.B., Advanced Calculus for Applications, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs,
N.J., 1963.
HOPE, E., The PDE: ut + uux = huxx, Comm. Pure Appl. Math., 3, pp. 201–230, 1950.
JOHN, F., Partial Differential Equations, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1971.
MACKIE, A.G., Boundary Value Problems, Oliver and Boyd, London, 1965.
PRASAD, PHOOLAN and RENUKA, R., Partial Differential Equations, Wiley Eastern,
New Delhi, 1987.
SANKARA RAO, K., Classical Mechanics, Prentice-Hall of India, New Delhi, 2005.
SNEDDON, I.N., Elements of Partial Differential Equations, International edition, McGraw-
Hill, Singapore, 1986.
SNEDDON, I.N., The Use of Integral Transforms, Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi, 1974.
STACKGOLD, IVAR, Boundary Value Problems of Mathematical Physics, Vol. II,
Macmillan, New York, 1968.
TYCHONOV, A.N. and SAMARSKI, A.A., Partial Differential Equations of Mathematical
Physics, Vol. 1, Holden-Day, London, 1964.
WEINBERGER, H.F., A First Course in Partial Differential Equations, Plaisdell Publishing Co.,
New York, 1965.
Answers and Keys to Exercises
Chapter 0
1. px qy x y
2. pq 4 xyz
¦ xy x y µ
3. F§ , ¶0
¨ z z ·
4. (i) F ( x3 − y 3 , x 2 − z 2 ) = 0
(ii) F ( x 2 − y 2 + 2 x − 2 y, z ( x − y )) = 0
5. x2 y 2 z 4 z 2 0
6. x2 y 2 2 x z 2 4 z
7. ( x y z )2 z 4 ( x y z )2 2 z 2 ( x y z ) 2 z 4 ( x y z ) 0
5 2 2t
z s (e 1) 3s 2 (et 1)
2
and the equation of the integral surface is
z y (4 x 3 y ) / 2.
449
450 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
s t
9. x= (e + e−t ), y = (et − e−t )/2
2
s 2 t s 2 t s
z e e
4 4 2
The equation of the integral surface is
z 2 x 2 (1 y 2 )
z s 2 e 2t
and the equation of the integral surface is
4 z ( x 2 y )2 0
11. z 2 2 xy c1
12. z 2 x 2 ( y c)2
2 1 1 2
14. (i) z = ( y + a)3/2 + + 2 + be3/ x
3 9 3x
ax b a2
(ii) z = + −
y2 y 4 y3
16. (i) z 2 2 (a 1) ( x y / a) b
1
(ii) z ( x 2 a 2 )3 / 2 ( y 2 a 2 )1/ 2 b
3
17. z ax by sin (ab)
18. (i) The given PDE is of Clairaut’s form
¦ p q µ
z xp yq § ¶
§ 2
¨q p 2 ·¶
Its complete integral is
¦ a b µ
z ax by § 2
2¶
¨b a ·
ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES 451
¦ a 4 b4 µ
(ii) z ax by §§ ¶
¨ ab ·¶
( x − y + z )/ z 2 = c2 (3)
x y 1 c1 , x y 1 c2
whose solution is found to be
c1 c2 c c
x 1 and y 1 2 (4)
2 2
c12 c22 c1 c2 0
452 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
or
2
©x y z¸ ©x y z¸
( x y z )2 ª ¹ ( x y z) ª 0
« z 2
º « z 2 ¹º
is the required integral surface.
w wy
22. Given u = w/y , which implies u x wx /y , u y 2
y y
Substituting in the given PDE, we get
x ⎛ w wy ⎞
wx = u + y⎜ 2 + ⎟
y ⎜y y ⎟⎠
⎝
That is,
x w w
wx wy or xwx ywy 0
y y y
This is a Lagrange’s equation, whose auxiliary equations are
dx dy dw
x y 0
The first two members give us x dy y dx 0, which on integration yields xy c1. The
last equation is dw 0, which on integration gives w c2 . Hence, the solution
is w f ( xy ) . Therefore, the correct choice is (D).
23. The given differential equation can be recast as
¦ p q µ
z xp yq §
2¶
§ 2
¨q p ·¶
which is of Clairauts form. Hence, its complete integral is
z ax by (ab 2 ba 2 )
Therefore, the correct choice is (A)
wz wz
24. = p = 1 + yA′ ( xy ), = q = 1 + xA′ ( xy )
wx wy
Eliminating Ab in the above pair of equations, we get
px qy x y
Hence, the correct choice is (B).
25. The given PDE is in Clairaut’s form. Hence, the correct choice is (B).
ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES 453
Chapter 1
1. The given PDE is hyperbolic if the determinant
B 2 4 AC 4 ( x y )2 [2 ( x y )2 ] ! 0
Hyperbolic Elliptic
If 1 x 2 ! 0 or | x | 1 If 1 x 2 0 or | x | ! 1
dy B r B 2 4 AC 1 dy 1
r ri u
dx 2
dx 2A 1 x 2 x 1
On integration, we obtain On integration, we get
dy
r i xy
dx
1 1
uξξ uηη uξ uη
ξ 3η
454 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
ξ x2 y 2 , η x2 y 2
The canonical form is
2(ξ 2 − η 2 ) uξη − ηuξ + ξ uη = 0
(b) Parabolic type.
Characteristic equation: Y y x, I y
Canonical form: uII 0.
(c) Elliptic for finite values of x and y. The canonical form is
u uC
uBB uCC u B
B C
(d) Parabolic everywhere. The characteristic equations are:
ξ = y/x, η = y
1 8
Canonical form: uξη uη
3 9
5. The equation is hyperbolic. The characteristic equations are:
1
Y y 3 x, I y x
3
Canonical equation: uYI 0.
The general solution is
¦ xµ
u ( x, y ) f ( y 3 x ) g § y ¶
¨ 3·
w2 w2 w2 w w
7. L* (v) ( Av) ( Bv) (Cv) ( Dv) ( Ev) ( Fv)
wx 2 w xw y wy 2 wx wy
9. Comparing with the general second order PDE, that is,
AZ xx BZ xy CZ yy DZ x EZ y FZ G
ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES 455
From the given PDE, we find that A = 1, B = 2, C = cos 2 x. Then, the discriminant is
given by B 2 − 4 AC = 4 − 4 cos 2 x = 4sin 2 x. Therefore, the given PDE is of hyperbolic
type if sin x 0. On integration, the required characteristics are found to be
y x cos x c1 and y x cos x c2
= x 2 ( y 2 − 1) [ y 2 − 1 − 4 y ( y − 1)]
= x 2 ( y 2 − 1)[−3 y 2 + 4 y − 1] > 0.
Hence, the given PDE is hyperbolic everywhere except along x 0, that is, except
along y-axis. Therefore, the correct choice is (B).
13. Comparing the given PDE with the standard PDE of second order, we find that the
characteristic equations are given by
dy B q B 2 4 AC
,
dx 2A
where A x 2 , B 0, C y 2 .
Thus,
dy 4 x2 y 2 y
q 2
q .
dx 2x x
Taking –ve sign we have,
dy dx
.
y x
On integration, we get
ln y ln x ln C.
456 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
That is,
xy c,
which is a rectangular hyperbola. Hence, the correct choice is (A). If we take +ve
sign, the correct choice is (D).
14. Comparing the given PDE with the standard PDE of second order, we observe that
A y, B 2 xy, C x . Hence its discriminant B 2 4 AC 4 x 2 y 2 4 xy should be
positive. For hyperbolic case, we should have xy 1. Hence, the correct choice is
(C).
15. (i) uCF = exf1(y + x) + e2xf2(y + x)
(ii) uCF = exf1(x – y) + e3xf2(2x – y).
16. uCF = Ç ci ea x b y
i i
i 1
where F(ai, bi) = ai2 + aibi + ai + bi + 1 = 0.
1
17. (i) u = exf1(y) + e–xf2(y + x) + sin (x + 2y)
2
1 x+2y
(ii) u = f1(x) + e3xf2(y + 2x) – e
6
(iii) u = ey[yf2(x – 2y) + f1(x – 2y) + ey[y2y3(2x + y) + yy2(2x + y) + y1(2x + y)].
y
18. (i) u = y1(xy) + x2y2(xy) +
x
1 x+2y
(ii) u = f1(y) + e3x f2(y + 2x) – e .
6
x2 y x3
19. (i) u = f1(y – x) + f2(y – 2x) +
2 3
1
(ii) u = f1(y + ix) + f2(y – ix) – cos px cos qy
( p q2 ) 2
Chapter 2
1. It has been shown in Example 2.4 that the possible solution of the given BVP
satisfying all the BCs except the first one is
¥ B r sin nR
f
u ( r ,R ) n
n
n 1
ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES 457
800 π
∫ 0 (πθ − θ )sin nθ dθ
2
= for n odd
π 2
¥
f 2 n 1
3200 1 ¦ r µ
u ( r ,R ) 3 § 10 ¶
sin (2n 1)R
Q2 n 1 (2n 1) ¨ ·
c1
h (T2 − Tb ) = (ii)
b2
458 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
c1
T c2 (iii)
r
Using the first BC, we have
c1
T1 c2 (iv)
a
From equations (ii)–(iv),
c1 ¦ c1 c1 µ
hT2 hT (b) hT2 h § T1 ¶
2
b ¨ b a·
which gives
h[T2 T1 ] ab
c1
a hb (b a )
Finally, the required steady temperature T can be obtained from equations (iii) and
(iv) as
h(T1 T2 ) ab 2 h (T2 T1 ) ab 2
T T1
r[a hb (b a)] a[a hb (b a)]
h (T2 T1 ) ab 2 ¦ 1 1 µ
T1 § ¶
[a hb (b a )] ¨ a r ·
3. It has been shown in Example 2.15 that
¥ (A r
f
T (r , R ) n
n
Bn /r n 1 ) Pn (cos R )
n 0
¥ (A a
f
T1 n
n
Bn / a n 1 ) Pn (cos R )
n 0
For n 0,
T1 = A0 + B0 /a (i)
For n 1,
0 = A1a + B1 /a 2 (ii)
ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES 459
Similarly, solving (ii) and (iv), we obtain B1 and A1 . For n 2,3,..., we get the following
homogeneous system
An a n + Bn /a n +1 = 0,
An b n + Bn /b n +1 = 0
100 = c1 ln b − c1 ln a = c1 ln (b/a )
which gives
100 −100ln a
c1 = , c2 =
ln (b /a ) ln (b/a)
Hence the temperature distribution in the annulus is obtained from equation (i) as
ln (r/a)
T = 100
ln (b/a )
460 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
5. Following the interior Dirichlet’s problem, the solution of Laplace equation in polar
coordinates is
A0
u ( r ,θ ) =
2
+ ∑ r n ( An cos nθ + Bn sin nθ ) (i)
A0
u ( a ,θ ) =
2
+ ∑ a n ( An cos nθ + Bn sin nθ ) (ii)
1 α cα
A0 =
π ∫ 0 c dθ = π
1 α c sin nα
a n An =
π ∫ 0 c cos nθ dθ = nπ
Similarly,
1 α c ⎛ cos nα 1 ⎞
a n Bn =
π ∫ 0 c sin nθ dθ = − π ⎜⎝ n
− ⎟
n⎠
Thus the temperature distribution at the interior points of the disc can be obtained
from equation (i) as
n
cα ⎛r⎞ c
=
2π
+ ∑ ⎜ ⎟
⎝ a ⎠ nπ
[sin n (α − θ ) + sin nθ )
or
c ªα f § r · n sin n (α θ ) sin nθ º
u ( r ,θ )
π
« ¦¨© ¸¹ »
¬« 2 n 1 a n ¼»
6. Solve the PDE:
∇ 2ψ = 0 (i)
subject to the BCs:
R B, Z 0 (ii)
θ = β, ψ = ∑ αnr n (iii)
ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES 461
Using spherical polar coordinates and in view of symmetry of the cone, the solution
of equation (i) is
Z [c1r n c2 r (n1) ] [c3 Pn (cosR ) c4 Qn (cosR )] (iv)
Therefore,
¥
f
r n An
Z ( r ,R ) [ Pn (cosR ) Qn (cos B ) Pn (cos B ) Qn (cosR )]
n 0
Qn (cos B )
¥B
f
© Pn (cosR ) Qn (cos B ) Pn (cos B ) Qn (cosR ) ¸ n
Z nª r
n 0
C
« Pn (cos ) Qn (cos B ) Pn (cos B ) Qn (cos C ) ¹º
7. Let
q q
Z
| r rb | ( x xb) ( y y b)2 ( z z b)2
2
then
wψ q ( x − x′)
=−
wx | r − r ′ |3
w 2ψ q 3q ( x − x′)2
=− +
w x2 | r − r ′ |3 | r − r ′ |5
Similarly,
w 2ψ q 3q( y − y ′)2
=− +
w y2 | r − r ′ |3 | r − r ′ |5
462 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
w 2ψ q 3q ( z − z ′) 2
=− +
w z2 | r − r ′ |3 | r − r ′ |5
Therefore,
∇ 2ψ = 0
Hence,
q
Z
| r rb |
is one of the elementary solutions of the Laplace equation.
8. Assume G R(r ) F (R ), by variables separable method, we have
r 2 R ′′ + rR ′ F ′′
=− = λ2
R F
Since the velocity components must be periodic with respect to R , we have
F c cos MR D sin MR (i)
The ODE for R becomes
R = Ar n + Br − n
For special case when M n 0, the solution of (i) and (ii) are
R k1 ln r k2 , F MR N
Therefore, the general solution of the given PDE is
f f
φ = (k1 ln r + k2 ) ( M θ + N ) + ∑ r n ( An cos nθ + Bn sin nθ ) + ∑ r −n (cn cos nθ + Dn sin nθ ) (iii)
n =1 n =1
we must choose
A1 U f , An 0 (n t 2), Bn 0
wG
Similarly, the BC: 0 gives, for all values of R , the relations
wr r a
¥
f
k1
0 ( M R N ) U f cosR na n 1 (cn cos nR Dn sin nR )
a n 1
implying thereby
k1 0, c1 a 2U f , cn 0 (n t 2), Dn 0
Hence, the required solution is
§ a2 ·
φ U f r ¨1 2 ¸ cosθ kθ
© r ¹
ω (0, y ) = ω (1, y ) = 0, 0 ≤ y ≤1
ω ( x, 0) = ω ( x,1) = x 2 − x, 0 ≤ x ≤1
Following Example 2.21, it can be shown that
¥ sin[2(2nn 1)1)Q x] ¬® sinh [(2n 1) Qsinhy] (2sinhn [(21)Qn 1) Q (1 y)] »¼½
f
Z ( x, y ) x x 2
Q 3
n 1
3
10. Since u is a function of r and R alone, in cylindrical polar coordinates, the solution
of Laplace equation satisfying Lt u (r ,R ) 0 is given by
r nf
u ( r ,R ) ¥r
n
n
( An cos nR Bn sin nR )
This implies that all the constants Bn will be zero, except, B3 which is given by
u0
3a 4 B3 sin 3R sin 3R
a
i.e.,
u0 3
B3 a
3
Therefore, the required solution is
3
u0 ¦ a µ
u ( r ,R ) § ¶ sin 3R ( a c r c f )
3 ¨r·
12. u e(1 O ) y ( Ae Ox
Be Ox
)
Chapter 3
BCs:Tx = 0 at x = 0, x = l for t ≥ 0
w T ( x, t ) 2 2
= (− Aλ sin λ x + B λ cos λ x) e −α λ t (ii)
wx
The first BC gives from (ii), B 0. The second BC gives from (ii)
where
2 l ⎛ nπ ⎞
∫ 0 (lx − x
2
An = ) cos ⎜ x ⎟ dx
l ⎝ l ⎠
2. Solve
PDE:Tt = α 2Txx , 0≤ x≤a
BCs:T (0, t ) = 0, T ( a, t ) = 0
IC:T ( x, 0) f ( x)
The general solution is
2 2
T ( x, t ) = ( A cos λ x + B sin λ x) e−α λ t
(i)
¥
f 2 ¸
¦ nQ µ © ¦ nQ µ
T ( x, t ) Bn sin § x ¶ exp ª B 2 § ¶ t¹
n 1 ¨ a · ª« ¨ a · ¹º
where
2 a § nQ ·
Bn
a ³0 f ( x) sin ¨
© a ¸¹
x dx
1
R′′ + R′ + p 2 R = 0, − p 2 = const . (ii)
r
Integration of (i) gives
T = c1 exp (−ν p 2 t ) (iii)
Equation (ii) is a Bessel’s equation of order zero whose solution is
R = c2 J 0 ( pr ) + c3Y0 ( pr )
Thus the general solution is
θ (r , t ) = [ AJ 0 ( pr ) + BY0 ( pr )] exp (−ν p 2 t ) (iv)
In view of the first BC, the solution is
θ (r , t ) = AJ 0 ( pr ) exp (−ν p 2t )
R (r , t ) ¥AJ ¦ Mn
n 0§
¨ a
µ
r ¶ exp §
·
¦ OM 2
§ a2
¨
n
µ
t¶
¶
·
⎧0 if n ≠ m
a ⎪ 2
∫0 rJ 0 (λm r ) J 0 (λn r ) dr = ⎨ a 2
⎪ J1 (λm a ) if n = m
⎩2
we obtain
P a ⎛λ r⎞
∫ 0 r (a
2
Am = − r 2 ) J 0 ⎜ m ⎟ dr
2 μ a 2 J12 (λm ) ⎝ a ⎠
which on evalution reduces to
2 Pa 2
Am
Mm3 N J1 (Mm )
Hence the required solution is
¥ NM
f
2 Pa 2 ¦M µ
R (r , t ) J0 § m r ¶ exp (OMm2 t /a 2 )
m J1 (Mm )
3
m 1 ¨ a ·
Setting v rT , we have
¦vµ v r v
vt rTt , Tr § ¶ r 2
¨ r ·r r
{(vr r ) r vr )} r 2 2r (vr r v)
Trr
r4
Equation (i) reduces to
vt c 2 vrr (ii)
468 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
v (r ,0) rf (r ) (iv)
respectively. The possible solution of (ii) using BCs is
v (r , t ) ¥ B sin n
¦ nQ
§
¨ R
µ
r ¶ exp (c 2 n 2Q 2t /R 2 )
·
(v)
¥ B sin
f
¦ nQ µ
rf (r ) n § r¶
n 1 ¨ R ·
wT
BC: = 0 (thermally insulated)
wr r =a
IC:T (r , 0) = f (r )
The required solution is
¥ A J (M r) exp (kM t)
f
T (r , t ) n 0 n
2
n
n 1
where
a
An =
∫ 0 rf (r ) J 0 (λn r ) dr
a
∫ 0 rJ 0 (λn r ) dr
2
ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES 469
where
⎛ | r |2 ⎞
k (r , t ) = (4πα t )−3/2 exp ⎜ −
⎜ 4α t ⎟⎟
⎝ ⎠
Here, the function k (r, t ) is called a fundamental solution of the diffusion equation.
10. Using variables separable method, the only solution for the given PDE, which is
physically acceptable is of the form
2
R ( x, t ) (c1 cos M x c2 sin M x) eM t (1)
where bn c2 . Adding all possible solutions the most general solution satisfying the
given BCs: is
f § n 2Q 2 ·
§ nQ x ·
R ( x, t ) ¦ bn sin ¨
© a ¸¹
exp ¨
© a2
t¸
¹
(4)
n 1
¥ b sin
f
¦ nQ x µ
R0 n § ¶, which is a half range
n 1 ¨ a ·
470 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
Fourier sine series and hence, the required solution is given by Eq. (4) where bn is
given by
2 a ⎛ nπ x ⎞
bn =
a
θ0 ∫ 0 sin ⎜⎝ a ⎠
⎟ dx (v)
Chapter 4
1. From D’Alembert’s method, the required solution is of the form
1
u ( x, t ) [ f ( x ct ) f ( x ct )]
2
Given
Qx
u f ( x) u0 sin
l
it follows that
u0 © Q ( x ct ) Q ( x ct ) ¸
u ( x, t ) ª«sin sin ¹º
2 l l
Using
1
sin B cos C [sin (B C ) sin (B C )]
2
we have
Qx Q ct
u ( x, t ) u0 sin cos
l l
2. The general solution is given by Eq. (4.37). Using the IC: ut ( x, 0) 0, we have
Bn 0. The use of another IC: u ( x, 0) = 10 sin (π x / l ) yields
πx nπ x
10 sin
l
= ∑ An sin l
u = 0, x = 0 ⇒ c1 = 0, ut = 0 gives c4 = 0
ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES 471
where
2 π 2
∫ 0 x sin nx dx = n (− 1)
n +1
bn =
π
bl © Q x cQ t 3Q x 3cQ t ¸
4. u ( x, t ) ª
9sin sin sin sin
12cQ « l l l l ¹º
5. From Eq. (4.37), the possible solution is
nπ x ⎡ ⎛ nπ ⎞ ⎛ nπ ⎞ ⎤
u ( x, t ) = ∑ sin l ⎣⎢
An cos ⎜
⎝ l
ct ⎟ + Bn sin ⎜
⎠ ⎝ l
ct ⎟ ⎥
⎠⎦
¥ B sin nQl x
f
f ( x) nb
n 1
where
2 l nπ x
Bn′ =
l ∫ 0 f ( x) sin l
dx
This form of the solution does not convey the fact that the initial disturbance will be
propagated as some sort of wave motion. But if we rewrite equation (i) in the
alternative form
¥
f
1 © ¬ nQ » ¬ nQ »¸
u ( x, t ) Bnb ªsin ( x ct ) ¼ sin ( x ct ¼¹ ,
2 n 1 « ® l ½ ® l ½º
it gives a feeling that u ( x, t ) is a sum of two travelling waves, one moving to the
right and the other moving to the left with speed c.
6. Since u is a function of r and t only, the given equation reduces to
w 2u 2 w u 1 w 2u
+ =
w r2 r w r c2 w t 2
472 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
w 2φ 1 w 2φ
=
w r2 c2 w t 2
the solution of which is
φ = f (r − ct ) + g (r + ct )
Hence the general solution of the given equation is
u = [ f (r − ct ) + g (r + ct )]/r
1 1
7. u ( x, t ) 5 x 2t c 2t 3 (e x ct e x ct 2e x ).
3 2t 2
8. u ( x, t ) sin x cos ct (et 1) ( xt x) xtet .
9. We notice that one boundary condition is a function of time. Using D’Alemberts
method, the solution of the wave equation is u ( x, t ) Z ( x ct ) G ( x ct ). The boundary
conditions give ψ ( x) + φ ( x) = 0 and Z ( x) G ( x) A (the constant of integration).
Their solution gives Z ( x) A / 2, G ( x) A / 2 when their arguments are positive.
Now applying the IC, we get G (ct ) sin t Z (ct ). But for t > 0, ψ (ct ) = A /2.
Therefore, φ (−ct ) = sin t − A /2 for t 0. Now, when x ct 0 or t > x / c, we have
⎡ ⎛ x ⎞⎤ ⎛ x⎞
φ ( x − ct ) = φ ⎢ −c ⎜ t − ⎟ ⎥ = sin ⎜ t − ⎟ − A /2
⎣ ⎝ c ⎠⎦ ⎝ c⎠
Combining these results, we get
¬0 when x ct
¯
u ( x, t ) ¦ xµ
¯sin §¨ t c ¶· when x ct
®
10. Similar to Example 4.9 with F 1, G y etc.
11. The vibration of the string is described by
PDE: ytt = c 2 y xx , 0 ≤ x ≤ L, t > 0
where c 2 = τ /ρ , subject to
BCs: y (0, t ) = y ( L, t ) = 0 for all t and
ICs: yt ( x, 0) = 0 .
The initial displacement of the string is given by
Using variables separable method, the displacement of the string at any time is given
by
¥ (n8Qs) sin
f
¦ nQ µ ¦ nQ ct µ ¦ nQ x µ
y ( x, t ) 2 § ¶ cos § ¶ sin § ¶
n 1 ¨ 2 · ¨ L · ¨ L ·
where c 2 = τ /ρ .
or
8s ⎡ 1 ⎛π x ⎞ ⎛ π ct ⎞ 1 ⎛ 3π x ⎞ ⎛ 3π ct ⎞ 1 ⎛ 5π x ⎞ ⎛ 5π ct ⎞ ⎤
y ( x, t ) = 2 ⎢ 2
sin ⎜ ⎟ cos ⎜ ⎟ − 2 sin ⎜ ⎟ × cos ⎜ ⎟ + 2 sin ⎜ ⎟ cos ⎜ ⎟ − ⎥
π ⎣l ⎝ L ⎠ ⎝ L ⎠ 3 ⎝ L ⎠ ⎝ L ⎠ 5 ⎝ L ⎠ ⎝ L ⎠ ⎦
12. The first term in the solution of problem 11 is the normal mode corresponding to the
lowest normal frequency often called Fundamental frequency. That is,
8s ¦Q x µ ¦ Q ct µ
sin § ¶ cos § ¶.
Q 2
¨ L · ¨ L ·
x
O L
The next higher frequency is given by the mode which corresponds to the term
8s ¦ 3Q x µ ¦ 3Q ct µ
sin § ¶ cos § ¶
9Q 2
¨ L · ¨ L ·
3c 3
2π f3 = 3π c/L or f3 = = τ /ρ
2L 2L
474 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
L
x
O
However, we observe that the even frequencies f 2 , f 4 etc. are absent. But, it should
be noted that both even and odd frequencies will be present in a general displacement.
13. The governing PDE: ytt c 2 y xx , 0 c x c L subject to the BCs:
wy
x =0
= 0, y ( L, t ) = 0
wx
and the ICs:
wy
y ( x, 0) = y0 cos (π x / 2 L),
=0
w t t =0
The time-dependent displacement of the string is found to be
¦Q x µ ¦ cQ t µ
y ( x, t ) y0 cos § ¶ sin § ¶.
¨ 2 L · ¨ 2L ·
14. Let u f ( x vt iB y ) g ( x vt i B y ) .
Then,
u x = f ′ + g ′, u xx f bb g bb (1)
u y iB f b i B g b, u yy = −α 2 f ′′ − α 2g ′′ (2)
ft v f b v g b, ftt = v 2 f ′′ + v 2g ′′ (3)
Now, substituting expressions (1), (2) and (3) in the given PDE, we find that
v2
f bb g bb B 2 f bb B 2 g bb ( f bb g bb)
c2
ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES 475
or
v2
(1 B 2 ) f bb (1 B 2 ) g bb ( f bb g bb)
c2
is satisfied, provided
1 − α 2 = v 2/ c 2 or α 2 = 1 − v 2/ c 2.
15. The D’Alembert’s solution for the IVP defined as
PDE: utt c 2 u xx , t 0, e x e
ICs: u ( x, 0) I ( x ), ut ( x, 0) v ( x) is
1 1 x + ct
u ( x, t ) = [η ( x + ct ) + η ( x − ct )] =
2 2c ∫ x−ct v(ξ ) dξ
In the given problem, v( x) 0, c 2 and I ( x) x. Therefore, the solution to the given
problem is
1 1
u ( x, t ) [I ( x 2t ) I ( x 2t )] [ x ct x ct ] x
2 2
Hence, the correct choice is (A).
16. D’Alembert’s solution is given as
1 1 x +t
u ( x, t ) = [η ( x + t ) + η ( x − t )] +
2 2 ∫ x−t cos ξ dξ
1 1
[sin ( x t ) sin ( x t )] [sin ( x t ) sin ( x t )] sin ( x t )
2 2
Therefore,
⎛π π ⎞ ⎛π π ⎞ ⎛2 ⎞
u ⎜ , ⎟ = sin ⎜ + ⎟ = sin ⎜ π ⎟ = sin 120 = 3/2
⎝2 6⎠ ⎝2 6⎠ ⎝3 ⎠
Hence, the correct choice is (A).
Ô0 ËÍÌÇ an (W ) e
t
17. u( x, t ) n 2 ( t W )
sin nx ÛÜ dW
Ý
Chapter 5
which is valid for all continuous functions f ( x, y, z ) having compact support in the
( x, y, z ) -space. If E ( x Y ), E ( y I ), E ( z [ ) are three one-dimensional δ -functions,
then we have
f f f
³ f ³ f ³ f f (Y , I, [ ) ( x Y ) ( y I) ( z [ ) dY dI d[ f ( x, y , z )
ÔÔ I ( x, y) G ( x D1 ) G ( y D 2 ) dx dy I (D1, D 2 )
becomes
∫∫ φ ( f , g ) δ [ f (ξ ,η) − α1 ] δ [ g (ξ , η) − α2 ] | J | dξ dη = φ (α1, α2 )
where
fξ fη w ( f , g)
J= =
gξ gη w (ξ ,η )
The above equation indicates
δ [ f (ξ ,η ) − α1 ]δ [ g (ξ ,η ) − α 2 ] | J |= δ ( x − α1 ) δ ( y − α 2 ) | J |= δ (ξ − β1 ) δ (η − β 2 )
fr fR cosR r sin R
| J | r
gr gR sin R r cosR
Hence
E (r r0 ) E (R R 0 )
E ( x x0 ) E ( y y0 )
r
3. Let x r sin R cos G , y r sin R sin G , z r cos R . That is, x = f(r, q, f), y = g(r, q, f),
z h (r ,R ). Then
fr fR fG
| J | g r gR gG r 2 sin R
hr hR hG
ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES 477
Chapter 6
2. (i) (1 − e − sτ ) /s 2τ .
⎛ s −1⎞ 1
3. (i) ln ⎜ ⎟; (ii) [ln ( s 2 + 4)]∞ −1 ∞
s − [tan ( s / 3)]s .
⎝ s ⎠ 2
1 © e s 1 ¸
4.
2 s ª
(e s 1) ¹
1 e ª« s s2 ¹º
5. (1 − e−6 s ) / s 2 (1 + e−6 s )
6. (1 − e−bs ) /s (1 + e−bs )
7. e−2 s
s
478 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
1
8. (i) (1 − s / s 2 + 1); (ii)
( s + 1)3/2
2
1 1
9. (i) e t e 2 t ; (ii) e2t (t t 2 ); (iii) 1 cos t ;
2 2
e3t 1 5
(iv) 1 t 1
e 3tet e 2t ; (v) [t sin 2t ]; (vi) 2 e t e 2t
3 3 4 2 2
sin kt
10. (i) (e−bt − e− at )/ t ; (ii) ;
t
eat
12. (i) at sin at ; (ii) erf ( at );
a3 a
t
(iii) (sin 2t 2t cos 2t ).
64
¬0, t Q
13. L1[e Q s/( s 2 1)]
® sin t , t s Q
1 © t t /2 ¦ 3t 3t µ¸
14. (i) ªe e § 3 sin cos ¶¹ ;
3« ¨ 2 2 ·º
19. x e t 1, y 2 et
d 2H s
2
H
dx k
The Laplace transform of the BCs gives
1
H when x 0
s ( s 1)
H 0 when x Q
Hence the solution of the above ODE is
© s ¸
sin h ª (Q x) ¹
1 « k º
H
s ( s 1) ¦ s µ
sin h § x¶
¨ k ·
Taking the inverse Laplace transform using inversion formula, we get
ª s º
e st sin h « (Q x) »
H if
1 ¬ k ¼ ds
R ( x, t )
2Q i ³ H if § s ·
s ( s 1) sin h ¨ Q ¸
© k ¹
d 2U s
2
U ( x, s) 10 cos 5 x
dx 3
Its general solution is
s / 3x ⎛ s ⎞ 30cos 5 x
U ( x, s ) = Ae + B exp ⎜ − x ⎟ +
⎝ 3 ⎠ 75 + s
Taking the Laplace transform of the BCs and utilizing them into the above solution,
we have only the trivial solution A B 0. Thus we get
30 cos 5 x
U ( x, s )
75 s
480 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
24. Taking the Laplace transform of the given PDE and using the ICs, we obtain
d 2U s2
U ( x, s ) 0
dx 2 c2
Its general solution is
¦s µ ¦s µ
U ( x, s ) A cosh § x ¶ B sinh § x ¶
¨c · ¨c ·
Taking inverse Laplace transform and using complex inversion formula, we get
1 H if PCe st §s ·
u ( x, t )
2Q i ³ H if §s ·
sinh ¨ x ¸ ds
©c ¹
Es 2 cosh ¨ l ¸
©c ¹
Pl Ë x 8 Û
Ì 2
E ÌÍ l S Ç (1)n (2n 1)2 sin (sn x) cos (snct )ÜÜ
n 0 Ý
where
2n 1
sn Q
2l
25. Taking the Laplace transform of the given PDE, we obtain
d 2U
s 2 U ( x, s ) su ( x,0) ut ( x, 0) c 2
dx 2
Using the initial conditions, we get
d 2U s2 1
2
2
U
dx c c2
ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES 481
1 1 ¦ s µ
U ( x, s ) 2
2
exp § x ¶
s s ¨ c ·
⎡⎛ x ⎞ ⎛ x ⎞⎤
u ( x, t ) = t − ⎢ ⎜ t − ⎟ H ⎜ t − ⎟⎥
⎣⎝ c ⎠ ⎝ c ⎠⎦
where H is the Heaviside unit function.
¬ ¦ xµ x
¯ f §t ¶, if t
¯ ¨ a· a
26. G ( x, t )
¯0, x
if t
¯
® a
where a 1/ LC .
Chapter 7
1 1 1 1 1 − x2
1. F (α ) = ∫ −1 (1 − x 2 ) eiα x dx = ∫ −1 d (eiα x )
2π 2π iα
2 ⎡ ⎛ eiα + e−iα ⎞ 2 ⎛ eiα − e−iα ⎞ ⎤
=− ⎢2 ⎜ ⎟− ⎜ ⎟⎥
2πα 2 ⎣ ⎝ 2 ⎠ α⎝ 2i ⎠⎦
2 ⎛ α cos α − sin α ⎞
= −2 ⎜ ⎟
π ⎝ α3 ⎠
Then,
°1 x 2 , | x| d1
®
°̄0, | x| !1
482 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
Therefore,
π 2
α cos α sin α
f ° (1 x ), | x| d1
³f α3
cos α x dα ®2
°¯0, | x| !1
1
Set x ; we then have
2
f α cos α sin α α π § 1· 3
³ f α 3
cos dα
2
¨1 ¸
2 © 4¹ 8
π
Therefore,
f x cos x sin x x 3π
³0 x 3
cos
2
dx
6
2 D 2
2. Fs (D )
S Ô0 ex sin D x dx
1
D 2 S
2 1 2
Ô0 e
x
Fc (D ) cos D x dx
S 1
D 2 S
2 B
3. Fc (B ) e
Q
4. From Examples 7.3 and 7.4, we have
2 f 2 α
³0 e
ax
Gc (α ) cos α x dx
π π a2 α 2
Also,
2 f 2 λ
Fc (α )
π ³0 f ( x) cos α x dx
π ³ 0 cos α x dx
2 sin α x
π α
using Parseval’s relation
f λ ax
³0 Fc (α ) Gc (α ) dα ³ 0
e dx
ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES 483
or
2 f a sin αλ λ ax
π ³ 0 α (a 2 α 2 ) dα ³ 0
e dx
Therefore,
f sin αλ π § 1 eλ a ·
³ 0 α (a 2 α 2 ) dα
2 ¨© a 2 ¸¹
8. Duhamel’s principle is: The solution of the homogeneous PDE with a non-homogeneous
initial condition is equivalent to solving non-homogeneous PDE with a homogeneous
initial condition.
In fact, from Example 7.13, the solution of the initial value problem
vt vxx 0, f x f, t ! 0
v ( x, 0) f ( x), f x f
is
1 e © ( x B ) 2 ¸
v ( x, t ) f (B ) exp ª ¹ dB
4Q t ±e «ª 4t º¹
Now, applying Duhamel’s principle, the solution of the non-homogeneous problem
vt vxx f ( x), e x e, t 0
v ( x, 0) 0, e x e
484 ANSWERS AND KEYS TO EXERCISES
is
t t f 1 ª ( x α )2 º
v ( x, t ) ³0 v ( x , t τ ) dτ ³ 0 ³ f f (α )
4π (t τ )
exp «
¬ 4(t τ ) ¼
» dα dτ
1 © ( x B )2 ¸
G ( x, t ; B , U ) exp ª ¹, t U 0
4Q (t U ) « 4(t U ) º
11. From Example 7.18, the solution of Laplace equation when u ( x, 0) f ( x) is given
in Eq. (7.164). Therefore, in the present problem
¬0, x0
f ( x)
®1, x0
the required solution is given by
yª 0 f 1 dξ º
u ( x, y )
𠫬 ³ f 0 dξ ³0 2»
(ξ x) y ¼
2
or
f
y ª1 § ξ x ·º 1 ª 1 § x ·º 1 ªπ § x ·º
u ( x, y ) « tan 1 ¨ tan f tan 1 ¨ ¸ » tan 1 ¨ ¸ »
π ¬y © y ¸¹ »¼ 0 𬫠© y ¹¼ «
π ¬2 © y ¹¼
12. Finally, taking finite cosine Fourier transform, we have, after inversion, the relation
f § n 2π 2t ·
24 § cos nπ 1 · nπ x
V ( x, t ) 6
π2
¦ ¨© n 2 ¸
¹
exp ¨
©
36
¸¹ cos
6
n 1
f
2 2 (1)n cosh ny
13. V ( x, y )
π π ¦ n cosh ny0
sin nx .
n 1
Index
Bessel
D’Alembert’s solution, 240, 426
equation, 140, 154, 173, 261, 263
Diffusion equation, 182, 185, 206, 208, 211
functions, 82, 140, 141, 144, 213, 265
in cylindrical coordinates, 208
Biharmonic PDE, 169
fundamental solution of, 186
Boundary value problems, 109, 419
in spherical polar coordinates, 211
Burger equation, 52, 218, 219
one-dimensional, 204
singularity solution of, 287
two-dimensional, 206
Canonical form of PDE, 53, 55–60, 236 Dirac delta function, 189, 191, 282, 314
Cauchy problem, 21, 73, 75 two-dimensional, 192
first order equation, 21 Direction cosines, 4, 6, 11
second order equation, 103 Dirichlet condition, 184, 257, 388
Cauchy method of characteristics, 25, 29 exterior problem, 109
Characteristic(s), interior problem, 109
curves, 13, 26, 28 Discriminant, 53
equations of PDE, 29, 30 Divergence theorem, 110, 155, 183, 286, 292
strip, 29 Domain of dependence, 242
Charpit’s Duhamel’s principle, 268
equations, 38 for heat equation, 483
method, 37 for wave equation, 268
485
486 INDEX
Partial Differential Equations (PDE) Superposition principle, 127, 130, 141, 197, 200,
biharmonic, 169 247, 251, 265
canonical form of, 53, 55, 57, 59 Surfaces, 2
classification of, 53
elliptic, 106
of first order, 1, 11 Tangent plane, 5
hyperbolic, 232 Test function, 283
of second order, 52, 182, 232 Thermal conductivity, 182
parabolic, 182 Thermal diffusivity, 184
Poisson equation, 108 Torsion of a beam, 180
Poisson integral formula, 132, 300 Tricomi equation, 63
Potential, gravitational, 143, 151
Potential energy, 234, 250, 251
Pulse function, 269 Uniqueness solution of
Dirichlet problem, 112
heat equation, 216
wave equation, 266
Recurrence relation, 145, 146, 432 Unit impulse function, 190
Reimann
function, 74
Green’s function, 74 Variables separable method, 122, 126, 132, 136,
Lebesgue lemma, 390 138, 146, 151, 170, 177, 195, 245
localisation lemma, 391 Vibration, 245
method, 71 forced, 254
Volterra solution, 244 of a circular membrane, 264
Robin’s condition, 185, 257 of parameter method, 255
of a rectangular membrane, 274
transverse, 245, 425
Singularity, 148
Singularity solution, 282 Wave equation, 232
of diffusion equation, 287 in cylindrical polar, 260
of Helmholtz equation, 305 D’Alembert’s solution, 240, 241
of Laplace equation, 287 Green’s function for, 305
Specific heat, 182 Riemann-Volterra solution, 244
Spherical in spherical polar, 262
coordinates, 120 three-dimensional, 52
mean, 113 unique solution, 266
symmetry, 153 Wave length, 239
Stability theorem, 116 Wave number, 239
Stokes flow, 169 Well-posed problem, 181