Professional Documents
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Differential Equations
Lecture Notes
Dr Ruth E. Baker
Hilary Term 2016
Contents
Preface 3
1 Introduction 5
1.1 Initial and boundary value problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1.1 Initial-value problem (IVP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1.2 Boundary-value problem (BVP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1.3 Existence and uniqueness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Some preliminaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.3 The equations we shall study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.3.1 The heat equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.3.2 The wave equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.3.3 Laplace’s equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2 Fourier series 8
2.1 Periodic, even and odd functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1.1 Properties of periodic functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.1.2 Odd and even functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.2 Fourier series for functions of period 2π . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.2.1 Question 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.2.2 Sine and cosine series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.2.3 Question 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.3 Convergence of Fourier series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.3.1 Rate of convergence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.3.2 Gibbs Phenomenon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.4 Functions of any period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.4.1 Sine and cosine series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2
CONTENTS 3
These lecture notes are designed to accompany the first year course “Fourier Series and
Partial Differential Equations” and are taken largely from notes originally written by Dr
Yves Capdeboscq, Dr Alan Day and Dr Janet Dyson.
The first part of this course of lectures introduces Fourier series, concentrating on their
practical application rather than proofs of convergence. We will then discuss how the heat
equation, wave equation and Laplace’s equation arise in physical models. In each case we
will explore basic techniques for solving the equations in several independent variables,
and elementary uniqueness theorems.
Reading material
Fourier series.
Heat equation.
Wave equation.
4
CONTENTS 5
Laplace’s equation.
Introduction
In this chapter we introduce the concept of initial and boundary value problems, and the
equations that we shall study throughout this course.
y ′′ = f (x, y, y ′ ), (1.1)
where y ′ = dy/ dx and y ′′ = d2 y/ dx2 . The problem is to find y(x), subject to appropriate
additional information.
Figure 1
y = p + q(x − a).
Figure 2
6
Chapter 1. Introduction 7
1
IVP: y ′′ = 6y 3 , y(0) = 0, y ′ (0) = 0 has solutions y(x) = 0, y(x) = x3 (non-uniqueness);
Theorem 1.1 (Leibniz’s Integral Rule) Let F (x, t) and ∂F/∂t be continuous in both x
and t in some region of the (x, t) plane including (t, x) ∈ [t0 , t1 ] × [a(t), b(t)], and the
functions a(t) and b(t) and their derivatives be continuous for t ∈ [t0 , t1 ]. Then
Z b(t) Z b(t)
d ∂F (x, t)
G(t) = F (x, t) dx = b′ (t)F (b(t), t) − a′ (t)F (a(t), t) + dx. (1.2)
dt a(t) a(t) ∂t
then Z b
dG ∂F (x, t)
= dx. (1.4)
dt a ∂t
Lemma 1.2 If f (x) is continuous then
Z
1 a+h
f (x) dx → f (a) as h → 0.
h a
Note that Z b
G(t + h) − G(t) F (x, t + h) − F (x, t)
= dx, (1.5)
h a h
and the integrand tends to ∂F (x, t)/∂t as h → 0.
∂T ∂2T
=κ 2, (1.6)
∂t ∂x
where, for example, T (x, t) is a temperature at position x and time t, and κ is a positive
constant—the thermal diffusivity.
Chapter 1. Introduction 8
∂2y 2
2∂ y
= c , (1.7)
∂t2 ∂x2
where, for example, y(x, t) is the transverse displacement of a stretched string at position
x and time t, and c is a positive constant—the wave speed.
∂2T ∂2T
+ = 0, (1.8)
∂x2 ∂y 2
where, for example, T (x, y) may be a temperature and x and y are Cartesian coordinates
in the plane. In this case, Laplace’s equation models a two-dimensional system at steady
state in time: in three space-dimensions the temperature T (x, y, z, t) satisfies the heat
equation 2
∂T ∂ T ∂2T ∂2T
=κ + + . (1.9)
∂t ∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2
Note that equation (1.9) reduces to (3.8) if T is independent of y and z. If the temperature
field is static, T is independent of time, t, and is a solution of Laplace’s equation in R3 ,
∂2T ∂2T
+ = 0. (1.11)
∂x2 ∂y 2
Chapter 2
Fourier series
In the following chapters, we will look at methods for solving the PDEs described in
Chapter 1. In order to incorporate general initial or boundary conditions into our solutions,
it will be necessary to have some understanding of Fourier series.
For example, we can see that the series
∞
X nπx
nπct
nπct
y(x, t) = sin An cos + Bn sin , (2.1)
L L L
n=1
We may view y(x, t) as the solution of the problem which models a vibrating string of
length L pinned at both ends, e.g. a guitar string.
x
0 l
We would like to find a solution with initial conditions
πx ∂y
y(x, 0) = α sin , (x, 0) = 0, (2.4)
L ∂t
and we do this by calculating An and Bn as follows: from equation (2.1) we have
∞
X nπx
y(x, 0) = An sin , (2.5)
L
n=1
9
Chapter 2. Fourier series 10
and
∞ nπc nπx
∂y X
(x, 0) = Bn sin . (2.6)
∂t L L
n=1
Hence, we want An , Bn such that
πx ∞
X nπx ∞
X nπc nπx
α sin = An sin , 0= Bn sin . (2.7)
L n=1
L n=1
L L
These are known the Fourier sine series of the functions f and g.
f (x + a) = f (x), ∀x ∈ R. (2.11)
If this is the case a is called a period for f . Note that the period is not unique, but if there
is a smallest such a, it is called the prime period of f .
Notes.
1. Observe that this means that f (x) = c for c constant does not have a prime period.
2. Examples of periodic functions are sin x with prime period 2π and cos(2πx/a) with
prime period a. Examples of non-periodic functions are x and x2 .
α−a α α+a x
Chapter 2. Fourier series 11
5. for any α ∈ R, Z Z
a α+a
f (x) dx = f (x) dx, (2.13)
0 α
since Z Z Z
α+a a α+a
f (x) dx = f (x) dx + f (x) dx. (2.14)
α α a
For example, sin(λx) for λ ∈ R and x2n+1 for n ∈ N are both odd functions.
2. for any α ∈ R, Z α
f (x) dx = 0; (2.17)
−α
3. for any α ∈ R, Z Z
α α
g(x) dx = 2 g(x) dx; (2.18)
−α 0
4. the functions h(x) = f (x)g(x), h1 (x) = f (x)f1 (x) and h2 (x) = g(x)g1 (x) are odd,
even and even, respectively.
where the an and bn are constants. Remember that sin(nx) and cos(nx) are periodic with
period 2π. We have two questions to answer.
2.2.1 Question 1
Suppose equation (2.19) is true and that we can integrate it term by term, i.e.
Z π Z π ∞ Z π Z π
1 X
f (x) dx = a0 dx + an cos(nx) dx + bn sin(nx) dx . (2.20)
−π 2 −π n=1 −π −π
Since Z π Z π Z π
dx = 2π, cos(nx) dx = 0, sin(nx) dx = 0, (2.21)
−π −π −π
Chapter 2. Fourier series 13
we must have Z π
1
a0 = f (x) dx. (2.22)
π −π
Proof. Equation (2.23) is trivial as sin(mx) cos(nx) is odd. For equation (2.24) we com-
pute, for n 6= m,
Z π Z
1 π
sin(mx) sin(nx) dx = [− cos{(m + n)x} + cos{(m − n)x}] dx,
−π 2 −π
1 − sin{(m + n)x} sin{(m − n)x} π
= + ,
2 m+n m−n −π
= 0. (2.27)
If n = m we have
sin(2nx) π
Z π Z π
1 − cos(2nx) 1
sin(nx) sin(mx) dx = dx = x− = π. (2.28)
−π −π 2 2 2n −π
Thus, to find an and bn , we assume equation (2.19) is true. Multiplying both sides by
cos(mx) and integrating term-wise gives
Z π Z π
1
f (x) cos(mx) dx = a0 cos(mx) dx
−π 2 −π
X∞ Z π
+ an cos(nx) cos(mx) dx
n=1 −π
X∞ Z π
+ bn sin(nx) cos(mx) dx. (2.29)
n=1 −π
Chapter 2. Fourier series 14
The first term on the right-hand side is trivially zero for m 6= 0. Using Lemma 2.1 for the
remaining terms gives
Z π ∞
X
f (x) cos(mx) dx = an πδnm = πam , (2.30)
−π n=1
and hence Z π
1
am = f (x) cos(mx) dx. (2.31)
π −π
Note that this also holds for m = 0 (which is the reason for the factor of 1/2).
Multiplying equation (2.19) by sin(mx) and integrating term-wise, we similarly obtain
Z
1 π
bm = f (x) sin(mx) dx. (2.32)
π −π
and call the series on the right-hand side the Fourier series for f , whether or not it
converges to f . The constants an and bn are called the Fourier coefficients of f .
Example 2.1 Find the Fourier series of the function f which is periodic with period 2π
and such that
f (x) = |x|, x ∈ (−π, π]. (2.35)
−π π x
2((−1)2m − 1)
a2m = = 0. (2.38)
π(2m)2
2(−1 − 1) −4
a2m+1 = 2
= . (2.39)
π(2m + 1) π(2m + 1)2
where Z π Z π
1 2
bn = f (s) sin(ns) ds = f (s) sin(ns) ds, (2.41)
π −π π 0
i.e. f has a Fourier sine series. In this case an = 0 because f (x) cos(nx) is odd. This is
also true if f (x) = −f (−x) for x 6= nπ, n ∈ Z, i.e. f is odd apart from the end points and
zero.
If f is even then
∞
1 X
f (x) ∼ a0 + an cos(nx), (2.42)
2
n=1
where Z π
2
an = f (s) cos(ns) ds, (2.43)
π 0
i.e. f has a Fourier cosine series.
Chapter 2. Fourier series 16
2.2.3 Question 2
Recall Question 2: with these an , bn , when, if ever, is equation (2.19) true? Consider what
happens in the following example.
Example 2.2 Consider the Fourier series of the function f which is periodic with period
2π and such that (
1 0 < x ≤ π,
f (x) = (2.44)
−1 −π < x ≤ 0.
y
1
−π π x
−1
Note that f is odd, so we can conclude that f (x) cos(nx) is odd, giving an = 0 without
computation. On the other hand, f (x) sin(nx) is even, so
Z Z
1 π 2 π 2 [(−1)n − 1]
bn = f (x) sin(nx) dx = sin(nx) dx = − , (2.45)
π −π π 0 nπ
i.e.
4
b2m = 0, b2m+1 = , (2.46)
(2m + 1)π
and hence
∞
4 X 1
f (x) ∼ sin [(2m + 1)x] . (2.47)
π m=0 2m + 1
Recall that
∞
4 X sin[(2m + 1)x]
, (2.49)
π m=0 2m + 1
The question is therefore, does sn (x) converge for each x? If it does, is the limit f (x)?
Some partial sums, sn , are plotted in Figure 2.1.
Chapter 2. Fourier series 17
Figure 2.1: Convergence of the Fourier series for the function of Section 2.2.3.
if this exists.
The existence part is important since, for example, f (x) = sin(1/x) does not have these
limits at zero.
Theorem 2.2 (Convergence theorem) Let f be a periodic function with period 2π, with
f and f ′ piecewise continuous on (−π, π). Then the Fourier series of f at x converges to
the value 12 [f (x+ ) + f (x− )], i.e.
∞
1 1 X
[f (x+ ) + f (x− ))] = a0 + [an cos(nx) + bn sin(nx)] . (2.53)
2 2
n=0
Note that if f is continuous at x, then f (x+ ) = f (x− ) = f (x) so the Fourier series
converges to f (x).
Note that if a function is defined on an interval of length 2π, we can find the Fourier
series of its periodic extension and equation (2.53) will then hold on the original interval.
But we have to be careful at the end points of the interval: e.g. if f is defined on (−π, π]
then at ±π the Fourier Series of f converges to 12 [f (π− ) + f ((−π)+ )].
y
f (π−)
f (π+)
−π π x
and hence
∞
π X (−1)m
= . (2.56)
4 2m + 1
m=0
y
1
−π π π x
2
−1
Chapter 2. Fourier series 19
Lemma 2.3 Assume that F is continuous on [−π, π], and F ′ = f is piecewise continuous
on (−π, π). Let an , bn be the Fourier coefficients of f and An , Bn be the Fourier coefficients
of F . Then, An = −bn /n and Bn = an /n.
In fact, this is best seen using complex Fourier coefficients, cn := an + ibn . Then the
lemma says that
cn (f ′ ) = −incn (f ). (2.57)
This can be iterated and used to solve ODEs. For example, if f is a 2π periodic function,
with Fourier coefficients cn (f ), and y is the solution of the differential equation
y (5) (x) + a4 y (4) (x) + a3 y (3) (x) + a2 y (2) (x) + a1 y (1) (x) + a0 y(x) = f (x), (2.58)
−L L
x
−π π X
Chapter 2. Fourier series 20
then
Z π
1
an = g(X) cos(nX) dX,
π −π
Z L πx
nπx π
1
= g cos
dx,
π −L L L L
Z
1 L nπx
= f (x) cos dx, (2.62)
L −L L
and
Z π
1
bn = g(X) sin(nX) dX,
π −π
Z L πx
nπx π
1
= g sin
dx,
π −L L L L
Z
1 L nπx
= f (x) sin dx. (2.63)
L −L L
So if we can write
∞ h nπx nπx i
1 X
f (x) = a0 + an cos + bn sin , (2.64)
2 n=1
L L
The series in equation (2.64) is called the Fourier series for f and an and bn are the
Fourier coefficients of f . Again, we use ∼ if we do not know whether or not it converges.
By Theorem 2.2, under suitable conditions the series in equation (2.61) converges to
g(X+ ) + g(X− )
, (2.66)
2
so we obtain
−L 2L x
We have
Z L Z L
1 nπx 1 nπx L[(−1)n − 1]
an = f (x) cos dx = x cos dx = , n 6= 0,
L −L L L 0 L n2 π 2
(2.70)
as in Example 2.1. So we have a2m = 0 for m > 0 and
−2L
a2m+1 = . (2.71)
(2m + 1)2 π 2
For a0 we calculate Z Z
L L
1 1 L
a0 = f (x) dx = x dx = , (2.72)
L −L L 0 2
and for bn
Z L nπx
1
bn = f (x) sin dx,
L −L L
Z L nπx
1
= x sin dx,
L 0 L
!
1 Lx nπx L
L nπx Z L
= − cos + cos dx ,
L nπ L 0 0 nπ L
!
1 L2 (−1)n
2
L nπx L
= − + 2 2 sin ,
L nπ n π L 0
L
= (−1)n+1 .
nπ
So
∞ X∞ mπx
L X −2L (2m + 1)πx m+1 L
f (x) ∼ + cos + (−1) sin . (2.73)
4 (2m + 1)2 π 2 L mπ L
m=0 m=1
giving
∞
0+L L X −2L
= + , (2.77)
2 4 m=0 (2m + 1)2 π 2
which gives equation (2.69) again.
Definition If f is defined on [0, L], the even extension for f , denoted by fe , is the periodic
extension of (
f (x) x ∈ [0, L],
fe (x) = (2.78)
f (−x) x ∈ (−L, 0),
so that we have fe (x) = fe (−x) for all x. Thus:
∞ nπx
a0 X
fe (x) ∼ + an cos , (2.79)
2 n=1
L
where Z Z
L nπx L nπx
1 2
an = fe (x) cos dx = f (x) cos dx, (2.80)
L −L L L 0 L
is called the Fourier cosine series of f .
where Z
2 L nπx
bn = f (x) sin dx,
L 0 L
is called the Fourier sine series for f .
Chapter 2. Fourier series 23
Note. For fo to really be odd we must have fo (0) = 0 and also fo (L) = −fo (−L) =
−fo (L) (the last equality follows from periodicity) giving fo (L) = 0 and therefore fo (nL) =
0 for all n ∈ Z. However, the value at of f at these isolated points does not affect the
Fourier series.
Example 2.4 Find the Fourier sine and cosine expansions of f (x) = x for x ∈ [0, L].
−L 2L x
−L 2L x
Now, Z L
2
a0 = x dx = L, (2.87)
L 0
and
Z L 0
2 nπx n = 2m even,
an = x cos dx = (2.88)
L 0 L −4L2 2 n = 2m + 1 odd.
(2m+1) π
−L L x
Looking at the results from the previous example this indicates that the Fourier series of
f (x) + g(x) equals the Fourier series of f (x) plus the Fourier series of g(x).
Chapter 3
In this chapter we shall look at the heat equation in one space dimension, learning a
method for its derivation, and some techniques for solving.
Figure 3
Let ρ be the mass density per unit length, c be the specific heat, T (x, t) be the temperature
and:
i.e. Z a+h
d
ρcT (x, t) dx + [q(a + h, t) − q(a, t)] = 0. (3.4)
dt a
Hence, by Leibniz,
Z a+h
1 ∂T q(a + h, t) − q(a, t)
ρc (x, t) dx + = 0, (3.5)
h a ∂t h
25
Chapter 3. The heat equation 26
On substituting from equation (3.7) into (3.6) we arrive at the heat equation in one space
dimension:
∂T ∂2T
=κ 2, (3.8)
∂t ∂x
where κ = k/ρc is the thermal diffusivity.
where l, τ and T0 are a typical lengthscale, timescale and temperature, respectively, for
the problem under consideration. Then
∂ dt̂ ∂ 1 ∂
= = , (3.13)
∂t dt ∂ t̂ τ ∂ t̂
∂ dx̂ ∂ 1 ∂
= = , (3.14)
∂x dx ∂ x̂ l ∂ x̂
∂2 dx̂ ∂ 1 ∂ 1 ∂2
= = 2 2, (3.15)
∂x2 dx ∂ x̂ l ∂ x̂ l ∂ x̂
and substituting into the heat equation we have
T0 ∂ T̂ κT0 ∂ 2 T̂
= 2 . (3.16)
τ ∂ t̂ l ∂ x̂2
Rearranging gives
∂ T̂ κτ ∂ 2 T̂
= 2 . (3.17)
∂ t̂ l ∂ x̂2
Considering the problem on a timescale where τ = l2 /κ gives
∂ T̂ ∂ 2 T̂
= . (3.18)
∂ t̂ ∂ x̂2
Notice that now
[x̂] = 1, [t̂] = 1, [T̂ ] = 1, (3.19)
since 2
l
[l] = m, [τ ] = = s, [T0 ] = K. (3.20)
κ
This means that we can compare heat problems on different scales: for example, two
systems with different l and κ will exhibit comparable behaviour on the same time scales
if l2 /κ is the same in each problem.
∂T ∂2T
=κ 2, (3.21)
∂t ∂x
which are separable, T (x, t) = F (x)G(t), we find that
κ 1
F ′′ (x) = G′ (t) , (3.22)
F (x) G(t)
| {z } | {z }
independent of t independent of x
and hence both sides are constant (independent of both x and t). If the constant is −κλ2 ,
F (x) satisfies the ODE
F ′′ (x) = −λ2 F (x), (3.23)
the solution of which is
F (x) = A sin(λx) + B cos(λx). (3.24)
Chapter 3. The heat equation 28
If the ends are held at zero temperature then F (0) = F (L) = 0. The boundary condition
at x = 0 gives B = 0 and the boundary condition at x = L gives
A sin(λL) = 0. (3.25)
Since we want A 6= 0 to avoid a non-trivial solution, it must be that sin(λL) = 0 i.e. λ
must be such that λL = nπ where n is a positive integer. Hence λ must be one of the
numbers n nπ o
: n = 1, 2, 3, . . . . (3.26)
L
Moreover G(t) satisfies the ODE
κn2 π 2
G′ (t) = −κλ2 G(t) = − G(t), (3.27)
L2
2 π 2 κt/L2
and, therefore, G(t) ∝ e−n . Hence we have the separable solution
nπx 2 2 2
Tn (x, t) = an sin e−n π κt/L , (3.28)
L
which satisfies the heat equation (3.8) and the boundary conditions
T (0, t) = 0 and T (L, t) = 0 for t > 0. (3.29)
The general solution can therefore be written as a linear combination of the Tn so that
X∞ nπx 2 2 2
T (x, t) = an sin e−n π κt/L . (3.30)
n=1
L
The question is now, given f (x), can it be expanded as a Fourier sine series
∞
X nπx
f (x) = an sin , 0 ≤ x ≤ L? (3.39)
n=1
L
From the lectures on Fourier series, we know that such an expansion exists if e.g. f is
piecewise continuously differentiable on [0, L]. The coefficients an are determined by the
orthogonality relations:
Z L (
mπx nπx 0, m 6= n,
sin sin dx = 1 (3.40)
0 L L 2 L, m = n.
Thus Z L nπx
2
an = f (x) sin dx. (3.41)
L 0 L
Example 3.2 Find the solution of the IBVP when
(
0 for 0 ≤ x ≤ L1 and L2 ≤ x ≤ L,
f (x) = (3.42)
1 for L1 < x < L2 .
3.5 Uniqueness
We have constructed a solution of our IBVP, and found a formula for it as the sum of an
infinite series, but is it the only solution?
∂U ∂2U
=κ 2, 0 < x < L, t > 0, (3.45)
∂t ∂x
subject to the initial condition
∂W ∂2W
=κ , 0 < x < L, t > 0, (3.48)
∂t ∂x2
W (x, 0) = 0, 0 ≤ x ≤ L, (3.49)
and the boundary conditions
Let Z L
1
I(t) := [W (x, t)]2 dx. (3.51)
2 0
Evidently I(t) ≥ 0 and I(0) = 0. By Leibniz’s rule,
Z L
∂W
I ′ (t) = dx,
W (3.52)
0 ∂t
Z L
∂2W
= κ W dx, (3.53)
0 ∂x2
Z L" #
∂ ∂W ∂W 2
= κ W − dx. (3.54)
0 ∂x ∂x ∂x
On carrying out the integration and using the boundary conditions at x = 0 and x = L
we see that Z L
′ ∂W 2
I (t) = −κ dx ≤ 0, (3.55)
0 ∂x
and, therefore, I cannot increase. Hence
∂T ∂2T
=κ 2, 0 < x < L, t > 0, (3.58)
∂t ∂x
Chapter 3. The heat equation 31
T (x, 0) = 0, 0 ≤ x ≤ L, (3.59)
We cannot use separation of variables and Fourier series right at the outset. However, we
conjecture that, as t → ∞, T (x, t) → U (x), where
d2 U
κ = 0, U (0) = T0 and U (L) = T1 , (3.61)
dx2
i.e. x x
U (x) = T0 1 − + T1 . (3.62)
L L
If we now put S(x, t) := T (x, t) − U (x), we find that S is a solution of the IBVP
∂S ∂2S
= κ 2, 0 < x < L, t > 0, (3.63)
∂t ∂x
with
S(0, t) = 0 and S(L, t) = 0 for t > 0, (3.64)
and x x
S(x, 0) = −T0 1 − − T1 . (3.65)
L L
In view of the form of the boundary conditions, this IBVP can be solved by our previous
methods. The solution is
∞ nπx
2X1 n 2 2 2
S(x, t) = [−T0 + (−1) T1 ] sin e−n π κt/L , (3.66)
π n L
n=1
and so
∞
x x 2 X 1 nπx 2 2 2
T (x, t) = T0 1 − + T1 + [−T0 + (−1)n T1 ] sin e−n π κt/L . (3.67)
L L π n L
n=1
where F ′ (0) = F ′ (L) = 0. We find that F ′′ = −λ2 F , G′ = −λ2 κG, and F = a cos(λx),
where sin(λL) = 0 and so L is one of the numbers {nπ/L : n = 0, 1, 2, 3, . . .}. The
separable solutions in these circumstances are
nπx 2 2 2
a0 and an cos e−n π κt/L (n = 1, 2, 3, . . .). (3.69)
L
Chapter 3. The heat equation 32
Note that, as t → ∞, Z L
1 1
T (x, t) → a0 = f (s) ds, (3.76)
2 L 0
the extreme right-hand side being the mean initial temperature. The uniqueness of T (x, t),
for a given f (x), can be established much as before.
Chapter 4
Figure 4
The vector
∂r ∂y
τ := =i+ j, (4.1)
∂x ∂x
is a tangent vector to the string and, since
s 2
∂y 1 ∂y 2 1 ∂y 4
|τ | = 1 + =1+ − + ··· , (4.2)
∂x 2 ∂x 8 ∂x
• +T τ = force exerted by + on −;
• −T τ = force exerted by − on +.
33
Chapter 4. The wave equation 34
Figure 5
∂2y ∂2y
ρ j = T j, (4.10)
∂t2 ∂x2
and, hence, the wave equation
∂2y ∂2y
ρ = T , (4.11)
∂t2 ∂x2
or
∂2y 2
2∂ y
= c , (4.12)
∂t2 ∂x2
p
where c = T /ρ is the wave speed.
∂2y 2
2∂ y
= c , (4.13)
∂t2 ∂x2
we see that the left-hand side has units ms−2 . The term ∂ 2 y/∂x2 has units m−1 . Hence
for the units of the right-hand side to balance those of the left-hand side, the units of c
must be [c] = ms−1 , as we expect.
As before, can non-dimensionalise the wave equation by scaling our variables and
parameters. For example, let
where l, and τ are a typical lengthscale and timescale, respectively, for the problem under
consideration. Then
∂ dt̂ ∂ 1 ∂
= = , (4.15)
∂t dt ∂ t̂ τ ∂ t̂
∂2 dt̂ ∂ 1 ∂ 1 ∂2
= = 2 2, (4.16)
∂t2 dt ∂ t̂ τ ∂ t̂ τ ∂ t̂
∂ dx̂ ∂ 1 ∂
= = , (4.17)
∂x dx ∂ x̂ l ∂ x̂
∂2 dx̂ ∂ 1 ∂ 1 ∂2
= = 2 2, (4.18)
∂x2 dx ∂ x̂ l ∂ x̂ l ∂ x̂
l ∂ 2 ŷ c2 l ∂ 2 ŷ
= . (4.19)
τ 2 ∂ t̂2 l2 ∂ x̂2
Rearranging gives
∂ 2 ŷ c2 τ 2 ∂ 2 ŷ
= . (4.20)
∂ t̂2 l2 ∂ x̂2
Considering the problem on a timescale where τ = l/c gives
∂ 2 ŷ ∂ 2 ŷ
= . (4.21)
∂ t̂2 ∂ x̂2
Notice that now
[x̂] = 1, [t̂] = 1, [ŷ] = 1, (4.22)
since
l
[l] = m, [τ ] = = s. (4.23)
c
This gives a relationship between problems with different lengthscales and wave speeds.
∂2y 2
2∂ y
= c , (4.24)
∂t2 ∂x2
with boundary conditions
We use the separation of variables technique i.e. we attempt to find some (not all) solutions
of equations (4.24) and (4.25) in the separable form
F ′′ (x) 1
c2 = G′′ (t) . (4.27)
F (x) G(t)
| {z } | {z }
independent of t independent of x
Hence both sides are constant, independent of both x and t, and we take this constant to
be equal to −ω 2 to get
ω2
F ′′ (x) = − F (x), G′′ (t) = −ω 2 G. (4.28)
c2
The ODE for F (x) is to be solved subject to the boundary conditions
We have ωx ωx
F (x) = A sin + B cos
, (4.30)
c c
where the boundary condition at x = 0 gives B = 0, and the boundary condition at x = L
gives
ωL
A sin = 0. (4.31)
c
Since we want A 6= 0, otherwise F = 0 and y = 0, it must be that sin (ωL/c) = 0, i.e. ω
must be such that ωL/c = nπ, where n is a positive integer, and ω must be one of the
numbers n nπc o
: n = 1, 2, 3, . . . . (4.32)
L
The ODE for G(t) has the solution
with period
2π 2L
p= = , (4.36)
ω nc
and frequency (pitch)
1 ω nc
= = . (4.37)
p 2π 2L
The case n = 1 corresponds to the fundamental frequency c/(2L), and all other normal
frequencies are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency.
Note the graphs of the functions sin (nπx/L):
Chapter 4. The wave equation 37
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
∂2y 2
2∂ y
= c , for 0 < x < L and t > 0, (4.39)
∂t2 ∂x2
and y satisfies the initial conditions
∂y
y(x, 0) = f (x) and (x, 0) = g(x) for 0 ≤ x ≤ L, (4.40)
∂t
and the boundary conditions
where f (x) and g(x) are known functions. According to (4.40), the initial transverse
displacement and the initial transverse velocity are prescribed. If e.g.
(
2hx/L 0 ≤ x ≤ L/2,
f (x) = (4.42)
2h(L − x)/L L/2 ≤ x ≤ L,
and g(x) = 0, 0 ≤ x ≤ L, the mid-point of the string is pulled aside a distance h and the
string is released from rest.
Figure 9
We know that the general solution can be written as in equation (4.38), and hence the
boundary conditions must satisfy
∞ nπx ∞
X nπc nπx
X ∂y
y(x, 0) = an sin , (x, 0) = bn sin . (4.43)
L ∂t L L
n=1 n=1
Chapter 4. The wave equation 38
to arrive at
πx
3L πct L 3πx 3πct
y(x, t) = sin sin − sin sin . (4.50)
4πc L L 12πc L L
so that we arrive at the problem: given f (x) and g(x) can they be expanded as Fourier
sine series
∞
X nπx
f (x) = an sin , 0 ≤ x ≤ L, (4.52)
L
n=1
∞
X nπc nπx
g(x) = bn sin , 0 ≤ x ≤ L? (4.53)
n=1
L L
From the lectures on Fourier Series we know that such an expansion as (4.52) exists if e.g.
f and g are piecewise continuously differentiable on [0, L]. The coefficients are determined
by the orthogonality relations:
Z L (
mπx nπx 0 m 6= n,
sin sin dx = 1 (4.54)
0 L L 2 L m = n.
Chapter 4. The wave equation 39
Thus
Z
2 L nπx
an = f (x) sin dx, (4.55)
L 0 L
Z L nπx
2
bn = g(x) sin dx. (4.56)
nπc 0 L
Example 4.4 (Piano) The initial transverse displacement is zero and the section [l1 , l2 ]
is given an initial transverse velocity v. Here f (x) = 0 for 0 ≤ x ≤ L, and
(
0 for 0 ≤ x < L1 and L2 < x ≤ L,
g(x) = (4.62)
v for L1 ≤ x ≤ L2 .
Thus an = 0 and
Z L2 nπx
2 2vL nπL1 nπL2
bn = v sin dx = 2 2 cos − cos . (4.63)
nπc L1 L n π c L L
Figure 10
Chapter 4. The wave equation 40
Let the string occupy the interval [−L, L], the mass being attached at x = 0. Let y − (x, t)
and y + (x, t) be the transverse displacements for −L ≤ x < 0 and 0 < x ≤ L, respectively.
Then y − and y + must satisfy the wave equations
∂ 2 y− 2 −
2∂ y ∂ 2 y+ 2 +
2∂ y
= c , = c , (4.65)
∂t2 ∂x2 ∂t2 ∂x2
and the boundary conditions
Figure 11
∂2y ∂y + ∂y −
m (0, t)j = T i+ j −T i+ j , (4.68)
∂t2 ∂x ∂x
i.e. +
∂2y ∂y ∂y −
m 2 (0, t) = T (0, t) − (0, t) for t > 0. (4.69)
∂t ∂x ∂x
If we apply separation of variables arguments to (4.65) and (4.66) we see that y − , y + must
be of the form
ω
y − (x, t) = A sin (L + x) cos(ωt + ǫ), (4.70)
ωc
y + (x, t) = B sin (L − x) cos(ωt + ǫ), (4.71)
c
where A, B, ǫ are constants and ω/(2π) is the, as yet unknown, normal frequency. Sub-
stitution into the boundary conditions (4.67) and (4.69) gives
ωL ωL
A sin = B sin , (4.72)
c c
and
ω ω
ωL ωL ωL
−mω 2 A sin = T −B cos −A cos , (4.73)
c c c c c
i.e.
mωc ωL ωL ωL
A sin − cos = B cos . (4.74)
T c c c
If the linear homogeneous equations (4.72) and (4.74) are to have non-trivial solutions (A
and B not both zero) then the determinant must equal zero:
ωL ωL ωL mωc ωL ωL
sin cos = sin sin − cos . (4.75)
c c c T c c
Chapter 4. The wave equation 41
Thus either
ωL ωL mωc
sin = 0 or cot = . (4.76)
c c 2T
The first equality in equation (4.76) implies
ωL ω nc c
= nπ i.e. = = 2n. , (4.77)
c 2π 2L 2.2L
These correspond to the normal frequencies of a string of length 2L for which x = 0 is
a node. There is no simple formula for the solutions of the other equality. If we put
θ = ωL/c then ω = cθ/L, where
mc2 m
cot θ = θ= θ, (4.78)
2T L 2ρL
and we see there are infinitely many roots θ1 , θ2 , θ3 , . . . and these determine infinitely many
normal frequencies in addition to those given by (4.77).
Figure 12
and, on substituting for ρ ∂ 2 y/∂t2 from the wave equation (4.79), we find that
Z L
′ ∂ 2 y ∂y ∂y ∂ 2 y
E (t) = T + dx, (4.86)
0 ∂x2 ∂t ∂x ∂x∂t
Z L
∂ ∂y ∂y
= T dx, (4.87)
0 ∂x ∂x ∂t
∂y ∂y L
= T , (4.88)
∂x ∂t 0
hence E ′ (t) = 0 since the boundary conditions (4.84) tell us that ∂y/∂t(0, t) = 0 and
∂y/∂t(L, t) = 0 for t ≥ 0. Thus E(t) is constant.
Theorem 4.2 (Uniqueness) For each pair of functions f and g, the IBVP
∂2y ∂2y
ρ = T , for 0 < x < L and t > 0, (4.89)
∂t2 ∂x2
∂y
y(x, 0) = f (x) and (x, 0) = g(x) for 0 ≤ x ≤ L, (4.90)
∂t
y(0, t) = 0 and y(L, t) = 0 for t > 0, (4.91)
has at most one solution. [That a solution exists we know since we have constructed a
solution with the aid of separation of variables and Fourier series.]
Proof. Let y(x, t) and u(x, t) both be solutions of the IBVP. Consider the difference w :=
y − u and the associated energy
Z " #
1 L ∂w 2 ∂w 2
E(t) := ρ +T dx. (4.92)
2 0 ∂t ∂x
∂2w ∂2w
ρ = T , for 0 < x < L and t > 0, (4.93)
∂t2 ∂x2
∂w
w(x, 0) = 0, (x, 0) = 0 (0 ≤ x ≤ L) (4.94)
∂t
w(0, t) = 0 and w(L, t) = 0 (t > 0). (4.95)
By Lemma 4.1 and the boundary conditions (4.95), E(t) ≡ constant, and, in view of the
initial conditions (4.94), E(0) = 0. Hence E(t) = 0 for every t > 0. Thus ∂w/∂x = 0,
∂w/∂t = 0 and w(x, t) is independent of both x and t. Using (4.95) again tells us that
w(x, t) ≡ 0. Thus y = u and the solution is unique.
Chapter 4. The wave equation 43
then
∂y ∂2y
= F ′ (x − ct), = F ′′ (x − ct), (4.97)
∂x ∂x2
and
∂y ∂2y
= −cF ′ (x − ct), = c2 F ′′ (x − ct), (4.98)
∂t ∂t2
and so (4.96) is a solution of the wave equation. Equation (4.96) represents a wave of
constant shape propagating in the positive x-direction with speed c.
Figure 13
then y(x, t) is a solution of the wave equation. Equation (4.99) represents a wave of
constant shape propagating in the negative x-direction with speed c.
Figure 14
∂y ∂Y ∂Y ∂2y 2
2∂ Y
2
2 ∂ Y
2
2∂ Y
= −c +c , = c − 2c + c , (4.103)
∂t ∂ξ ∂η ∂t2 ∂ξ 2 ∂ξ∂η ∂η 2
and substitution into the wave equation gives
Hence in the new variables the wave equation transforms to the equation
∂2Y
= 0, (4.105)
∂ξ∂η
i.e.
∂ ∂Y
= 0. (4.106)
∂ξ ∂η
Thus ∂Y /∂η is independent of ξ and is a function of η only, say G′ (η), i.e.
∂Y
= G′ (η), (4.107)
∂η
and so
∂
[Y − G(η)] = 0. (4.108)
∂η
Thus Y − G(η) is a function of ξ only, say F (ξ), and therefore
and
Y (ξ, η) = F (ξ) + G(η) =⇒ y(x, t) = F (x − ct) + G(x + ct). (4.110)
Further use of this conclusion will be made later.
Figure 15
∂2y 2
2∂ y
= c , for − ∞ < x < ∞ and t > 0, (4.114)
∂t2 ∂x2
∂y
y(x, 0) = f (x) and (x, 0) = g(x) for − ∞ < x < ∞, (4.115)
∂t
where f and g are prescribed functions.
To solve this we attempt to choose F and G in (4.113) so as to satisfy the initial
conditions (4.115):
The argument shows that, for given f and g, the IVP has one and only one solution (i.e.
existence and uniqueness).
Next let us ask how the solution at a point (x0 , t0 ) = P , in the upper half of the
(x, t)-plane, depends upon the data f and g. We have
Z x0 +ct0
1 1
y(x0 , t0 ) = [f (x0 − ct0 ) + f (x0 + ct0 )] + g(x) dx, (4.122)
2 2c x0 −ct0
Figure 16
Chapter 4. The wave equation 46
Hence:
• y(P ) depends on g only through the values taken by g on the interval QR.
The interval QR is the domain of dependence of P . This means that arbitrary alterations
to f and g outside the interval QR have no effect on y(P ). The D’Alembert formula
provides an explicit formula for y but care is required if f and g have different analytic
behaviours in different stretches.
Example 4.6 Find the solution of the wave equation for which
Figure 17
In R1 , Z x+ct
1
y(x, t) = 0 ds = 0. (4.126)
2c x−ct
In R2 ,
Z −l Z x+ct
1 1 vs v
y(x, t) = 0 ds + ds = (x + ct)2 − l2 . (4.127)
2c x−ct 2c −l l 4lc
In R3 ,
Z x+ct
1 vs v vxt
y(x, t) = ds = (x + ct)2 − (x − ct)2 ) = . (4.128)
2c x−ct l 4lc l
Chapter 4. The wave equation 47
In R4 ,
Z −l Z l Z x+ct
1 1 vs 1
y(x, t) = 0 ds + ds + 0 ds = 0. (4.129)
2c x−ct 2c −l l 2c l
In R5 ,
Z l Z x+ct
1 vs 1 v 2
y(x, t) = ds + 0 ds = l − (x − ct)2 . (4.130)
2c x−ct l 2c l 4lc
In R6 , Z x+ct
1
y(x, t) = 0 ds = 0. (4.131)
2c x−ct
From this information we can find the shape of the string. We illustrate this for a time
t > l/c:
Figure 18
As t increases we see two packets of displacement, one moving to the left with speed c and
the other to the right with speed c. Between them the displacement is zero.
Chapter 5
Figure 19
To begin we look for special solutions of Laplace’s equation of the separable form T (x, y) =
F (x)G(y). Substituting into (5.1) and dividing through by F (x)G(y) gives
1 ′′ 1 ′′
F (x) + G (y) = 0. (5.6)
F (x) G(y)
Hence there is a constant λ such that
′′ ′′
F (x) = −λF (x), G (y) = λG(y). (5.7)
48
Chapter 5. Laplace’s equation in the plane 49
The choices λ = n2 π 2 /a2 , F (x) = sin (nπx/a) (n = 1, 2, 3...) give the solutions
nπx
T (x, y) = sin G(y), (5.8)
a
which satisfy the boundary conditions (5.3). Furthermore G(y) is a solution of the ODE
n2 y 2
G′′ (y) = G(y), (5.9)
a2
and so nπy nπy
G(y) = A cosh , + B sinh
(5.10)
a a
in which hyperbolic functions, rather than trigonometric functions, occur. The choice
A = 0 ensures that the boundary condition T (x, 0) = 0 (0 < x < a) holds and thus we are
led to consider solutions of the BVP of the form
∞
X nπx nπy
T (x, y) = Bn sin sinh . (5.11)
a a
n=1
On setting y = b we see that the coefficients Bn are determined by the condition that
∞ nπx
X nπb
Bn sin sinh = f (x), 0 < x < a. (5.12)
a a
n=1
Hence Z a nπs
nπb 2
Bn sinh = f (s) sin ds, (5.13)
a a 0 a
and the BVP has the solution
∞ Z a nπs nπx nπy
2X 1
T (x, y) = f (s) sin ds sin sinh . (5.14)
a n=1 sinh (nπb/a) 0 a a a
combinations of cos (nθ) and sin (nθ). When n = 0 the solutions of (5.17) are of the form
F (r) = A + B log r. When n 6= 0, equation (5.17) is of Euler’s type and F (r) is a linear
combination of r n and r −n . Thus there are separable solutions of Laplace’s equation of
the forms
T (r) = A + B log r, (5.19)
and
T (r, θ) = Ar n + Br −n [C cos (nθ) + D sin (nθ)] , (5.20)
where n is a positive integer and A, B, C, D are arbitrary constants. The solutions
log r, r −n cos nθ, r −n sin nθ are not defined at r = 0 and so are not admissible if the origin
belongs to the domain in which T is defined.
Example 5.1 Find T so as to satisfy Laplace’s equation in the annulus a < r < b and
the boundary conditions
T = T0 on r = a, T = T1 on r = b, (5.21)
Thus
Z 2π
1
A = f (θ) dθ, (5.29)
2π 0
Z 2π
1
Cn = f (θ) cos (nθ) dθ, (5.30)
πan 0
Z 2π
1
Dn = f (θ) sin (nθ) dθ. (5.31)
πan 0
Example 5.3 Find T (r, θ) so as to satisfy Laplace’s equation in the disc r < a and the
boundary condition
T (a, θ) = | sin θ|, 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π. (5.32)
The solution is
∞
X
T (r, θ) = A + r n [Cn cos (nθ) + Dn sin (nθ)] , (5.33)
n=1
where
Z 2π Z π Z 2π
1 1 2
A = | sin θ| dθ = sin θ dθ − sin θ dθ = , (5.34)
2π 0 2π
0 π π
Z 2π (
1 0 n odd,
Cn = | sin θ| cos (nθ) dθ = (5.35)
πan 0 −4/(πan (n2 − 1)) n even,
Z 2π
1
Dn = | sin θ| sin (nθ) dθ = 0, (5.36)
πan 0
and so
∞
2 4 X r 2n cos (2nθ)
T (r, θ) = − . (5.37)
π π n=1 a 4n2 − 1
Proof.
∞
X ∞
X
λn cos nα = Re λn einα , (5.40)
n=1 n=1
X∞
= Re (λeiα )n , (5.41)
n=1
λeiα
= Re , (5.42)
1 − λeiα
λ cos α − λ2
= . (5.43)
1 + λ2 − 2λ cos α
Hence
∞
1 X n 1 − λ2
+ λ cos nα = . (5.44)
2 n=1 2(1 + λ2 − 2λ cos α)
Proof of Poisson’s formula. Taking care over the dummy variable of integration we get
Z 2π
1
T (r, θ) = f (φ) dφ (5.45)
2π 0
∞ Z 2π
1 X r n
+ cos (nθ) f (φ) cos (nφ) dφ
π n=1 a 0
Z 2π
+ sin (nθ) f (φ) sin (nφ) dφ , (5.46)
0
Z 2π ( ∞
)
1 1 X r n
= + cos [n(θ − φ)] f (φ) dφ, (5.47)
2π 0 2 a
n=1
and, on appealing to Lemma 5.1, with λ = r/a and α = θ − φ, the result follows.
Corollary 5.2 (Mean value property of solution of Laplace’s equation) The value of T
at the centre of the disc is
Z 2π
1
T (0, θ) = f (φ) dφ = mean value over boundary. (5.48)
2π 0
5.3 Uniqueness
Uniqueness is established with the aid of Green’s Theorem:
Theorem 5.3 (Green’s theorem) If R is a bounded and connected plane region whose
boundary ∂R is the union C1 ∪ . . . ∪ Cn of a finite number of simple closed curves, oriented
so that R is on the left, and if p(x, y) and q(x, y) are continuous and have continuous first
derivatives on R ∪ ∂R, then
Z Z Z
∂q ∂p
p dx + q dy = − dx dy. (5.49)
∂R R ∂x ∂y
Chapter 5. Laplace’s equation in the plane 53
Figure 20
In the figure, R is the shadowed region. It has two ‘holes’ and ∂R is the union of three
simple closed curves oriented as shown.
∂2S ∂2S
+ = 0 in R, S = f on ∂R. (5.51)
∂x2 ∂y 2
Then the difference W := T − S in a solution of the BVP
∂2W ∂2W
+ = 0 in R, W = 0 on ∂R. (5.52)
∂x2 ∂y 2
Consider the identity
2 2
∂2W ∂2W ∂W ∂W ∂ ∂W ∂ ∂W
W + + + = W + W . (5.53)
∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂x ∂y ∂x ∂x ∂y ∂y
Integrate both sides over R and appeal to Laplace’s equation and Green’s theorem to find
that
Z Z " #
∂W 2 ∂W 2
Z Z
∂ ∂W ∂ ∂W
+ dx dy = W + W dx dy,
R ∂x ∂y R ∂x ∂x ∂y ∂y
Z
∂W ∂W
= −W dx + W dy . (5.54)
∂R ∂y ∂x
Example 5.4 We now consider a BVP in an unbounded region, for which our uniqueness
proof does not apply. A conductor occupies the region r ≥ a, i.e. that exterior to the
circle r = a, and T satisfies the boundary condition T = x on r = a. Find T in r > a,
given that T remains bounded as r → ∞.
In terms of polar coordinates the boundary condition is T = a cos θ for r = a and
0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π. This suggests that we seek a solution of the form
B
T = Ar + cos θ. (5.56)
r
If T is to remain bounded as r → ∞ we must have A = 0, and to match the boundary
condition on r = a we must have B = a2 . Hence the solution is
a2 cos θ
T (r, θ) = , (5.57)
r
or, in Cartesian coordinates,
a2 x
T (x, y) = . (5.58)
x2 + y 2
Example 5.5 (Poisson’s equation) The same argument establishes uniqueness for the
BVP:
∂2T ∂2T
2
+ = F (x, y) in R, T = f (x, y) on ∂R, (5.59)
∂x ∂y 2
where F and f are prescribed functions.
For the second part, let U be a solution of the same BVP i.e.
∂2U ∂2U ∂U
+ = F (x, y) in R, = g(x, y) on ∂R, (5.63)
∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂n
and consider W := U − T . Then W is a solution of the problem
∂2W ∂2W ∂W
+ = 0 in R, = 0 on ∂R. (5.64)
∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂n
Chapter 5. Laplace’s equation in the plane 55
where
Z
1 2π
p0 = g(θ) dθ, (5.76)
π 0
Z 2π
1
pn = g(θ) cos (nθ) dθ, (5.77)
π 0
Z
1 2π
qn = g(θ) sin (nθ) dθ. (5.78)
π 0
Look for solutions in the form
∞
X
T (r, θ) = A + r n [Cn cos (nθ) + Dn sin (nθ)] . (5.79)
n=1
Chapter 5. Laplace’s equation in the plane 56
We have
∞
∂T X
= nr n−1 [Cn cos (nθ) + Dn sin (nθ)] , (5.80)
∂r
n=1
where
Z 2π
1
Cn = g(θ) cos (nθ) dθ, (5.84)
nπan−1 0
Z 2π
1
Dn = g(θ) sin (nθ) dθ, (5.85)
nπan−1 0
Example 5.7 Find T so as to satisfy Laplace’s equation in the disc 0 ≤ r < a and the
boundary condition
∂T
(a, θ) = sin3 θ, 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π. (5.86)
∂n
Here
3 1
sin3 θ = sin θ − sin (3θ) , (5.87)
4 4
and Z 2π
sin3 θ dθ = 0, (5.88)
0
and the solutions are
3 1 r3
T (r, θ) = A + r sin θ − sin (3θ) , (5.89)
4 12 a2
where A is arbitrary.
5.4 Well-posedness
PDE problems often arise from modelling a particular physical system. In this case we
could like to be able to make predictions as to the behaviour of the system based on our
analysis of the PDE under consideration.
Chapter 5. Laplace’s equation in the plane 57
1. EXISTENCE—there is a solution;
∂2y 2
2∂ y
= c − ∞ < x < ∞, t > 0, (5.90)
∂t2 ∂x2
∂y
y(x, 0) = f (x), (x, 0) = g(x), −∞ < x < ∞, (5.91)
∂t
where f and g are the initial data. We know that there is exactly one solution, given by
D’Alembert’s formula:
Z
1 1 x+ct
y(x, t) = [f (x − ct) + f (x + ct)] + g(s) ds. (5.92)
2 2c x−ct
∂2y 2
2∂ y
= c − ∞ < x < ∞, t > 0, (5.93)
∂t2 ∂x2
∂y
y(x, 0) = F (x), (x, 0) = G(x), −∞ < x < ∞, (5.94)
∂t
where F and G are different initial data. Again, we know that there is exactly one solution:
Z
1 1 x+ct
Y (x, t) = [F (x − ct) + F (x + ct)] + G(s) ds, (5.95)
2 2c x−ct
and
1
Y (x, t) − y(x, t) = [(F (x − ct) − f (x − ct)) + (F (x + ct) − f (x + ct))] (5.96)
2
Z
1 x+ct
+ [G(s) − g(s)] ds. (5.97)
2c x−ct
|F (x) − f (x)| < δ and |G(x) − g(x)| < δ for − ∞ < x < ∞. (5.98)
Chapter 5. Laplace’s equation in the plane 58
Then
1
|Y (x, t) − y(x, t)| ≤ |F (x − ct) − f (x − ct)|
2
1
+ |F (x + ct) − f (x + ct)|
2
Z
1 x+ct
+ |G(s) − g(s)| ds, (5.99)
2c x−ct
Z
1 1 1 x+ct
< δ+ δ+ δ ds, (5.100)
2 2 2c x−ct
1 1 1
= δ+ δ+ · 2ctδ, (5.101)
2 2 2c
= (1 + t)δ (5.102)
< (1 + T )δ. (5.103)
Thus if the new data (F, G) are close to the original data (f, g) in the sense that
ǫ ǫ
|F (x) − f (x)| < and |G(x) − g(x)| < for − ∞ < x < ∞, (5.104)
1+T 1+T
then the corresponding solutions are close together in the sense that
|Y (x, t) − y(x, t)| < ǫ for − ∞ < x < ∞ and 0 < t < T. (5.105)
In this sense 3. holds and the IVP is well-posed.
Example 5.9 By contrast the corresponding IVP for Laplace’s equation is not well-posed.
If y(x, t) = 0, f (x) = 0, g(x) = 0 then y is a solution of the IVP
∂2y ∂2y
+ = 0, −∞ < x < ∞, t > 0, (5.106)
∂x2 ∂t2
∂y
y(x, 0) = f (x), (x, 0) = g(x), −∞ < x < ∞. (5.107)
∂t
If x x
t
Y (x, t) = δ2 cos sinh , F (x) = 0, G(x) = δ cos , (5.108)
δ δ δ
Then Y (x, t) is a solution of the IVP
∂2Y ∂2Y
+ = 0, −∞ < x < ∞, t > 0, (5.109)
∂x2 ∂t2
∂Y
Y (x, 0) = F (x), (x, 0) = G(x), −∞ < x < ∞. (5.110)
∂t
Again suppose we want to make predictions in 0 < t < T . Then
x
|F (x) − f (x)| = 0 < δ, |G(x) − g(x)| = δ cos < δ, (5.111)
δ
and
2 t 2 T
|Y (0, t) − y(0, t)| = δ sinh < δ sinh . (5.112)
δ δ
But
T 1
δ2 sinh = δ2 eT /δ − e−T /δ → ∞ as δ → 0, (5.113)
δ 2
and we cannot make
|Y (0, t) − y(0, t)| < ǫ for 0 < t < T, (5.114)
by making δ suitably small.