Second Order Linear Partial Differential Equations

Part IV

One-dimensional undamped wave equation; D’Alembert solution of the

wave equation; damped wave equation and the general wave equation; two-
dimensional Laplace equation

The second type of second order linear partial differential equations in 2

independent variables is the one-dimensional wave equation. Together with
the heat conduction equation, they are sometimes referred to as the
“evolution equations” because their solutions “evolve”, or change, with
passing time. The simplest instance of the one-dimensional wave equation
problem can be illustrated by the equation that describes the standing wave
exhibited by the motion of a piece of undamped vibrating elastic string.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 1

 Undamped One-Dimensional Wave Equation:
Vibrations of an Elastic String

Consider a piece of thin flexible string of length L, of negligible weight.

Suppose the two ends of the string are firmly secured (“clamped”) at some
supports so they will not move. Assume the set-up has no damping. Then,
the vertical displacement of the string, 0 < x < L, and at any time t > 0, is
given by the displacement function u(x, t). It satisfies the homogeneous one-
dimensional undamped wave equation:

a2 uxx = utt

Where the constant coefficient a2 is given by the formula a2 = T / ρ, such that

a = horizontal propagation speed (also known as phase velocity) of the wave
motion, T = force of tension exerted on the string, ρ = mass density (mass
per unit length). It is subjected to the homogeneous boundary conditions

u(0, t) = 0, and u(L, t) = 0, t > 0.

The two boundary conditions reflect that the two ends of the string are
clamped in fixed positions. Therefore, they are held motionless at all time.

The equation comes with 2 initial conditions, due to the fact that it contains
the second partial derivative term utt. The two initial conditions are the
initial (vertical) displacement u(x, 0), and the initial (vertical) velocity
ut(x, 0), both are arbitrary functions of x alone. (Note that the string is
merely the medium for the wave, it does not itself move horizontally, it only
vibrates, vertically, in place. The resulting wave form, or the wave-like
“shape” of the string, is what moves horizontally.)

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 2

Hence, what we have is the following initial-boundary value problem:

(Wave equation) a2 uxx = utt , 0 < x < L, t > 0,

(Boundary conditions) u(0, t) = 0, and u(L, t) = 0,

(Initial conditions) u(x, 0) = f (x), and ut(x, 0) = g(x).

We first let u(x, t) = X(x)T(t) and separate the wave equation into two
ordinary differential equations. Substituting uxx = X ″ T and utt = X T ″ into
the wave equation, it becomes

a2 X ″ T = X T ″.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 3

 2
Dividing both sides by a X T :

X ′′ T ′′
=
X a2 T

As for the heat conduction equation, it is customary to consider the constant

a2 as a function of t and group it with the rest of t-terms. Insert the constant
of separation and break apart the equation:

X ′′ T ′′
= =−λ
X a2 T
X ′′
=−λ → X ″ = −λX → X ″ + λX = 0,
X

T ′′
=−λ → T ″ = −a2 λ T → T ″ + a2 λ T = 0.
a2 T
The boundary conditions also separate:

u(0, t) = 0 → X(0)T(t) = 0 → X(0) = 0 or T(t) = 0

u(L, t) = 0 → X(L)T(t) = 0 → X(L) = 0 or T(t) = 0

As usual, in order to obtain nontrivial solutions, we need to choose

X(0) = 0 and X(L) = 0 as the new boundary conditions. The result,
after separation of variables, is the following simultaneous system of
ordinary differential equations, with a set of boundary conditions:

X ″ + λX = 0, X(0) = 0 and X(L) = 0,

T ″ + a2 λ T = 0.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 4

The next step is to solve the eigenvalue problem

X ″ + λX = 0, X(0) = 0, X(L) = 0.

We have already solved this eigenvalue problem, recall. The solutions are

n2 π 2
Eigenvalues: λ= 2 , n = 1, 2, 3, …
L
nπ x
Eigenfunctions: X n = sin , n = 1, 2, 3, …
L

Next, substitute the eigenvalues found above into the second equation to find
T(t). After putting eigenvalues λ into it, the equation of T becomes

n 2π 2
T ′′ + a
2
T =0.
L2

It is a second order homogeneous linear equation with constant coefficients.

It’s characteristic have a pair of purely imaginary complex conjugate roots:

anπ
r=± i.
L
Thus, the solutions are simple harmonic:

anπ t anπ t
Tn (t ) = An cos + Bn sin
L L , n = 1, 2, 3, …

Multiplying each pair of Xn and Tn together and sum them up, we find the
general solution of the one-dimensional wave equation, with both ends fixed,
to be

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 5

 ∞
 anπ t anπ t  nπ x
u ( x, t ) = ∑  An cos + Bn sin  sin
n =1  L L  L .

There are two sets of (infinitely many) arbitrary coefficients. We can solve
for them using the two initial conditions.

Set t = 0 and apply the first initial condition, the initial (vertical)
displacement of the string u(x, 0) = f (x), we have

∞
nπ x
u ( x,0) = ∑ ( An cos(0) + Bn sin(0) ) sin
n =1 L
∞
nπ x
= ∑ An sin = f ( x)
n =1 L

Therefore, we see that the initial displacement f (x) needs to be a Fourier sine
series. Since f (x) can be an arbitrary function, this usually means that we
need to expand it into its odd periodic extension (of period 2L). The
coefficients An are then found by the relation An = bn, where bn are the
corresponding Fourier sine coefficients of f (x). That is

nπ x
L
2
An = bn = ∫ f ( x ) sin dx .
L0 L

Notice that the entire sequence of the coefficients An are determined exactly
by the initial displacement. They are completely independent of the other
sequence of coefficients Bn, which are determined solely by the second
initial condition, the initial (vertical) velocity of the string. To find Bn, we
differentiate u(x, t) with respect to t and apply the initial velocity,
ut(x, 0) = g(x).

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 6

 ∞
 anπ anπ t anπ anπ t  nπ x
ut ( x, t ) = ∑  − An sin + Bn cos  sin
n =1  L L L L  L

Set t = 0 and equate it with g(x):

∞
anπ nπ x
ut ( x,0) = ∑ Bn sin = g ( x) .
n =1 L L

We see that g(x) needs also be a Fourier sine series. Expand it into its odd
periodic extension (period 2L), if necessary. Once g(x) is written into a sine
series, the previous equation becomes

∞
anπ nπ x ∞
nπ x
ut ( x,0) = ∑ Bn sin = g ( x) = ∑ bn sin
n =1 L L n =1 L

Compare the coefficients of the like sine terms, we see

anπ nπ x
L
2
Bn = bn = ∫ g ( x )sin dx .
L L0 L

Therefore,

nπ x
L
L 2
Bn =
anπ
bn =
anπ ∫ g ( x) sin
0
L
dx .

As we have seen, half of the particular solution is determined by the initial

displacement, the other half by the initial velocity. The two halves are
determined independent of each other. Hence, if the initial displacement
f (x) = 0, then all An = 0 and u(x, t) contains no sine-terms of t. If the initial
velocity g(x) = 0, then all Bn = 0 and u(x, t) contains no cosine-terms of t.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 7

Let us take another look and summarize the result for these 2 easy special
cases, when either f (x) or g(x) is zero.

Special case I: Nonzero initial displacement, zero initial velocity: f (x) ≠ 0,

g(x) = 0.

Since g(x) = 0, then Bn = 0 for all n.

nπ x
L
2
An = ∫ f ( x ) sin dx , n = 1, 2, 3, …
L0 L

Therefore,

∞
anπ t nπ x
u ( x, t ) = ∑ An cos sin
n =1 L L .

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 8

The D’Alembert Solution

In 1746, Jean D’Alembert* produced an alternate form of solution to the

wave equation. His solution takes on an especially simple form in the above
case of zero initial velocity.

Use the product formula sin(A) cos(B) = [sin(A − B) + sin(A + B)] / 2, the
solution above can be rewritten as

1 ∞  nπ ( x − at ) nπ ( x + at ) 
u ( x, t ) = ∑ An  sin + sin 
2 n =1  L L 

Therefore, the solution of the undamped one-dimensional wave equation

with zero initial velocity can be alternatively expressed as

u(x, t) = [F(x − at) + F(x + at)] / 2.

In which F(x) is the odd periodic extension (period 2L) of the initial
displacement f (x).

An interesting aspect of the D’Alembert solution is that it readily shows that

the starting waveform given by the initial displacement would keep its
general shape, but it would also split exactly into two halves. The two
halves of the wave form travel in the opposite directions at the same finite
speed of propagation a. (Notice that the two halves of the wave form are
being translated/moved in the opposite direction at the rate of distance a
units per unit time.) Furthermore, once the “wave front” has passed over a
point on the string, the displacement at that point will be restored to its
previous state before the arrival of the wave. In physics, this aspect of wave
motion is called the Huygens’ Principle.

*
Jean le Rond d”Alembert (1717 – 1783) was a French mathematician and physicist. He is perhaps best
known to calculus students as the inventor of the Ratio Test for convergence.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 9

Special case II: Zero initial displacement, nonzero initial velocity: f (x) = 0,
g(x) ≠ 0.

Since f (x) = 0, then An = 0 for all n.

nπ x
L
2
Bn =
anπ ∫
0
g ( x) sin
L
dx , n = 1, 2, 3, …

Therefore,

∞
anπ t nπ x
u ( x, t ) = ∑ Bn sin sin
n =1 L L .

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 10

Example: Solve the one-dimensional wave problem

9 uxx = utt , 0 < x < 5, t > 0,

u(0, t) = 0, and u(5, t) = 0,
u(x, 0) = 4sin(πx) − sin(2πx) − 3sin(5πx),
ut(x, 0) = 0.

2
First note that a = 9 (so a = 3), and L = 5.

The general solution is, therefore,

∞
 3nπ t 3nπ t  nπ x
u ( x, t ) = ∑  An cos + Bn sin  sin
n =1  5 5  5 .

Since g(x) = 0, it must be that all Bn = 0. We just need to find An. We

also see that u(x, 0) = f (x) is already in the form of a Fourier sine
series. Therefore, we just need to extract the corresponding Fourier
sine coefficients:

A5 = b5 = 4,
A10 = b10 = −1,
A25 =b25 = −3,
An = bn = 0, for all other n, n ≠ 5, 10, or 25.

Hence, the particular solution is

u(x, t) = 4cos(3π t) sin(π x) − cos(6π t) sin(2π x)

− 3cos(15π t) sin(5π x).

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 11

We can also solve the previous example using D’Alembert’s solution. The
problem has zero initial velocity and its initial displacement has already been
expanded into the required Fourier sine series, u(x, 0) = 4sin(πx) − sin(2πx) −
3sin(5πx) = F(x). Therefore, the solution can also be found by using the
formula u(x, t) = [F(x − at) + F(x + at)] / 2, where a = 3. Thus

u(x, t) = [ [ 4sin(π(x + 3t)) + 4sin(π(x − 3t)) ] − [sin(2π(x +

3t)) + sin(2π(x + 3t)) ] − [3sin(5π(x + 3t)) + 3sin(5π(x +
3t)) ] ] / 2

Indeed, you could easily verify (do this as an exercise) that the solution
obtained this way is identical to our previous answer. Just apply the addition
formula of sine function ( sin(α ± β) = sin(α)cos(β) ± cos(α)sin(β) ) to each
term in the above solution and simplify.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 12

Example: Solve the one-dimensional wave problem

9 uxx = utt , 0 < x < 5, t > 0,

u(0, t) = 0, and u(5, t) = 0,
u(x, 0) = 0,
ut(x, 0) = 4.

2
As in the previous example, a = 9 (so a = 3), and L = 5.
Therefore, the general solution remains

∞
 3nπ t 3nπ t  nπ x
u ( x, t ) = ∑  An cos + Bn sin  sin
n =1  5 5  5 .

Now, f (x) = 0, consequently all An = 0. We just need to find Bn. The

initial velocity g(x) = 4 is a constant function. It is not an odd periodic
function. Therefore, we need to expand it into its odd periodic
extension (period T = 10), then equate it with ut(x, 0). In short:

nπ x nπ x
L 5
2 2
Bn =
anπ ∫
0
g ( x) sin
L
dx =
3nπ ∫0
4 sin
5
dx

 80
 , n = odd
=  3n 2π 2
 0 , n = even

Therefore,

∞
80 3( 2n − 1)π t ( 2n − 1)π x
u ( x, t ) = ∑ sin sin
n =1 3( 2n − 1) 2 π 2 5 5 .

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 13

 The Structure of the Solutions of the Wave Equation

In addition to the fact that the constant a is the standing wave’s propagation
speed, several other observations can be readily made from the solution of
the wave equation that give insights to the nature of the solution.

To reduce the clutter, let us look at the form of the solution when there is no
initial velocity (when g(x) = 0). The solution is

∞
anπ t nπ x
u ( x, t ) = ∑ An cos sin
n =1 L L .

The sine terms are functions of x. They described the spatial wave patterns
(the wavy “shape” of the string that we could visually observe), called the
normal modes, or natural modes. The frequencies of those sine waves that
we could see, nπ / L, are called the spatial frequencies of the wave. They are
also known as the wave numbers. It measures the angular motion, in radians,
per unit distance that the wave travels. The “period” of each spatial (sine)
function, 2/( nπ / L) = 2L / n, is the wave length of each term. Meanwhile, the
cosine terms are functions of t, they give the vertical displacement of the
string relative to its equilibrium position (which is just the horizontal, or the
x-axis). They describe the up-and-down vibrating motion of the string at
each point of the string. These temporal frequencies (the frequencies of
functions of t; in this case, the cosines’) are the actual frequencies of
oscillating motion of vertical displacement. Since this is the undamped
wave equation, the motion of the string is simple harmonic. The frequencies
of the cosine terms, anπ / L (measured in radians per second), are called the
natural frequencies of the string. In a string instrument, they are the
frequencies of the sound that we could hear. The corresponding natural
periods (= 2π / natural frequency) are, therefore, T = 2L / an.

For n = 1, the observable spatial wave pattern is that of sin(πx / L). The wave
length is 2L, meaning the length L string carries only a half period of the
sinusoidal motion. It is the string’s first natural mode. The first natural

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 14

frequency of oscillation, aπ / L, is called the fundamental frequency of the
string. It is, given the set-up, the lowest frequency note the vibrating string
can produce. It is also called, in acoustics, as the first harmonic of the string.

For n = 2, the spatial wave pattern is sin(2πx / L) is the second natural mode.
Its wavelength is L, which is the length of the string itself. The second
natural frequency of oscillation, 2aπ / L, is also called the second harmonic,
or the first overtone, of the string. It is exactly twice of the string’s
fundamental frequency; hence its wavelength (= L) is only half as long.
Acoustically, it produces a tone that is exactly one octave higher than the
first harmonic. For n = 3, the third natural frequency, 3aπ / L, is also called
the third harmonic, or the second overtone. It is 3 times larger than the
fundamental frequency and, at a 3:2 ratio over the second harmonic, is
situated exactly halfway between the adjacent octaves (at the second and the
fourth harmonics). The fourth natural frequency (fourth harmonic/ third
overtone), 4aπ / L, is four times larger than the fundamental frequency and
twice of that the second natural frequency. The tone it produces is, therefore,
exactly 2 octaves and 1 octave higher than those generated by the first and
second harmonics, respectively. Together, the sequence of all positive
integer multiples of the fundamental frequency is called a harmonic series
(not to be confused with that other harmonic series that you have studied in
calculus).

The motion of the string is the combination of all its natural modes, as
indicated by the terms of the infinite series of the general solution. The
presence, and magnitude, of the nature modes are solely determined by the
(Fourier sine series expansion of) initial conditions.

Lastly, notice that the “wavelike” behavior of the solution of the undamped
wave equation, quite unlike the solution of the heat conduction equation
discussed earlier, does not decrease in amplitude/intensity with time. It
never reaches a steady state (unless the solution is trivial, u(x, t) = 0, which
occurs when f (x) = g(x) = 0). This is a consequence of the fact that the
undamped wave motion is a thermodynamically reversible process that
needs not obey the second law of Thermodynamics.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 15

First natural mode (oscillates at the fundamental frequency / 1st harmonic):

Second natural mode (oscillates at the 2nd natural frequency / 2nd harmonic):

Third natural mode (oscillates at the 3rd natural frequency / 3rd harmonic):

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 16

 Summary of Wave Equation: Vibrating String Problems

The vertical displacement of a vibrating string of length L, securely clamped

at both ends, of negligible weight and without damping, is described by the
homogeneous undamped wave equation initial-boundary value problem:

a2 uxx = utt , 0 < x < L, t > 0,

u(0, t) = 0, and u(L, t) = 0,
u(x, 0) = f (x), and ut(x, 0) = g(x).

The general solution is

∞
anπ t anπ t  nπ x
u ( x, t ) = ∑  An cos + Bn sin  sin
n =1  L L  L .

The particular solution can be found by the formulas:

nπ x
L
2
An = ∫ f ( x ) sin dx , and
L0 L

nπ x
L
2
Bn =
anπ ∫ g ( x) sin
0
L
dx .

The solution waveform has a constant (horizontal) propagation speed,

in both directions of the x-axis, of a. The vibrating motion has a
(vertical) velocity given by ut(x, t) at any location 0 < x < L along the
string.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 17

Exercises E-4.1:

1. Solve the vibrating string problem of the given initial conditions.

4 uxx = utt , 0 < x < π, t > 0,

u(0, t) = 0, u(π, t) = 0,

(a) u(x, 0) = 12sin(2x) − 16sin(5x) + 24sin(6x),

ut(x, 0) = 0.

(b) u(x, 0) = 0,
ut(x, 0) = 6.

(c) u(x, 0) = 0,
ut(x, 0) = 12sin(2x) − 16sin(5x) + 24sin(6x).

2. Solve the vibrating string problem.

100 uxx = utt , 0 < x < 2, t > 0,

u(0, t) = 0, and u(2, t) = 0,
u(x, 0) = 32sin(πx) + e2 sin(3πx) + 25sin(6πx),
ut(x, 0) = 6sin(2πx) − 16sin(5πx / 2).

3. Solve the vibrating string problem.

25 uxx = utt , 0 < x < 1, t > 0,

u(0, t) = 0, and u(2, t) = 0,
u(x, 0) = x – x2,
ut(x, 0) = π.

4. Verify that the D’Alembert solution, u(x, t) = [F(x − at) + F(x + at)] / 2,
where F(x) is an odd periodic function of period 2L such that F(x) = f (x) on
the interval 0 < x < L, indeed satisfies the initial-boundary value problem by
checking that it satisfies the wave equation, boundary conditions, and initial
conditions.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 18

 a2 uxx = utt , 0 < x < L, t > 0,
u(0, t) = 0, u(L, t) = 0,
u(x, 0) = f (x), ut(x, 0) = 0.

5. Use the method of separation of variables to solve the following wave

equation problem where the string is rigid, but not fixed in place, at both
ends (i.e., it is inflexible at the endpoints such that the slope of displacement
curve is always zero at both ends, but the two ends of the string are allowed
to freely slide in the vertical direction).

a2 uxx = utt , 0 < x < L, t > 0,

ux(0, t) = 0, ux(L, t) = 0,
u(x, 0) = f (x), ut(x, 0) = g(x).

6. What is the steady-state displacement of the string in #5? What is

lim u ( x, t ) ? Are they the same?
t →∞

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 19

Answers E-4.1:

1. (a) u(x, t) = 12cos(4t) sin(2x) − 16cos(10t) sin(5x) + 24cos(12t) sin(6x).

(c) u(x, t) = 3sin(4t) sin(2x) – 1.6sin(10t) sin(5x) + 2sin(12t) sin(6x).

5. The general solution is

∞
 an π t an π t  nπ x
u ( x, t ) = A0 + B0 t + ∑  An cos + B n sin  cos .
n =1  L L  L
The particular solution can be found by the formulas:
nπ x
L L L
1 2 1
L ∫0 ∫ L ∫0
A0 = f ( x ) dx , An = f ( x) cos dx , B0 = g ( x) dx , and
L0 L
nπ x
L
2
Bn =
anπ ∫ g ( x) cos
0
L
dx .

6. The steady-state displacement is the constant term of the solution, A0.

The limit does not exist unless u(x, t) = C is a constant function, which
happens when f (x) = C and g(x) = 0, in which case the limit is C. They are
not the same otherwise.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 20

The General Wave Equation

The most general form of the one-dimensional wave equation is:

a2 uxx + F(x, t) = utt + γ ut + k u.

Where a = the propagation speed of the wave,

γ = the damping constant
k = (external) restoration factor, such as when vibrations occur
in an elastic medium.
F(x, t) = arbitrary external forcing function (If F = 0 then the
equation is homogeneous, else it is nonhomogeneous.)

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 21

The Telegraph Equation

The most well-known example of (a homogeneous version of) the general

wave equation is the telegraph equation. It describes the voltage u(x, t)
inside a piece of telegraph / transmission wire, whose electrical properties
per unit length are: resistance R, inductance L, capacitance C, and
conductance of leakage current G:

a2 uxx = utt + γ ut + k u.

Where a2 = 1 / LC, γ = G / C + R / L, and k = GR / CL.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 22

Example: The One-Dimensional Damped Wave Equation

a2 uxx = utt + γ ut , γ ≠ 0.

Suppose boundary conditions remain as the same (both ends fixed): (0, t) = 0,
and u(L, t) = 0.

The equation can be separated as follow. First rewrite it as:

a2X ″ T = X T ″ + γ X T ′,
2
Divide both sides by a X T , and insert a constant of separation:

X ′′ T ′′ + γ T ′
= 2
= −λ .
X a T

Rewrite it into 2 equations:

X ″ = −λ X → X ″ + λ X = 0,

T ″ + γ T ′ = − a2 λ T → T ″ + γ T ′ + a2 λ T = 0.

The boundary conditions also are separated, as usual:

u(0, t) = 0 → X(0)T(t) = 0 → X(0) = 0 or T(t) = 0

u(L, t) = 0 → X (L)T(t) = 0 → X(L) = 0 or T(t) = 0

As before, setting T(t) = 0 would result in the constant zero solution

only. Therefore, we must choose the two (nontrivial) conditions in
terms of x: X(0) = 0, and X(L) = 0.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 23

After separation of variables, we have the system

X ″ + λX = 0, X(0) = 0 and X(L) = 0,

T ″ + γ T ′ + α2 λ T = 0 .

The next step is to find the eigenvalues and their corresponding

eigenfunctions of the boundary value problem

X ″ + λX = 0, X(0) = 0 and X(L) = 0.

This is a familiar problem that we have encountered more than once

previously. The eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are, recall,

n2 π 2
Eigenvalues: λ= 2 , n = 1, 2, 3, …
L
nπ x
Eigenfunctions: X n = sin
L , n = 1, 2, 3, …

The equation of t, however, has different kind of solutions depending on the

roots of its characteristic equation.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 24

(Optional topic) Nonhomogeneous Undamped Wave Equation

Problems of partial differential equation that contains a nonzero forcing

function (which would make the equation itself a nonhomogeneous partial
differential equation) can sometimes be solved using the same idea that we
have used to handle nonhomogeneous boundary conditions – by considering
the solution in 2 parts, a steady-state part and a transient part. This is
possible when the forcing function is independent of time t, which then
could be used to determine the steady-state solution. The transient solution
would then satisfy a certain homogeneous equation. The 2 parts are thus
solved separately and their solutions are added together to give the final
result. Let us illustrate this idea with a simple example: when the string’s
weight is no longer “negligible”.

Example: A flexible string of length L has its two ends firmly secured.
Assume there is no damping. Suppose the string has a weight density of 1
Newton per meter. That is, it is subject to, uniformly across its length, a
constant force of F(x, t) = 1 unit per unit length due to its own weight.
Let u(x, t) be the vertical displacement of the string, 0 < x < L, and at any
time t > 0. It satisfies the nonhomogeneous one-dimensional undamped
wave equation:

a2 uxx + 1 = utt.

The usual boundary conditions u(0, t) = 0, and u(L, t) = 0, apply. Plus the
initial conditions u(x, 0) = f (x) and ut(x, 0) = g(x).

Since the forcing function is independent of time t, its effect is to

impart, permanently, a displacement on the string that depends only
on the location (the effect is subject to the boundary conditions, thus
might change with x). That is, the effect is to introduce a nonzero

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 25

 steady-state displacement, v(x). Hence, we can rewrite the solution
u(x, t) as:
u(x, t) = v(x) + w(x, t).

By setting t to be a constant and rewrite the equation and the boundary

conditions to be dependent of x only, the steady-state solution v(x)
must satisfy:
a2 v″ + 1 = 0,
v(0) = 0, v(L) = 0.

Rewrite the equation as v″ = − 1 / a2, and integrate twice, we get

−1 2
v( x) = x + C1 x + C 2 .
2a 2

Apply the boundary conditions to find C1 = L / 2a2 and C2 = 0:

−1 2 L
v( x) = x + x.
2a 2 2a 2

Comment: Thus, the sag of a wire or cable due to its own weight can be
seen as a manifestation of the steady-solution of the wave equation. The sag
is also parabolic, rather than sinusoidal, as one might have reasonably
assumed, in nature.

We can then subtract out v(x) from the equation, boundary conditions,
and the initial conditions (try this as an exercise), the transient
solution w(x, t) must satisfy:

a2 wxx = wtt , 0 < x < L, t > 0,

w(0, t) = 0, w(L, t) = 0,
w(x, 0) = f (x) − v(x), wt(x, 0) = g(x).

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 26

 The problem is now transformed to the homogeneous problem we
have already solved. The solution is just

 ∞
anπ t anπ t  nπ x
w( x, t ) = ∑  An cos + Bn sin  sin
n =1  L L  L .

Combining the steady-state and transient solutions, the general

solution is found to be

u ( x, t ) = v( x) + w( x, t )
−1 2 L ∞
 anπ t anπ t  nπ x
= 2 x + 2 x + ∑  An cos + Bn sin  sin
2a 2a n =1  L L  L

The coefficients can be calculated and the particular solution

determined by using the formulas:

nπ x
L
2
An = ∫ ( f ( x) − v( x) )sin dx , and
L0 L

nπ x
L
2
Bn =
anπ ∫
0
g ( x) sin
L
dx .

Note: Since the velocity ut(x, t) = vt(x) + wt(x, t) = 0 + wt(x, t) = wt(x, t). The
initial velocity does not need any adjustment, as ut(x, 0) = wt(x, 0) = g(x).

Comment: We can clearly see that, even though a nonzero steady-state

solution exists, the displacement of the string still will not converge to it as
t → ∞.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 27

 The Laplace Equation / Potential Equation

The last type of the second order linear partial differential equation in 2
independent variables is the two-dimensional Laplace equation, also called
the potential equation. Unlike the other equations we have seen, a solution
of the Laplace equation is always a steady-state (i.e. time-independent)
solution. Indeed, the variable t is not even present in the Laplace equation.
The Laplace equation describes systems that are in a state of equilibrium
whose behavior does not change with time. Some applications of the
Laplace equation are finding the potential function of an object acted upon
by a gravitational / electric / magnetic field, finding the steady-state
temperature distribution of the (2- or 3-dimensional) heat conduction
equation, and the steady-state flow of an ideal fluid.

Since the time variable is not present in the Laplace equation, any problem
of the Laplace equation will not, therefore, have an initial condition. A
Laplace equation problem has only boundary conditions.

Let u(x, y) be the potential function at a point (x, y), then it is governed by
the two-dimensional Laplace equation

uxx + uyy = 0.

Any real-valued function having continuous first and second partial

derivatives that satisfies the two-dimensional Laplace equation is called a
harmonic function.

Similarly, suppose u(x, y, z) is the potential function at a point (x, y, z), then it
is governed by the three-dimensional Laplace equation

uxx + uyy + uzz = 0.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 28

Comment: The one-dimensional Laplace equation is rather dull. It is merely
uxx = 0, where u is a function of x alone. It is not a partial differential
equation, but rather a simple integration problem of u″ = 0. (What is its
solution? Where have we seen it just very recently?)

The boundary conditions that accompany a 2-dimensional Laplace equation

describe the conditions on the boundary curve that encloses the 2-
dimensional region in question. While those accompany a 3-dimensional
Laplace equation describe the conditions on the boundary surface that
encloses the 3-dimensional spatial region in question.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 29

 The Relationships among Laplace, Heat, and Wave Equations
(Optional topic)

Now let us take a step back and see the bigger picture: how the
homogeneous heat conduction and wave equations are structured, and how
they are related to the Laplace equation of the same (spatial) dimension.

Suppose u(x, y) is a function of two variables, the expression uxx + uyy is

called the Laplacian of u. It is often denoted by

∇2 u = uxx + uyy.

Similarly, for a three-variable function u(x, y, z), the 3-dimensional Laplacian

is then
∇2 u = uxx + uyy + uzz.

(As we have just noted, in the one-variable case, the Laplaian of u(x),
degenerates into ∇2 u = u″.)

The homogeneous heat conduction equations of 1-, 2-, and 3- spatial

dimension can then be expressed in terms of the Laplacians as:

α2 ∇2 u = ut,

where α2 is the thermo diffusivity constant of the conducting material.

Thus, the homogeneous heat conduction equations of 1-, 2-, and 3-
dimension are, respectively,

α2 uxx = ut

α2 (uxx + uyy) = ut

α2 (uxx + uyy + uzz) = ut

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 30

As well, the homogeneous wave equations of 1-, 2-, and 3- spatial dimension
can then be similarly expressed in terms of the Laplacians as:

a2 ∇2 u = utt,

where the constant a is the propagation velocity of the wave motion. Thus,
the homogeneous wave equations of 1-, 2-, and 3-dimension are,
respectively,

a2 uxx = utt

a2 (uxx + uyy) = utt

a2 (uxx + uyy + uzz) = utt

Now let us consider the steady-state solutions of these heat conduction and
wave equations. In each case, the steady-state solution, being independent
of time, must have all zero as its partial derivatives with respect to t.
Therefore, in every instance, the steady-state solution can be found by
setting, respectively, ut or utt to zero in the heat conduction or the wave
equations and solve the resulting equation. That is, the steady-state solution
of a heat conduction equation satisfies
α2 ∇2 u = 0,

and the steady-state solution of a wave equation satisfies

a2 ∇2 u = 0.
2 2
In all cases, we can divide out the (always positive) coefficient α or a from
the equations, and obtain a “universal” equation:

∇2 u = 0.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 31

This universal equation that all the steady-state solutions of heat conduction
and wave equations have to satisfy is the Laplace / potential equation!

Consequently, the 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional Laplace equations are,

respectively,

uxx = 0,

uxx + uyy = 0,

uxx + uyy + uzz = 0.

Therefore, the Laplace equation, among other applications, is used to solve

the steady-state solution of the other two types of equations. And all
solutions of a Laplace equation are steady-state solutions. To answer the
earlier question, we have had seen and used the one-dimensional Laplace
equation (which, with only one independent variable, x, is a very simple
ordinary differential equation, u″ = 0, and is not a PDE) when we were
trying to find the steady-state solution of the one-dimensional homogeneous
heat conduction equation earlier.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 32

 Laplace Equation for a rectangular region

Consider a rectangular region of length a and width b. Suppose the top,

bottom, and left sides border free-space; while beyond the right side there
lies a source of heat/gravity/magnetic flux, whose strength is given by f (y).
The potential function at any point (x, y) within this rectangular region,
u(x, y), is then described by the boundary value problem:

(2-dim. Laplace eq.) uxx + uyy = 0, 0 < x < a, 0 < y < b,

(Boundary conditions) u(x, 0) = 0, and u(x, b) = 0,

u(0, y) = 0, and u(a, y) = f (y).

The separation of variables proceeds similarly. A slight difference here is

that Y(y) is used in the place of T(t). Let u(x, y) = X(x)Y(y) and substituting
uxx = X ″ Y and uyy = X Y ″ into the wave equation, it becomes

X ″ Y + X Y ″ = 0,

X ″ Y = −X Y ″.

Dividing both sides by X Y :

X ′′ Y ′′
=−
X Y
Now that the independent variables are separated to the two sides, we can
insert the constant of separation. Unlike the previous instances, it is more
convenient to denote the constant as positive λ instead.

X ′′ Y ′′
=− =λ
X Y

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 33

 X ′′
=λ → X ″ = λX → X ″ − λX = 0,
X

Y ′′
− =λ → Y ″ = −λ Y → Y ″ + λ Y = 0.
Y

The boundary conditions also separate:

u(x, 0) = 0 → X(x)Y(0) = 0 → X(x) = 0 or Y(0) = 0

u(x, b) = 0 → X(x)Y(b) = 0 → X(x) = 0 or Y(b) = 0
u(0, y) = 0 → X(0)Y(y) = 0 → X(0) = 0 or Y(y) = 0
u(a, y) = f (y) → X(a)Y(y) = f (y) [cannot be simplified further]

As usual, in order to obtain nontrivial solutions, we need to ignore the

constant zero function in the solution sets above, and instead choose
Y(0) = 0, Y(b) = 0, and X(0) = 0 as the new boundary conditions. The
fourth boundary condition, however, cannot be simplified this way.
So we shall leave it as-is. (Don’t worry. It will play a useful role
later.) The result, after separation of variables, is the following
simultaneous system of ordinary differential equations, with a set of
boundary conditions:

X ″ − λX = 0, X(0) = 0,

Y ″ + λ Y = 0, Y(0) = 0 and Y(b) = 0.

Plus the fourth boundary condition, u(a, y) = f (y).

The next step is to solve the eigenvalue problem. Notice that there is
another slight difference. Namely that this time it is the equation of Y that
gives rise to the two-point boundary value problem which we need to solve.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 34

 Y ″ + λY = 0, Y(0) = 0, Y(b) = 0.

However, except for the fact that the variable is y and the function is Y,
rather than x and X, respectively, we have already seen this problem before
(more than once, as a matter of fact; here the constant L = b). The
eigenvalues of this problem are

n2 π 2
λ =σ = 2 ,
2
n = 1, 2, 3, …
b

Their corresponding eigenfunctions are

nπ y
Yn = sin , n = 1, 2, 3, …
b

Once we have found the eigenvalues, substitute λ into the equation of x. We

have the equation, together with one boundary condition:

n 2π 2
X ′′ − X =0, X(0) = 0.
b2

n 2π 2 nπ
Its characteristic equation, r −
2
= 0 , has real roots r = ± .
b2 b

Hence, the general solution for the equation of x is

nπ − nπ
x x
X = C1 e b
+ C2 e b
.

The single boundary condition gives

X(0) = 0 = C1 + C2 → C2 = −C1.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 35

Therefore, for n = 1, 2, 3, …,

 nbπ x −nπ
x
X n = Cn  e − e b  .
 

Because of the identity for the hyperbolic sine function

eθ − e −θ
sinh θ = ,
2

the previous expression is often rewritten in terms of hyperbolic sine:

nπ x
X n = K n sinh , n = 1, 2, 3, …
b

The coefficients satisfy the relation: Kn = 2Cn.

Combining the solutions of the two equations, we get the set of solutions
that satisfies the two-dimensional Laplace equation, given the specified
boundary conditions:

nπ x nπ y
u n ( x, y ) = X n ( x) Yn ( y ) = K n sinh sin ,
b b
n = 1, 2, 3, …

The general solution, as usual, is just the linear combination of all the above,
linearly independent, functions un(x, y). That is,

∞
nπ x nπ y
u ( x, y ) = ∑ K n sinh sin
n =1 b b .

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 36

This solution, of course, is specific to the set of boundary conditions
u(x, 0) = 0, and u(x, b) = 0,
u(0, y) = 0, and u(a, y) = f (y).

To find the particular solution, we will use the fourth boundary condition,
namely, u(a, y) = f (y).

∞
anπ nπ y
u (a, y ) = ∑ K n sinh sin = f ( y)
n =1 b b

We have seen this story before. There is nothing really new here. The
summation above is a sine series whose Fourier sine coefficients are
bn = Kn sinh(anπ / b). Therefore, the above relation says that the last
boundary condition, f (y), must either be an odd periodic function (period =
2b), or it needs to be expanded into one. Once we have f (y) as a Fourier sine
series, the coefficients Kn of the particular solution can then be computed:

anπ nπ y
b
2
K n sinh = bn = ∫ f ( y ) sin dy
b b0 b

Therefore,

nπ y
b
bn 2
Kn =
anπ
=
anπ ∫ f ( y ) sin
b
dy
.
sinh b sinh 0
b b

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 37

(Optional topic) Laplace Equation in Polar Coordinates

The steady-state solution of the two-dimensional heat conduction or wave

equation within a circular region (the interior of a circular disc of radius k,
that is, on the region r < k) in polar coordinates, u(r, θ), is described by the
polar version of the two-dimensional Laplace equation

1 1
u rr + u r + 2 uθθ = 0 .
r r

The boundary condition, in this set-up, specifying the condition on the

circular boundary of the disc, i.e., on the curve r = k, is given in the form
u(k, θ) = f (θ), where f is a function defined on the interval [0, 2π). Note that
there is only one set of boundary condition, prescribed on a circle. This will
cause a slight complication. Furthermore, the nature of the coordinate
system implies that u and f must be periodic functions of θ, of period 2π.
Namely, u(r, θ) = u(r, θ + 2π), and f (θ) = f (θ + 2π).

By letting u(r, θ) = R(r)Θ(θ), the equation becomes

1 1
R′′Θ + R′Θ + 2 RΘ′′ = 0 .
r r

Which can then be separated to obtain

r 2 R′′ + rR′ Θ′′

=− =λ.
R Θ

This equation above can be rewritten into two ordinary differential equations:

r2 R″ + rR′ − λR = 0,

Θ″ + λΘ = 0.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 38

The eigenvalues are not found by straight forward computation. Rather,
they are found by a little deductive reasoning. Based solely on the fact that
Θ must be a periodic function of period 2π, we can conclude that λ = 0 and λ
= n2, n = 1, 2, 3…, are the eigenvalues. The corresponding eigenfunctions
are Θ0 = 1 and Θn = An cos nθ + Bn sin nθ. The equation of r is an Euler
equation (the solution of which is outside of the scope of this course).

The general solution of the Laplace equation in polar coordinates is

A0 ∞
u (r , θ ) = + ∑ ( An cos nθ + Bn sin nθ ) r n .
2 n =1

Applying the boundary condition u(k, θ) = f (θ), we see that

A0 ∞
u (k , θ ) = ( )
+ ∑ An k n cos nθ + Bn k n sin nθ = f (θ ) .
2 n =1

Since f (θ) is a periodic function of period 2π, it would already have a

suitable Fourier series representation. Namely,

a0 ∞
f (θ ) = + ∑ (an cos nθ + bn sin nθ ) .
2 n =1

Hence, A0 = a0, An = an / kn, and Bn = bn / kn, n = 1, 2, 3…

For a problem on the unit circle, whose radius k = 1, the coefficients An and
Bn are exactly identical to, respectively, the Fourier coefficients an and bn of
the boundary condition f (θ).

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 39

(Optional topic) Undamped Wave Equation in Polar Coordinates

The vibrating motion of an elastic membrane that is circular in shape can be

described by the two-dimensional wave equation in polar coordinates:

urr + (1 / r) ur + (1 / r2) uθθ = a −2 utt.

The solution is u(r, θ, t), a function of 3 independent variables that describes

the vertical displacement of each point (r, θ) of the membrane at any time t.

© 2008, 2012 Zachary S Tseng E-4 - 40