2 Topic: Applications of Partial Differential Equations

2nd Topic
Applications of
Partial Differential Equations

One-dimensional Wave equation
Vibration of a stretching string, solution of wave equation,
D’Alembert’s solution of wave equation
Prepared by:
Prof. Sunil
Department of Mathematics & Scientific Computing
NIT Hamirpur (HP)
Classification of partial differential equations of second order:

Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) are classified into three main types based
on the characteristics of their solutions and the behavior of their solutions in various
domains. These classifications are elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic. The classification
is determined by examining the highest-order derivative terms in the equation and
their behavior.
The general form of a second order P.D.E. in the function u of the two
independent variables x, y is given by
 2u  2u  2u  u u 
A x , y   Bx , y   C x , y   f  x , y, ,   0
x 2 xy y 2  x y 
.
This equation is linear in second order terms. PDE is said to be “linear or quasi-linear”
according as f is linear or non-linear.
Above PDE is classified as Elliptic, Parabolic or Hyperbolic.
Elliptic Equations:
If B 2  4AC  0 , then above PDE is classified as elliptic.

Applications of Partial Differential Equations: One-dimensional Wave Equation 2
Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)
 In elliptic equations, the highest-order derivatives are of order two and appear
with opposite signs.
 They typically arise in problems where the solution represents a steady-state
behavior or equilibrium, such as in problems involving diffusion or
electrostatics.
 Examples include Laplace's equation and Poisson's equation.
 Elliptic equations have smooth solutions and exhibit properties such as
maximum and minimum principles.
Examples:
 2

Elliptic: B  4AC  0 : Laplace’s equation in two dimensions:
 2u
x 2

 2u
y 2
0.
 2u  2u
Poisson’s equation:   f x , y  .
x 2 y 2
Parabolic Equations:
If B 2  4AC  0 , then above PDE is classified as parabolic.

 Parabolic equations involve a single highest-order time derivative term and
multiple spatial derivatives.
 They often describe phenomena that evolve over time, such as heat conduction
or diffusion processes.
 Parabolic equations exhibit behavior where initial conditions significantly
influence the evolution of the solution but boundary conditions also play a role.
 The classic example of a parabolic equation is the heat equation.
Example:
 
Parabolic: B 2  4AC  0 : One dimensional heat-flow equation: c 2
 2 u u

x 2 t
.
Hyperbolic Equations:
If B 2  4AC  0 , then above PDE is classified as hyperbolic.

 Hyperbolic equations involve multiple highest-order derivatives in both time and
space with the same sign.
 They typically describe wave-like phenomena where information propagates at

a finite speed.
 Hyperbolic equations are commonly encountered in problems related to
acoustics, fluid dynamics, and electromagnetism.
 The wave equation, which describes the propagation of waves in various
media, is a fundamental example of a hyperbolic PDE.
Example:
 
Hyperbolic: B 2  4AC  0 : One-dimensional wave equation:
 2u
t 2
 c2
 2u
x 2
.
Importance of classification of a PDE as elliptic, parabolic, or hyperbolic:

The classification of a partial differential equation (PDE) as elliptic, parabolic, or
hyperbolic is crucial for several reasons:
1. Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions:
 Different types of PDEs have different requirements for specifying boundary
conditions and initial conditions. The classification helps determine under what
conditions solutions to the PDE exist and whether they are unique.
 For example, elliptic equations often have unique solutions given appropriate
boundary conditions, while parabolic and hyperbolic equations typically require
both initial and boundary conditions to uniquely determine a solution.
2. Behavior of Solutions:
 The classification provides insights into the behavior of solutions over time and
space. Elliptic equations typically describe steady-state phenomena, while
parabolic and hyperbolic equations describe evolving or propagating
phenomena.
 Understanding the behavior of solutions is essential for interpreting the physical
or mathematical implications of the PDE in a given context.
3. Numerical Methods Selection:
 Different numerical methods are better suited to solve different types of PDEs
efficiently and accurately.
 Elliptic equations often require iterative methods for solving large systems of
equations, such as iterative solvers like the Jacobi or Gauss-Seidel methods.
 Parabolic equations require time-stepping methods, such as the finite
difference method or the finite element method, to integrate the solution forward
in time.
 Hyperbolic equations often require specialized methods that preserve the
characteristics of the equations, such as finite volume methods or high-
resolution shock-capturing schemes.
4. Stability and Convergence Analysis:
 Stability and convergence properties of numerical methods depend on the
underlying properties of the PDE being solved.
 The classification helps determine the appropriate stability criteria and
convergence rates for numerical methods applied to solve the PDE.
 Understanding the classification allows for rigorous analysis of numerical
methods to ensure accurate and reliable solutions.
5. Physical Interpretation:
 In many applications, the classification of a PDE provides insights into the
underlying physical processes being modeled.
 For example, the classification of the Navier-Stokes equations as hyperbolic
helps in understanding the propagation of fluid waves and shocks in fluid flow
problems.
 Knowing the type of PDE can guide the interpretation of solutions and facilitate
the development of physical intuition about the problem being studied.
Overall, the classification of a PDE as elliptic, parabolic, or hyperbolic is essential for

understanding its mathematical properties, selecting appropriate solution methods,
analyzing the behavior of solutions, and interpreting the physical phenomena it
describes.
Note: Laplace’s equation, one dimensional heat-flow equation and one-dimensional
wave equation are homogeneous, whereas Poisson’s equation is non-homogeneous.
*************************
ONE-DIMENSIONAL WAVE EQUATION:

The one-dimensional wave equation is a partial differential equation that
describes the propagation of waves along a single spatial dimension. It is commonly
used in physics to model various wave phenomena, such as vibrations in strings,
sound waves in air, or seismic waves in the Earth's crust.
The one-dimensional wave equation is typically written in the form:
 2y  2y
 c2
t 2 x 2
Where:
 y(x, t) is the displacement or wave amplitude as a function of position x and time t.
 c is the speed of wave propagation.
2y
 represents the second partial derivative of u with respect to time, describing
t 2
the acceleration of the wave at each point.
2y
 represents the second partial derivative of u with respect to position,
x 2
describing the curvature or spatial variation of the wave.
The classical one-dimensional wave equation, which is hyperbolic, arises in the

study of transverse vibrations of an elastic (flexible) string or torsional oscillations or
longitudinal vibrations of a rod.
*******************************
FORMULATION of one-dimensional wave equation or vibrations of a stretched

string:
Consider a uniform elastic string of length ℓ stretched tightly between two
points O and A, and displayed slightly its equilibrium position OA. Taking the end O as
origin, OA as x-axis and perpendicular line through O as the y-axis, we shall find the
displacement y as a function of the distance x and time t.
We shall obtain the equation of motion for the string under the following
assumptions:
1. The motion takes place entirely in the xy-plane and each particle of the string
moves perpendicular to the equilibrium position OA of the string
2. The string is perfectly flexible and offers no resistance to bending.
3. The tension in the string is so large that the forces due to weight of the string can
be neglected.
y
4. The displacement y and the slope are small, so that their higher powers can be
x
neglected.
y-axis
T2
Q β
δs
P
α
T1 y
δx x-axis
O x x+δx A
Let m be the mass per unit length of the string. Consider the motion of an
element PQ of length s . Since the string does not offer resistance to bending (by
assumption), the tensions T1 and T2 at P and Q, respectively are tangential to the
curve.
Since there is no motion in the horizontal direction, we have
T1 cos   T2 cos   T (constant). (i)
Mass of element PQ is ms . Then, by Newton’s second law of motion, the

equation of motion in the vertical direction is
2y ms  2 y T2 sin  T1 sin 

ms  T2 sin   T1 sin     [by using (i)]
t 2 T t 2 T2 cos  T1 cos 
2y 2   y  
 
T
tan   tan     2y  T  y    .
t 2 ms t ms  x  x  x  x  x 
[Since s  x to a first approximation, and tan  and tan  are the slopes of the curve
of the string at x and x  x ]
  y   y  
      
 2 y T   x  x  x  x  x  T  2 y
   , as x  0
t 2 m  x  m x 2
 
 
2y 2y T
  c2 , where c 2  .
2 2
t x m
Thus,  2y  2y
 c2
t 2 x 2 .
This is the partial differential equation giving the transverse vibrations of the
string.
It is also called the one-dimensional wave equation or vibrations of a stretched
string and y y (x, y) is called displacement function.
Boundary and Initial conditions:
Boundary conditions:
2y 2y
The boundary conditions, satisfied by the equation  c2 are:
t 2 x 2
(i). y  0 when x  0  y0, t   0
 . This means that .
(ii). y  0 when x  ℓ  yℓ, t   0 
These should be satisfied for every value of t.
Initial conditions:
If the string is made to vibrate by pulling it into a curve y =f(x) and then releasing it, the
initial conditions are:
(i). y  f x  , when t = 0,
y
(ii).  0 when t = 0.
t
SOLUTION of the one-dimensional wave equation by separation of variables:
2y 2y
The wave equation is  c2 . (i)
t 2 x 2
Assume that y is separable, therefore let y  Xx Tt  , (ii)
be a solution of (i).
2y 2y
Then  XT  and  X T .
t 2 x 2
Substituting in (i), we have XT   c 2 X T .

X  1 T 
Separating the variables, we get  . . (iii)
X c2 T
Now the LHS of (iii) is a function of x only and RHS is a function of t only.
Since x and t are independent variables, this equation can hold only when both sides
reduce to a constant say, k. Then, equation (iii) leads to the ordinary linear differential
equations
X   kX  0 and T   kc 2 T  0 . (iv)
Solving (iv), we get
(i). When k is positive and = p2, (say)
X  c1e px  c 2 e  px and T  c 3 e cpt  c 4 e cpt .
(ii). When k is negative and   p 2 , (say)

X  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px and T  c 3 cos cpt  c 4 sin cpt .
(iii). When k = 0,
X  c1x  c 2 and T  c 3 t  c 4 .
Thus, the various solutions of the wave equation (i) are:
   
y  c1e px  c 2 e  px c 3 e cpt  c 4 e  cpt ,
 y  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px c 3 cos cpt  c 4 sin cpt  ,

 y  c1x  c 2 c 3 t  c 4  .
Of these three solutions, we have to choose that solution which is consistent with the
physical nature of the problem.
Since, we are dealing with a problem on vibrations, y most be a periodic function of x
and t. Therefore, the solution must involve trigonometric terms.
Accordingly, y  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px c 3 cos cpt  c 4 sin cpt  , (v)
is only suitable solution of the wave equation and it corresponds to k   p 2 .

Case 1: If boundary conditions are given:
Now applying boundary conditions that
y = 0 when x = 0 and y = 0 when x  ℓ
Therefore 0  c1 c 3 cos cpt  c 4 sin cpt  (vi)
and 0  c1 cos pℓ  c 2 sin pℓ c 3 cos cpt  c 4 sin cpt  . (vii)
From (vi), we have c1  0 .

Then, equation (vii) reduces to c 2 sin pℓc 3 cos cpt  c 4 sin cpt   0 ,
n
which is satisfied when sin pℓ  0  pℓ  n  p  , where n = 1, 2, 3,……
ℓ
 A solution of the wave equation satisfying the boundary condition is
 nct nct  nx
y  c 2  c 3 cos  c 4 sin  sin .
 ℓ ℓ  ℓ

On replacing c2c3 by an and c2c4 by bn, we get y   a n cos  b n sin  sin .
 ℓ ℓ  ℓ
Adding up the solutions for different values of n, we get

y   a n cos
 ℓ
 b n sin
ℓ
 sin
 ℓ
, (viii)
n 1
is also a solution.
Case 2: If boundary conditions and initial conditions are given:
Now applying the initial conditions.
y
y = f(x) and  0 , when t = 0, then from (viii), we have
t

nx
f x    a n sin (ix)
n 1
ℓ

nc nx
and 0   ℓ
b n sin
ℓ
(x)
n 1
Since equation (ix) represents Fourier series for f(x), we have

ℓ
2 nx
an   f x  sin dx . (xi)
ℓ ℓ
0
From (x), we get bn = 0, for all n.


 nct nx 
Hence, (viii) reduces to y    a n cos sin , (xii)
n 1 
ℓ ℓ 
ℓ
2 nx
where a n   f x  sin dx and yx ,0  f x  .
ℓ ℓ
0
*****************************
D’Alembert’s solution of the one-dimension wave equation:
2y 2 2y
The wave equation is c . (i)
t 2 x 2
Let us introduce new independent variables u  x  ct , v  x  ct , so that y becomes a
y y y
function of u and v. Then  
x u v
2y   y y    y y    y y   2 y 2y 2y

and            2 2 
x 2 x  u v  u  u v  v  u v  u uv v 2
2y  2
2  y  2 y  2 y 
Similarly, c 2  .
t 2  2 uv 2
 u v 
2y
Substituting in (i), we get  0. (ii)
uv
y
Integrating (ii) w.r.t. v, we get  f (u ) , (iii)
u
where f(u) is an arbitrary function of u. Since the integral is a function of u alone, we
may denote it by u  . Thus
y  u    v   y( x, t )  x  ct    x  ct  . (iv)

This is the general solution of (i).
yx ,0 
Now to determine  and  , suppose u(x, 0) = f(x) and  0.
t
y
Differentiating (iv) w.r.t. t, we get  cx  ct   c x  ct 
t
At t = 0, x    x  (v)
and yx ,0  x    x   f x  (vi)
(v) gives, x    x   k

 (vi) becomes yx ,0  2 x   k  f x 
1
  x   f x   k  and x   1 f x   k  .
2 2
Hence the solution of (iv) takes the form
1
yx , t   f x  ct   k   1 f x  ct   k   f x  ct   f x  ct  , (vii)
2 2
which is D’Alembert’s solution of the wave equation (i).
**********************
FINAL CONCLUSIONS
2y 2 2y
1. The solution of one-dimensional wave equation c
t 2 x 2
y0, t   0
satisfying the boundary conditions  is given by
yℓ, t   0 

y  y x , t     a n cos  b n sin  sin .
n 1  ℓ ℓ  ℓ
2y 2y
2. The solution of one-dimensional wave equation  c2
t 2 x 2
y0, t   0
satisfying the boundary conditions  and the initial conditions
yℓ, t   0 
yx ,0   f x 

 y   is given by
   0
 t  t  0 

 nct nx 
y  y x , t     a n cos sin ,
n 1 
ℓ ℓ 
ℓ
2 nx
where a n   f x  sin dx and yx ,0  f x  .
ℓ ℓ
0
*****************************************
Now let us solve some problems related to one-dimensional wave equation:

Q.No.1.: A string is stretched and fastened to two points ℓ apart. Motion is started by
x
displacing the string in the form y  a sin from which it is released at time t = 0.
ℓ
Show that the displacement of any point at a distance x from one end at time t is
x ct
given by yx , t   a sin cos .
ℓ ℓ
Sol.: The given is the problem of vibration of a stretched string, therefore we find the solution
2y 2y
of  c2 . (i)
t 2 x 2
Boundary conditions: As the end points of the string are fixed, for all time, therefore
the boundary conditions are y0, t   yℓ, t   0 . (ii)
Initial conditions: Since the initial transverse velocity of any point of the string is zero,
therefore, the initial conditions are
x y
yx ,0   a sin and  0 , when t = 0. (iii)
ℓ t
Now we have to solve (i) subject to the boundary conditions (ii) and initial conditions (iii).
 ℓ
nct nx 2 nx
Then yx , t    a n cos sin , where a n   yx ,0  sin dx
n 1
ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ
0
2 ℓ  x  nx 2a ℓ x nx

ℓ 0


a sin 
ℓ 
sin
ℓ
dx 
ℓ 0
sin
ℓ
sin
ℓ
dx ,
which vanishes for all values of n except n = 1.

ℓ
2a ℓ x a ℓ  2x  a ℓ 2x 
 a1   sin 2 dx   1  cos dx   x  sin a.
ℓ 0 ℓ ℓ 0  ℓ  ℓ 2 ℓ  0
x ct
Hence, the required solution is yx , t   a sin cos .
ℓ ℓ
Q.No.2.: The points of trisection of a string are pulled aside through the same distance on
opposite sides of the position of equilibrium and string is released from rest. Derive
an expression for the displacement of the string at subsequent time and show that the
mid-point of the string always remains at rest.
Sol.: Let B and C be the points of trisection of the string OA of length ℓ , say. Initially the
string is held in the form OBCA , where BB  CC  a (say)
y-axis
ℓ 
B  , a 
3 
a
C A x-axis
O
B ℓ, 0
a
3a  2ℓ 
The equation of OB is y  x. C   ,a 
ℓ  3 
2a  ℓ 3a
The equation of BC is y  a    x   i.e. y  ℓ  2 x  .
ℓ  3 ℓ
3
3a
The equation of CA is y  x  ℓ  .
ℓ
Here the boundary conditions are y0, t   yℓ, t   0 .
And the initial conditions are
 3a 1
 ℓ x, 0x
3

 3a 1 2ℓ y
y0, t    ℓ  2 x , x and  0 when t = 0.
ℓ 3 3 t
 3a 2ℓ
 ℓ x  ℓ , xℓ
 3

nct nx
We have yx , t    a n cos sin ,
n 1
ℓ ℓ
2 ℓ nx
where a n   yx ,0 sin dx
ℓ 0 ℓ
nx nx
2  ℓ / 3 3ax
x  ℓ sin nx dx 
2ℓ / 3 3a ℓ 3a
   sin dx   ℓ  2 x  sin dx  
ℓ 0 ℓ ℓ ℓ / 3 ℓ ℓ 2 ℓ / 3 ℓ ℓ 
  2 
ℓ/3
6a   ℓ nx  ℓ n  x
 x 
2   n
cos   1.  2 2 sin 
  
ℓ ℓ  n  ℓ 0

2ℓ / 3
 ℓ nx   ℓ2 nx 
 ℓ  2 x   cos    2 .  2 2 sin
 n ℓ   n  ℓ 
ℓ/3
 2 
ℓ 
 ℓ nx  ℓ n x 
 x  ℓ   cos   1.  2 2 sin 
 n ℓ    
 n  ℓ 
2ℓ / 3 
6a  ℓ 2 n ℓ2 n   ℓ 2 2 n 2ℓ 2 2 n ℓ 2 n
   cos  sin  cos  sin  cos
2  3n 2
3 n  2  
3   3n 2 2 3n
ℓ  3 n  3 3
2ℓ 2 n   ℓ 2 2 n ℓ2 2n 
 sin  cos  sin 
n 22 3   3n 3 n 22 3 


6a 3ℓ 2 
2
.
ℓ n 
 sin
2 2
n
3
 sin
2n  18a
  2 2 sin
3  n 
n
3
1   1n  
 2n  n  n n n n 
Since sin 3  sin  n  3   sin n cos 3  cos n sin 3  0   1 sin 3   1 sin 3 
n n
   
 a n  0 , when n is odd.
36a n 9a 2m
 sin , when n is even. i.e. sin , taking n = 2m
n 22 3 m 22 3
9a  1 2m 2mct 2mx

Hence, yx , t    sin cos sin .
2 2
 m 1 m 3 ℓ ℓ

 ℓ  9a 1 2m 2mct
Also y , t   
 2   2 m 1 m 2
sin
3
cos
ℓ
sin m  0 , since sin m  0 .
 The displacement of the mid-point of the string is zero for all values of t.
Thus, the mid-point of the string is always at rest.
Q.No.3.: A tightly stretched string with fixed end points x = 0 and x  ℓ is initially at rest in
its equilibrium position. If it is set vibrating by giving to each of its points a velocity
x ℓ  x  , find the displacement of the string at any distance x from one end at any
time t.
Sol.: Here the boundary conditions are y0, t   yℓ, t   0 .

yx , t     a n cos  b n sin  sin . (i)
n 1  ℓ ℓ  ℓ
Since the string was at rest initially, y(x, 0) = 0. (Initial condition)


nx
 From (i), we have 0   a n sin
ℓ
 an  0 .
n 1

nct nx
Thus, yx , t    b n sin sin (ii)
n 0
ℓ ℓ

y nc nct nx c  nct nx
and  b n cos sin   nb n cos sin
t n 1 ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ n 1 ℓ ℓ
y
But  x ℓ  x  when t = 0. (Initial condition)
t
c  nx 
 c  nx
 x ℓ  x    nb n sin    nb n  sin ,
n 1  
ℓ n 1 ℓ ℓ ℓ
c 2 ℓ nx
where nb n   x ℓ  x  sin dx
ℓ ℓ 0 ℓ
ℓ
2   ℓ nx   ℓ2 nx   ℓ3 nx 
  x ℓ  x   cos   ℓ  2 x   2 2 sin   2  cos 
ℓ   n ℓ   n  ℓ   n 3 3
 ℓ 
 0
0, when n is even


4 ℓ 2
n 33
1  cos n  4 ℓ 2
n 3 3
1   1 
n 
  8ℓ 2
 3 3 , when n is odd
n 
8ℓ 2
= , taking n  2m  1 .
 3 2m  13
8ℓ 3
 bn  .
c 4 2m  14

nct nx
 From yx , t    b n sin sin , the required general solution is
n 0
ℓ ℓ
yx , t  
8ℓ 3  1 2m  1ct sin 2m  1x . Ans.
 sin
c 4
m 1 2m  1 4 ℓ ℓ
Q.No.4.: A tightly stretched string of length ℓ with fixed ends is initially in equilibrium
x
position. It is set vibrating by giving each point a velocity v 0 sin 3 . Find the
ℓ
displacement y(x, t).
or
A string of length ℓ is initially at rest in equilibrium position and each of its points is
 y  x
given the velocity    b sin 3 . Find the displacement y(x, t).
 t  t  0 ℓ
Sol.: The given is the problem of a vibrating stretched string. So consider one-dimensional
wave equation
2y 2y
 c2 , (i)
t 2 x 2
y0, t   0
where . Boundary conditions (ii)
yℓ, t   0 
yx ,0   0 

and  y  3 x  . Initial condition (iii)
   b sin
 t  t  0 ℓ 
Now, we have to solve (i) subject to the boundary conditions (ii) and initial conditions (iii).
Now the solution of (i) satisfying (ii) is given by

yx , t     a n cos  b n sin  sin . (iv)
n 1  ℓ ℓ  ℓ

nct nx
Now yx , t    a n cos sin [from (iii)]
n 1
ℓ ℓ
 a n  0n .

nct nx
Hence, (iv) reduces to yx , t    b n sin sin . (v)
n 1
ℓ ℓ
To find bn: Differentiating (v) w.r.t. t, partially, we have

 
y nc nct nx  y  nc nx x
  bn . . cos sin     bn . . sin  b sin 3 [from (iii)]
t n 1 ℓ ℓ ℓ  t  t  0 n 1 ℓ ℓ ℓ

bℓ 3 x nx
 sin   nb n sin ,
c ℓ n 1
ℓ
which is a half-range sine series in 0, ℓ  , hence
x 3x
ℓ ℓ 3 sin  sin
2 ℓb x nx 2b ℓ ℓ sin nx dx
nb n  
ℓ c
. sin 3
ℓ
sin
ℓ
dx  b n 
cn  4 ℓ
0 0
x
[∵ sin 3A  3 sin A  4 sin 3 A where we take A  ]
ℓ
ℓ
b  nx x nx 3x 
 bn  
2cn 
 3 sin
ℓ
sin
ℓ
 sin
ℓ
sin
ℓ 
dx (vi)
0
ℓ ℓ
3b nx x b nx 3x

4cn  2 sin
ℓ
sin
ℓ
dx 
4cn  2 sin
ℓ
sin
ℓ
dx
0 0
ℓ ℓ
3b  x x  b  x x 
   cosn  1  cosn  1 dx    cosn  3  cosn  3 dx
4cn  ℓ ℓ  4cn  ℓ ℓ 
0 0
∵ 2 sin A sin B  cosA  B  cosA  B

ℓ ℓ
 x x   x x 
3b 
sin n  1 sin n  1 sin n  3  sin n  3 
 bn  ℓ  ℓ   b  ℓ  ℓ 
   
4cn     4cn    
n  1 n  1  n  3 n  3 
 ℓ ℓ 0  ℓ ℓ 0
 0n except n = 1, n = 3. ( sin n  0n  Z
Also n varies fro 1 to   n  0,3 .
Now for n = 1,
  2x  
ℓ ℓ   1  cos  1 
b   x  x 3 x  b ℓ    2 sin 3x sin   dx
 3
2
b1 
2c 
 3 sin
ℓ
 sin
ℓ
sin
ℓ 
dx  
2c   2  2 ℓ ℓ 
0 0  
   
b   4x  
ℓ
2x 2x
    3  3 cos  cos  cos dx 
4c   ℓ ℓ ℓ  
0 
 2x 2x 4x 
 sin sin sin

b ℓ  ℓ  ℓ   b 3ℓ  0 sin n  0n  Z
3x  3 
4c  2 2 4  4c
 ℓ ℓ ℓ 
3bℓ
 .
4c
Again from (vi), we have
ℓ ℓ
b  3x x 3x  b   3x x  2 3x 
b3  
6c 
 3 sin
ℓ
sin
ℓ
 sin 2
ℓ 
dx   3 2 sin
12c   ℓ
sin   2 sin
ℓ  ℓ 
dx
0 0
b   6x  
ℓ
2x 4x  
   3 cos  cos 
  1  cos dx 
12c   ℓ ℓ   ℓ  
0 
ℓ
 2x 4x 6x 
3 sin 3 sin sin
b  ℓ    bℓ .
 
ℓ  ℓ x
 sin n  0n  Z
12c  2 4 6  12c
 ℓ ℓ ℓ  0
Hence, from (v), the required solution is given by

nct nx ct x 3ct 3x
yx , t    b n sin sin  b1 sin sin  b 3 sin sin  0  0  ........
n 1
ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ
3bℓ ct x   bℓ  3ct 3x

 sin sin   sin sin [ b n  0n except n = 1, 3]
4c ℓ ℓ  12c  ℓ ℓ
bℓ  ct x 3ct 3x 

 9 sin sin  sin sin . Ans.
12c  ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ 
Q.No.5.:Find the deflection y(x, t) of the vibrating string of length  and ends fixed,
corresponding to zero initial velocity and initial deflection f x   k sin x  sin 2x  ,
given c 2  1
Sol.: We know that the partial differential equation of the vibrating string is giving by
2y
t 2
 c2
2y
x 2

2y
x 2
, 0x c  1
2
(i)
y0, t   0 
Also the boundary conditions are  (ii)
y, , t   0
y( x ,0)  k sin x  sin 2 x 


and the initial conditions are  y  . (iii)
  0 
 t  t  0 
Now, we have to solve (i) subject to the boundary conditions (ii) and initial conditions (iii).
 y 
The required solution of (i) satisfying (ii) and    0 is given by
 t  t  0
 
nt nx
y  y x , t    a n cos sin   a n cos nt sin nx . (iv)
n 1
  n 1
Now using yx,0  k sin x  sin 2x  , (iv) gives


 a n sin nx  k sin x  sin 2 x  ,
n 1
which is half-range Fourier sine series in 0,   and hence,


2
a n   k sin x  sin 2 x sin nxdx (v)

0

k
2 sin x sin nx   2 sin 2x sin nx dx


0

k
cosn  1x  cosn  1x   cosn  2x  cosn  2x 


0
∵ 2 sin A sin B  cos(A  B)  cos(A  B)


k  sin n  1x sin n  1x sin n  2 x sin n  2 x 
     ∵ sin n  0n  Z
  n 1 n 1 n2 n  2  0
 0n except n = 1, 2 (As n varies from 1 to   n  2 )

Also n = 1, (v) gives
 
a1 
2k
  

sin x  sin 2x sin xdx  k  2 sin 2 x  2 sin 2x sin x dx 
0 0
 
k k sin 2 x sin 3x 
  1  cos 2 x  cos x  cos 3x dx   x   sin x 
  2 3  0
0
k
   0  0  0  k . ∵ sin n  0n  Z

For n = 2, (v) gives
 
a2 
2
 
k

k sin x  sin 2 x  sin 2 xdx   2 sin x sin 2 x  2 sin 2 2 x dx


0 0

k
  cos x  cos 3x  1  cos 4 x dx

∵ cos 2A  1  2 sin A
2
0

k sin 3x sin 4 x  k
 sin x   x      k ∵ sin n  0n  Z
  3 4  0 
Therefore, from (iv), we have


y  x , t    a n cos nt sin nx  a1 cos t sin x  a 2 cos 2t sin 2x  .........
n 1
 k cos t sin x  k cos 2 t sin 2 x a n  0n except n  1, 2

y  k cos t sin x  cos 2t sin 2 x  , is the required solution of (i).
Q.No.6.: A tightly stretched flexible string has its ends fixed at x = 0 and x  ℓ . At time t = 0,
the string is given a shape defined by f ( x )  x ℓ  x  , where  is a constant, and
then released. Find the displacement of any point x of the string at any time t > 0.
Sol.: The given is the problem of vibration of a stretched string, therefore we find the solution
2y 2 2y
of c . (i)
t 2 x 2
y0, t   0
yℓ, t   0 
y( x ,0)  x ℓ  x 

and the initial conditions are  y  . (iii)
  0 
 t  t  0 
Here the solution of (i) satisfying (ii) and (iii) is given by

nct nt
y  y x , t    a n cos sin , 0 x ℓ, (iv)
n 1
ℓ ℓ
ℓ
2 nx
where a n   f x  sin dx , yx,0  f x   x ℓ  x  .
ℓ ℓ
ℓ
ℓ
2 nx
Now a n   x ℓ  x  sin dx ,
ℓ I II ℓ
0
Integrating by parts, we get

ℓ
    
  nx    sin nx   cos nx 
  cos 
an 
2 
x ℓ  x . ℓ   ℓ  2 x  ℓ    2  ℓ 
 n    
ℓ    n 
2 2

3
 n 
3

  
  ℓ     
 ℓ2   ℓ3  0
2  2ℓ 3   2ℓ 3 
  00 cos n    0   (As n varies from 1 to   n  0 )
ℓ  n 3 3
  
  n 3 3 
 
 

2 2ℓ 3
. 1  cos n  3 
4ℓ 2 1   1n
0,

  8ℓ 2
 n is even
3
ℓ n  3 3
 n  3 3, n is odd.
 n 
Hence, from (iv), the required solution is given by

8ℓ 2 1 nct nx
y  y x , t    3 . 3 cos ℓ sin ℓ
n  odd  n
8ℓ 2  1 2m  1ct sin 2m  1x , Ans.

  cos
 3 m 1 2m  13 ℓ ℓ
where n  2m  1 , odd.
Q.No.7.: A string is stretched between the fixed points (0, 0) and ℓ,0 and released at rest
from the initial deflection given by
2k ℓ
f (x)  x, when 0  x 
ℓ 2
.
2k ℓ
 ℓ  x , when  x  ℓ
ℓ 2
Find the deflection of the string at time t.
Sol.: The given is the problem of a vibrating stretching string. Therefore, we consider one-
dimensional wave equation
2y 2y
 c2 . (i)
t 2 x 2
y0, t   0 
Also given the boundary conditions are  (ii)
y, , t   0
 y  
  0 
 t  t  0 
 2k ℓ.
and the initial conditions are
 ℓ x , 0x  (iii)
2
y ( x ,0 ) 

 2k ℓ  x , ℓ
xℓ 
 ℓ 2 
Here, the solution of (i) satisfying (ii) and (iii) is given by


nct nx
yx , t    a n cos sin , 0 x ℓ, (iv)
n 1
ℓ ℓ
ℓ
2 nx
where a n   f x  sin dx , y(x, 0) = f(x)
ℓ ℓ
0
ℓ / 2 ℓ 
2 2k nx 2k nx 
 
ℓ  ℓ I  ℓ I
 an  x sin dx  ℓ  x sin dx
ℓ ℓ 
 0 II ℓ /2 II 

ℓ/2
    
0

   cos kx   sin nx   nx   sin nx 
4k     ℓ 
   cos 
ℓ   ( 1) ℓ 
 an 
2 
x . ℓ   (1)
2  
4k 
ℓ  x .
ℓ    n   2
 2   n  
 2 2 
  n  ℓ     n  
  ℓ   2    ℓ   
  ℓ  0   ℓ 2  ℓ / 2
4k   ℓ 2 n ℓ2 n   ℓ2 n ℓ2 n  
  cos  sin    0  0  cos  sin 
ℓ 2  2n 2 n 22 2   2 n 2 n 22 2 

4 k  2ℓ 2 n  8k n
  sin   sin [ n  0 , as n varies from 1 to  ] (v)
ℓ 2  n 2  2 2  n 2  2 2
Hence, from (iv) and (v), the required solution is given by
8k  1 n nct nx
y( x , t ) 
2  2
sin cos sin .
 n 1 n 2 ℓ ℓ
Q.No.8.: The ends of tightly stretched string of length ℓ are fixed at x = 0 and x  ℓ . The
string is at rest with the point x = b drawn aside through a small distance d and
released at time t = 0. Show that

2dℓ 2 1 nb nb nct
yx , t    sin sin cos .
 bℓ  b  n 1 n
2 2 ℓ ℓ ℓ
Sol.: The given is the problem of a vibrating stretched string of length ℓ . So consider
2y 2 2y
c . (i)
t 2 x 2
y0, t   0
yℓ, t   0 
 y  
and the initial conditions are    0 . (iii)
 t  t  0 
To find y(x, 0), equation of OA is given by
d0
y0  x  0   d x .
b0 b
y-axis A(b, d)
b x-axis
O(0, 0) L B
Also, equation of AB is given by

d0
y0  x  ℓ   d x  ℓ  .
bℓ bℓ
d
 b x , 0xb
Hence, y( x ,0)   (iv)
 d x  ℓ , bxℓ
 b - ℓ
Therefore, the solution of (i), satisfying (ii), (iii) and (iv) is given by

nct nx
y( x , t )   a n cos
ℓ
sin
ℓ
, 0 x ℓ,
n 1
ℓ
2 nx
where a n   f x  sin dx , and y(x, 0) = f(x).
ℓ ℓ
0
b ℓ 
2 d nx d nx 
 an   x sin dx   x  ℓ sin dx
ℓ b I ℓ bℓ I ℓ 
 0 II b II 

b ℓ
     
 n x   n x    nx   sin nx 
   cos  sin    cos 
2d   ℓ   (1) ℓ    2d   ℓ 
x  ℓ .
ℓ   (1)
 an  x .  2 2  2 
bℓ   n   n  
ℓ b  ℓ    n    n 2
 
   
  ℓ   2    ℓ   2 
  ℓ  0   ℓ  0
2d   bℓ nb ℓ2 nb  2d  ℓ nb ℓ 2 nb 

 cos  sin 0  0  0  b  ℓ  cos  sin
bℓ  n ℓ n 2 2 ℓ  ℓb  ℓ 
  n ℓ n 2 2 ℓ 
 2d nb 2dℓ nb 2d nb 2dℓ nb

 cos  sin  cos  sin
n ℓ 2
bn  2 ℓ n ℓ n  b  ℓ 
2 2 ℓ
2dℓ  1 1  nb 2dℓ bℓb nb

    sin    sin
n 22  b b  ℓ  ℓ n 22  bb  ℓ   ℓ
2dℓ 2 nb 2dℓ 2 1 nb

 sin  . sin . (v)
bb  ℓ n 2  2 ℓ  2 bb  ℓ  n 2 ℓ
Therefore, from (iv) and (v), the required solution is given by

 
nct nx 2dℓ 2 1 nb nct nx
yx , t    a n cos sin   sin cos sin .
n 1
ℓ ℓ  2 bb  ℓ  n 1 n 2 ℓ ℓ ℓ
ℓ
Q.No.9.: A tightly stretched string ℓ and fixed at the both ends is plucked at x  and
3
assumes initially the shape of a triangle of height h. Find the displacement y(x, t)
after the string is released from rest.
Sol.: The given is the problem of a one dimensional wave equation
2y 2y
 c2 . (i)
t 2 x 2
y0, t   0
yℓ, t   0 
 y  
 t  t  0 
We find y(x, 0). Now equation of OB is given by
h 0
y0  x  0  y  3hx , 0  x  ℓ
ℓ ℓ 3
0
3
y-axis B ℓ / 3, h 
ℓ/3 2ℓ / 3 x-axis
O(0, 0) L A ℓ, 0
Also equation of AB is given by

h 0
y0  x  ℓ   y   3h x  ℓ  , ℓ  x  ℓ
ℓ 2ℓ 3
ℓ
3
 3h ℓ
 ℓ x , 0x
3
Hence, y( x ,0)   (iv)
 - 3h x  ℓ , ℓ
bxℓ
 2ℓ 3
Now, the solution of (i) satisfying (ii) and (iii) is given by

nct nx
y  y x , t    a n cos sin , 0xℓ (v)
n 1
ℓ ℓ
ℓ
2 nx
where a n   f x  sin dx , y(x, 0) = f(x)
ℓ ℓ
0
ℓ / 3 ℓ 
2 3hx nx  3h nx 
x  ℓ sin
ℓ  ℓ
Now an  sin dx   dx
ℓ 2ℓ ℓ 
 0 I II ℓ/3 I II 
ℓ/3 ℓ
  nx   
 x   cos
nx  
 1  sin    nx  1  sin nx  
  cos   
6h   ℓ   ℓ  3h   ℓ 
an    x  ℓ  ℓ 
ℓ2  n n 2 2  ℓ 2   n   2 2
n  
     
ℓ  ℓ 
 ℓ2  0  ℓ2  ℓ / 3
6h   ℓ ℓ n ℓ2 n  3h  2ℓ 2 n ℓ2 n 
  . . cos  . sin    0 cos  sin 
ℓ 2  3 n 3 n 22 3  ℓ 2  3n 3 n 22 3 
 2h n 6h n 2 h n 3h n
 cos  sin  cos  sin
n 2
3 n  2 3 n 2
3 n  2 3
9h n
 sin , n  0. (vi)
2 2
n  3
Hence, from (v) and (vi), the required solution is given by
9h  1 n nct nx
y  y( x , t )   sin cos sin . Ans.
 2 n 1 n 2 3 ℓ ℓ
Q.No.10.: A tightly stretched string with fixed end points x = 0 and x  ℓ is initially in a
 x 
position given by y  y 0 sin 3   . If it is released from rest from this position,
 ℓ 
find the displacement y(x, t).
Sol.: The given is the problem of a one dimensional wave equation
2y 2 2y
c . (i)
t 2 x 2
y0, t   0
Also, the boundary conditions are  (ii)
yℓ, t   0 
 y  
 t  t  0 
We know that the solution of (i), satisfying (ii) and (iii) is given by

nct nx
yx , t    a n cos sin , 0 x ℓ, (*)
n 1
ℓ ℓ
ℓ
2 nx x
where a n   f x  sin dx , y(x, 0) = y 0 sin 3  f (x )
ℓ ℓ ℓ
0
 3x
ℓ ℓ 3 sin  sin
2 x nx 2y ℓ ℓ sin nx dx
Now a n 
ℓ  y 0 sin 3
ℓ
sin
ℓ
dx  0
ℓ  4 ℓ
0 0
 3 x 
∵ sin 3A  3 sin A  4 sin A where we take A  ℓ 
 
ℓ
y  x nx 3x nx 
 an  0
2ℓ   3 sin
 ℓ
sin
ℓ
 sin
ℓ
sin
ℓ 
dx (iv)
0
ℓ ℓ
3y nx x y nx 3x
 0
4ℓ  2 sin
ℓ
sin
ℓ
dx  0
4ℓ  2 sin
ℓ
sin
ℓ
dx
0 0
ℓ ℓ
3y 0  x x  y0  x x 
   cos n  1  cos n  1  dx    cosn  3  cosn  3  dx
4ℓ ℓ ℓ  4ℓ  ℓ ℓ 
0 0
∵ 2 sin a sin B  cos(A  B)  cos(A  B)

ℓ ℓ
 x x   x x 
 sin n  1 sin n  1   sin n  3 sin n  3 
3y ℓ  ℓ y0 ℓ  ℓ
 0    
     
4ℓ 

n  1 n  1  4ℓ 

n  3 n  3 
ℓ ℓ 0 ℓ ℓ 0
 a n  0n except n = 1, n = 3. Also n varies from 1 to   n  3

Now from (iv), we have
ℓ ℓ ℓ
y  x x 3x x  3y0 2 x y0 1 3x x
a1  0
2ℓ   3 sin ℓ sin ℓ  sin ℓ sin ℓ dx  2ℓ  sin ℓ dx  2ℓ . 2  2 sin ℓ sin ℓ dx
0 0 0
 2x 
1  cos
ℓ  ℓ
3y0  ℓ  y0  2x 4x 

2ℓ  2
dx    cos
4ℓ  ℓ
 cos
ℓ 
dx
0 0
∵ 2 sin a sin B  cos(A  B)  cos(A  B)

ℓ ℓ
2x 2x 4x
sin sin sin
3y 0 y 3y 3y
 x
2
ℓ  0
2
ℓ 
4
ℓ  0 ℓ   0 ∵ sin n  0n  Z
4ℓ 4ℓ 4ℓ 4
ℓ 0 ℓ ℓ 0
Again from (iv), we have

ℓ
y  x 3x 3x 3x  ℓ
3x x
ℓ
3x
a3  0
2ℓ   3 sin
 ℓ
sin
ℓ
 sin
ℓ
sin
ℓ 
dx = 3y 0
4ℓ  2 sin
ℓ
sin
ℓ
y
dx  0
2ℓ  sin 2
ℓ
dx
0 0 0
ℓ ℓ
3y 0  2x 4x  y0  6x 

4ℓ   cos ℓ  cos ℓ dx  4ℓ  1  cos ℓ dx
0 0
 2 3x 
∵ cos 2A  1  2 sin A where we take A  ℓ 
 
ℓ ℓ
2x 4x 6x
sin sin sin
3y 0 ℓ  ℓ y ℓ
  0 x
4ℓ 2 4 4ℓ 6
ℓ ℓ 0 ℓ 0
Hence from (*), we get


nct nx ct x 3ct 3x
y  y x , t    a n cos sin  a1 cos sin  a 3 cos sin  0  0  ..........
n 1
ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ
3y 0 ct x y 0 3ct 3x

 cos sin  cos sin [Since a n  0n except n = 1, 3]
4 ℓ ℓ 4 ℓ ℓ
y  ct x ct 3x 
 0 3 cos sin  cos sin .
4  ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ 
y  x ct 3x 3ct 
Thus, y( x , t )  0  3 sin cos  sin cos  . Ans.
4  ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ 
2y 2y
Q.No.11.: Solve the boundary value problem 4 ,
t 2 x 2
y(0, t) = y(5, t) = 0,
 y 
y(x, 0) = 0,    f x  ,
 t  t  0
where (i) f ( x )  3 sin 2x  2 sin 5x , (ii) f ( x )  5 sin x .
Sol.: (i). We know that the solution of one dimensional wave equation
2y 2y
4 , (i)
t 2 x 2
satisfying the boundary conditions
y(0, t) = y(5, t) = 0 (ii)
is given by

y  y( x , t )    a n cos
 ℓ
 b n sin
ℓ
 sin
 5
, 0 < x < 5,
n 1
where c2 = 4 and ℓ  5 . Hence, we have


 nt nt  nx
y  y( x , t )    a n cos  b n sin  sin (iii)
n 1 
5 5  5
To find an: Use y(x, 0) = 0, (iii) gives


nx
y ( x ,0 )   a n cos 0  0sin 5  0 (given)
n 1
 a n  0n .

2nt nx
Hence (iii) reduces to y  y( x , t )   b n . sin
5
sin
5
(iv)
n 1
To find bn: Differentiate (iv) w.r.t. t partially, we have


y 2 n 2nt nx
  bn . . cos . sin
t n 1 5 5 5

 y  2 n nx
   b n sin  3 sin 2x  2 sin 5x , (given)
 t  t  0 n 1 5 5
which is a Fourier half-range sine series in (0, 5), and hence, for 0 < x < 5, we have
5
2 n 2 nx
b n   3 sin 2x  2 sin 5x sin dx
5 5 5
0
5
1  nx nx 
 bn  
n 
 3 sin 2x sin
5
 2 sin 5x sin
5 
dx (v)
0
5 5
3 nx 1 nx

2 n  2 sin
5
sin 2xdx 
n  2 sin
5
sin 5xdx
0 0
∵ 2 sin A sin B  cosA  B  cos(A  B)

5 5
3    n    1    n   
5 5
  n   n
   cos  2  x  cos  2  x dx     cos  5  x  cos  5  x dx 
2 n    5   5    n    5   5   
0 0 0 0
n
 0n except  2  0 or n = 10 [As n varies from 1 to  ,  n  25 ]
5
n
and  5  0  n  25 . sin n  0n  Z
5
5
1
3 sin 2x sin 2x  2 sin 5x sin 2x dx
10 
Now b10 
0
5 5
3 1 1
.  2 sin 2 2xdx  dx cos 3x  cos 7 x dx
10 

10 2
0 0
5 5
3
  1  cos 4x dx  1  cos 3x  cos 7x dx
20 10
0 0
∵ cos 2A  1  2 sin 2
A, Take A  2x 
5 5
3  sin 4x  1  sin 3x sin 7 x 
  x  
20  4  0 10  3
 7  0
3
 5  3 ∵ sin n  0n  Z .
20 4
Also
5
1
3 sin 2x sin 5x  2 sin 5x sin 5x dx
25 
b 25  [Using (v)]
0
5 5
3 1 1
.  2 sin 2x sin 5xdx  dx sin 2 5xdx
25 

25 2
0 0
5 5
3
  cos 3x  cos 7x dx  1  1  cos10x dx
50 25
0 0
∵ 2 sin A sin B  cos(A  B)  cosA  B

5 5
3  sin 3x sin 7 x  1  sin 10x  1
      x   sin n  0n  Z
50  3 7   0 25  10  0 5
Therefore, from (iv), we have


2nt nx
y  yx , t    b n sin sin  b10 sin 4t sin 2x  b 25 sin 10t sin 5x  0  0.......
n 1
5 5
∵ b n  0n except n  10, 25

3 1
y sin 4t sin 2x  sin 10t sin 5x . Ans.
4 5
(ii). Proceed similarly up to equation (iv), we have

2nt nx
y  y( x , t )   b n . sin
5
sin
5
(iv)
n 1
To find bn: Differentiate (iv) w.r.t. t, partially, we have


y 2 n 2 n n
  bn . . cos t. sin x
t n 1 5 5 5

 y  2 n n
    bn . sin x  3 sin x , (given)
 t  t  0 n 1 5 5
which is a Fourier half-range sine series for 0 < x < 5, we have

5
2 n 2 n
b n   5 sin x . sin xdx
5 5 5
0
5
1  n 
 bn  
n 
 5 sin x. sin
5
xdx dx

(v)
0
5 5
5 n 5   n   n  

2 n  2 sin
5
x sin xdx   cos
2 n   5
 1nx  cos
  5
 1nx dx
 
0 0
∵ 2 sin A sin B  cosA  B  cos(A  B)

5
 n  n  
 sin   1x sin   1x 
  5    5    0n except   1  0  n  5
5 n

2 n   n  n   5 
  5  1   1  
5 
 0
∵ sin n  0n  Z
n 
  1  0 as n varies from 1 to  ]
5 
Put n = 5, using (v), we have
5 5 5
1 1 1 1  cos 2x
b5   5 sin x sin ndx   sin 2 xdx   dx
5 n  2
0 0 0
∵ cos 2x  1  2 sin x
2
5
1 sin 2x 1 5
 x  5 ∵ sin n  0n  Z
2 2  0 2 2
Hence, from (iv) the required solution is given by


2 n n
y  y( x , t )   b n . sin
5
t sin
5
x
n 1
 0  0  ......  b n sin 2t sin x  0  .......... ∵ b n  0n except n = 5]

5
 sin 2t sin x . Ans.
2
2y 2y
Q.No.12.: Solve completely the equation,  c2 , representing the vibrations of a
t 2 x 2
string of length ℓ , fixed at both ends, given that
y(0, t) = 0; yℓ, t   0 ; (Boundary conditions)

yx,0  f ( x ) , yx ,0   0, 0  x  ℓ . (Initial conditions)
t
2y 2y
Sol.: One-dimensional wave equation is  c2 , (given) (i)
t 2 x 2
satisfying y0, t   0  yℓ, t  , (ii)
yx ,0   f ( x )

 y   0 x ℓ. (iii)
   0
 t  t  0 
We now apply the method of separation of variables to solve (i).
Here y is dependent variable and x and t are independent variables, so we get
y  XT (iv)
to be the required solution of (i)
2y 2y d 2T d 2X
Now  XT  ,  X T , where T   and X   .
t 2 x 2 dt 2 dx 2
Substituting these values in (i), we get XT   c 2 X T .

X  1 T 
Separating the variables, we get  2 . (v)
X c T
As LHS of (v) is a function of x only and RHS is a function of t only, thus (v) can hold only
when each side is equal to some constant, say k

X  1 T 
 2
X c T
k
X 
X
k
1 d 2X
X dx 2
k 
d 2X
2

 kX  0  D 2  k X  0 ,  D  d  (vi) 
dx  dx 
and 2
1 T 
c T
k
1 d 2T
2
c T dt 2

 k  D 2  kc 2 T  0 .  (vii)
Case I: When k = positive, say p2, then
 
(vi) gives D 2  p 2 X  0 .  
(vii) gives D 2  kc 2 T  0 .
Its auxiliary equation is Its auxiliary equation is
m 2  p 2  0  m  p . m 2  p 2 c 2  0  m   pc .
CF  c1e px  c 2 e  px . CF  c 3 e pct  c 4 e  pct .

Also PI = 0. Also PI = 0.
 X  CF  PI  X  c1e px  c 2 e  px .  T  CF  PI  T  c 3 e pct  c 4 e  pcct
Case 2: When k   p 2 , then
 
(vi) gives D 2  p 2 X  0 .  
(vii) gives D 2  p 2 c 2 T  0 .
Its auxiliary equation is Its auxiliary equation is
m 2  p 2  0  m   pi . m 2  p 2 c 2  0  m   pci .
CF  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px . CF  c 3 cos pct  c 4 sin pct .

 X  CF  PI  X  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px .  T  CF  PI  T  c 3 cos pct  c 4 sin pct .
Case 3: When k  0 , then
(vi) gives D 2 X  0 . (vii) gives D 2 T  0 .
Its auxiliary equation is m 2  0  m  0,0 . Its auxiliary equation is m 2  0  m  0,0 .
CF  c1  c 2 x e 0 x  c1  c 2 x . CF  c 3  c 4 t e 0 t  c 3  c 4 t .

 X  CF  PI  X  c1  c 2 x .  T  CF  PI  T  c3  c 4 t .
Hence, from (iv), the various possible solutions of (i), are given by
Y = XT
 
 y  c1e px  c 2 e  px c 3 e pct  c 4 e  pct  (viii)
 y  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px c 3 cos pct  c 4 sin pct  (ix)
 y  c1  c 2 x c 3  c 4 t  (x)
Now,, out of these solutions, we must choose that solution which is consistent with the
physical nature of the given problem. As we are dealing with the problem of a wave equation
and since waves are periodic in nature therefore y must be a periodic function i.e., y must
involve trigonometric identities. Hence from (ix),
y  y( x , t )  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px c 3 cos pct  c 4 sin pct  (xi)
is the required solution where k   p 2

Using the given condition (2), we have from (11)
y(0, t )  0  c1 c 3 cos pct  c 4 sin pct   c1  0 .
Also y(ℓ, t )  0  c 2 sin pℓc 3 cos pct  c 4 sin pct 
sin pℓ  0 c 2  0, otherwise (xi) reduces to y = 0, which is not possible]

n
 pℓ  n  p  , n = 0,  1,  2,............
ℓ
Hence (xi) reduces to
n  nc nc 
yx , t   c 2 sin x  c 3 cos t  c 4 sin t
ℓ  ℓ ℓ 
 nc nc  n
 c 2 c 3 cos t  c 2 c 4 sin t  sin x
 ℓ ℓ  ℓ
Replacing c2c3, by an, c2c4 by bn, and adding all solutions, we have

 nc nc  n
yx , t     a n cos t  b n sin t  sin x. (xii)
n 1  ℓ ℓ  ℓ
Further, we find an and bn, by using (iii)

y    nc  nc  nc n

Now, from (xii)  a n   sin ℓ t   b n cos ℓ t . ℓ . sin ℓ x
t n 1    

 y  nc n
    bn . . sin x  0  b n  0n
 t  t 0 n 1 ℓ ℓ
Hence (xii) reduces to


nc n
yx , t    a n cos t sin x (xiii)
n 1 ℓ ℓ

n
Finally, yx ,0   f ( x )  a n sin x,
n 1 ℓ
Which is a Fourier half-range sine series for 0  x  ℓ , and hence

ℓ
2 n
a n   f ( x ) sin xdx . (xiv)
ℓ0 ℓ
Hence from (xiii), the required solution of (i) is given by


nc n
yx , t    a n cos t sin x
n 1 ℓ ℓ
ℓ
2 n
where a n 
ℓ0 f ( x ) sin
ℓ
xdx .
*** *** *** *** ***

*** *** ***
***
Home Assignments
2y 2y
Q.No.1.: Find the solution of the wave equation  c2 , corresponding to the
t 2 x 2
2k ℓ
triangular initial deflection f x   x when 0  x  .
ℓ 2
2k
 ℓ  x  when ℓ  x  ℓ ,
ℓ 2
and initial velocity zero.
8k  x ct 1 3x 3ct 

Ans.: y   sin cos  sin cos  ..... 
2  ℓ ℓ 32 ℓ ℓ 
Q.No.2.: A tightly stretched string of length ℓ has its ends fastened at x = 0, x  ℓ . The mid
point of the string is then taken to height h and then released from rest in that
position. Find the lateral displacement of a point of the string at time t from the
instant of release.
8h  x ct 1 3x 3ct 
Ans.: y   sin cos  sin cos  ..... 
2  ℓ ℓ 32 ℓ ℓ 
Q.No.3.: A tightly stretched string with fixed end points at x = 0 and x = 1, is initially in a
position given by
 1
 x, 0x
f x   
2
1  x , 1
  x 1
2
It is released from this position with velocity a, perpendicular to the x-axis, show
that the displacement u(x, t) at any point x of the string any time t > 0, given by
  
4 2  sin4n  3x cos 4n  3at  4 
u x , t    
  
 2 n 1  4n  3 2

   
sin 4n  1x cos 4n  1at   
 4  
  .
4n  1 2


Ans.:
Q.No.4.: A taut string of length 20 cms. fastened at both ends is displaced from its position
of equilibrium, by imparting to each of its points an initial velocity given by
v=x in 0  x  10
v  20  x in 10  x  20 , x being the distance from one end . Determine the
displacement at any subsequent time.
1600  x at 1 3x 3at 
Ans.: y   sin sin  sin sin  ..... 
a 3  20 20 33 20 20 
 2u  2u
Q.No.5.: Show that the wave equation  c2 , under the conditions u(0, t),
t 2 x 2
 u 
u (ℓ, t )  0 for all t, u(x, t) = f(x),    g x  has the solution of the form
 t  t  0

n 2 1 nx
u x , t    B n cos  n t  C n sin  n t sin ℓ x , where B n  ℓ 0 f (x ) sin ℓ dx ,
n 1
2 1 nx
Cn  
cn 0
g ( x ) sin
ℓ
dx .
Ans.:
Q.No.6.: Using D’Alembert’s method, find the deflection of a vibrating string of unit length
having fixed ends, with initial velocity zero and initial deflection:
 
(i) f x   a x  x 3 , (ii) f x   a sin 2 x .
 
Ans.: (i). y( x , t )  ax 1  x 2  3c 2 t 2 , (ii). y( x , t ) 
a
2
1  cos 2x cos 2ct  .
************************************************
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2 Topic: Applications of Partial Differential Equations

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2 Topic: Applications of Partial Differential Equations

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2nd Topic

Partial Differential Equations

Classification of partial differential equations of second order:

If B 2  4AC  0 , then above PDE is classified as elliptic.

If B 2  4AC  0 , then above PDE is classified as parabolic.

If B 2  4AC  0 , then above PDE is classified as hyperbolic.

 They typically describe wave-like phenomena where information propagates at

Importance of classification of a PDE as elliptic, parabolic, or hyperbolic:

Overall, the classification of a PDE as elliptic, parabolic, or hyperbolic is essential for

ONE-DIMENSIONAL WAVE EQUATION:

The classical one-dimensional wave equation, which is hyperbolic, arises in the

FORMULATION of one-dimensional wave equation or vibrations of a stretched

Mass of element PQ is ms . Then, by Newton’s second law of motion, the

2y ms  2 y T2 sin  T1 sin 

Substituting in (i), we have XT   c 2 X T .

X  c1e px  c 2 e  px and T  c 3 e cpt  c 4 e cpt .

(ii). When k is negative and   p 2 , (say)

Thus, the various solutions of the wave equation (i) are:

 y  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px c 3 cos cpt  c 4 sin cpt  ,

is only suitable solution of the wave equation and it corresponds to k   p 2 .

From (vi), we have c1  0 .

 nct nct  nx

Since equation (ix) represents Fourier series for f(x), we have

From (x), we get bn = 0, for all n.

2y   y y    y y    y y   2 y 2y 2y

y  u    v   y( x, t )  x  ct    x  ct  . (iv)

(v) gives, x    x   k

Now let us solve some problems related to one-dimensional wave equation:

which vanishes for all values of n except n = 1.

9a  1 2m 2mct 2mx

Since the string was at rest initially, y(x, 0) = 0. (Initial condition)

0, when n is even

To find bn: Differentiating (v) w.r.t. t, partially, we have

which is a half-range sine series in 0, ℓ  , hence

∵ 2 sin A sin B  cosA  B  cosA  B

3bℓ ct x   bℓ  3ct 3x

bℓ  ct x 3ct 3x 

y( x ,0)  k sin x  sin 2 x 

Now using yx,0  k sin x  sin 2x  , (iv) gives

which is half-range Fourier sine series in 0,   and hence,

∵ 2 sin A sin B  cos(A  B)  cos(A  B)

 0n except n = 1, 2 (As n varies from 1 to   n  2 )

Therefore, from (iv), we have

 k cos t sin x  k cos 2 t sin 2 x a n  0n except n  1, 2

Integrating by parts, we get

8ℓ 2  1 2m  1ct sin 2m  1x , Ans.

Here, the solution of (i) satisfying (ii) and (iii) is given by

Integrating by parts, we get

Hence, from (iv) and (v), the required solution is given by

Also, equation of AB is given by

Integrating by parts, we get

2d   bℓ nb ℓ2 nb  2d  ℓ nb ℓ 2 nb 

 2d nb 2dℓ nb 2d nb 2dℓ nb

2dℓ  1 1  nb 2dℓ bℓb nb

2dℓ 2 nb 2dℓ 2 1 nb

Therefore, from (iv) and (v), the required solution is given by

Also equation of AB is given by

∵ 2 sin a sin B  cos(A  B)  cos(A  B)

 a n  0n except n = 1, n = 3. Also n varies from 1 to   n  3

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