3.

3
UNIT II

BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEM

PART A

1. Find the nature of the PDE 4u xx  4u xy  u yy  2u x  u y  0

Solution:
Here, A = 4 , B = 4 , C = 1
B 2  4AC  16  4  12  0
Therefore it is hyperbolic.

2. Find the nature of the PDE u xx  xu yy  0

Solution:
A=1,B=0,C=x
B 2  4AC  0  4(1)( x )  4 x
If x > 0, -4x < 0 , Equation is elliptic.
If x < 0, -4x > 0 , Equation is hyperbolic .
If x = 0, -4x = 0 , Equation is parabolic.

2y 2
2  y
3. In the wave equation  a .What does a 2 stands?
t 2 x 2
T Tension
a2  
m mass

4. What are the possible solutions of one dimensional wave equation.

y( x , t )  ( Ae px  Be  px )(Ce pat  De  pat )
y( x , t )  ( A cos px  B sin px )(C cos pat  D sin pat )
y( x , t )  ( Ax  B)(Ct  D)

5. A String is stretched and fastened at two points x  0 and x  l apart. Motion is

started by displacing the string into the form y  f ( x ) from which it is released
at the time t  0 .Write the boundary conditions at any point on the string at a
distance of x from one end at time t.
The boundary conditions and initial conditions are
(a) y (0, t )  0 ,  t  0
(b) y ( l , t )  0 ,  t  0
(c) y( x ,0)  f ( x ) for all 0 < x <l
y( x ,0)
(d) 0 (since the initial velocity is zero )
t

6. Define steady state condition on heat flow?

Steady state condition in heat flow means that the temp. at any point in the body does
not vary with time.i.e It is independent of t, i.e time.
7. Give three possible solutions of the One dimentional heat flow equation.
Solution:
u ( x , t )  (Ax  B)C
 3.3
2p 2 t
u ( x , t )  ( A cos px  B sin px )Ce  
2p 2 t
u ( x , t )  (Ae px  Be  px )Ce 

8. An insulated rod of length 60cm has its ends at A and B maintained at 20  C and
80  C respectively. Find the steady state solution of the rod?
Solution:
When Steady state condition prevails the heat flow equation is
2 y d2y
 0 . i.e 0
x 2 dx 2
Integrate w. r. to x, we get the solution of the above equation is
u(x) = ax + b
When Steady state condition exits the boundary condition are u(0) =20 ,u(60)=80
u(0) = a(0)+b=20  b=20 …(1)
u(60) = 60a + b = 80  60a+ 20 = 80 (from (1))
 60a = 60  a = 1
 u(x) = x + 20

9. Write down possible solutions of the laplace equation?

y( x , t )  ( Ae px  Be  px )(C cos py  D sin py)
y( x , t )  ( A cos px  B sin px )(Ce py  De  py )
y( x , t )  ( Ax  B)(Cy  D)

PART B

1. A String is stretched and fastened at two points x  0 and x  l apart. Motion is

started by displacing the string into the form y  k ( lx  x 2 ) from which it is
released at the time t  0 .Find the displacement at any point on the string at a
distance of x from one end at time t.
Solution:
The one dimensional wave equation is
2 y 2  y
2

 a ----------------- (1)
t 2 x 2
Sovle this equation (1) , we get the most suitable solution is

y( x , t )  ( A cos px  B sin px )(C cos pat  D sin pat ) ------- (2)

The boundary conditions and initial conditions are

(a) y (0, t )  0 ,  t  0
(b) y ( l , t )  0 ,  t  0
(c) y ( x ,0)  k ( lx  x 2 ) for all 0 < x <l
y( x ,0)
(d) 0 (since the initial velocity is zero )
t
Applying (a) in Eqn. (2)
y(0, t )  (A cos p(0)  B sin p(0))(C cos pat  D sin pat)
y(0, t )  ( A )(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0 [cos 0  1, sin 0  0 ]
A0 (or) (C cos pat  D sin pat )  0,  It is true for all ‘t’
 3.3
Eqn. (2) becomes

y( x , t )  B sin px (C cos pat  D sin pat )  (3)

Applying (b) in Eqn.(3)
y(l, t )  ( B sin pl)(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0
 sin pl  0 (or) (C cos pat  D sin pat )  0
 pl  n sin n  0
n
 p
l
Eqn. (3) becomes
 nx  nat nat 
y( x, t )   B sin  C cos  D sin   ( 4)
 l  l l 
Differentiate (4) partially w. r. to ‘t’,
y( x , t ) nx  na nat na nat 
 B sin  C sin D cos 
t l  l l l l 
Applying (d) in above equation
y( x,0) nx  na n(0) na n(0) 
 B sin  C sin D cos 
t l  l l l l 
[cos 0  1, sin 0  0]
y( x,0) nx  na 
 B sin D 0
t l  l 
nx
 D  0 and B sin 0
l
 Eqn.(4) becomes
nx nat
y( x , t )  B sin C cos  (5)
l l
The most general solution is
 nx nat
y( x , t )   bn sin cos  (6)
n 1 l l
Applying (c) in Eqn.(5)
 nx n ( 0 )
y( x ,0)   bn sin cos
n 1 l l
 nx
y( x ,0)   bn sin  k ( lx  x 2 )
n 1 l
which is a half range Fourier sine series in the interval (0, l )
2l nx
Where bn   f ( x ) sin dx
l0 l
2l nx
bn   k ( lx  x 2 ) sin dx
l0 l
l
  nx   nx   nx  
   cos    sin   cos 
2k  l   l   l 
 ( lx  x )
2
 (l  2 x )  ( 2)
l   n   n 2 2   n 3 3  
     
  l   l2   l 3   0
 3.3
l
  nππ   nx 
  cos  cos 
2k  l   2 l 
  (lx  x 2 )
l   nπ   n 3 π 3 
    
  l   l 3 
0
 
2k  2 cos n  2 cos 0 
 
l  n 33

n 33 
 [cos n    1 n , sin n  0 ]
 
 l3 l3 

 3 3   2( 1) n  2
2kl 2
n
 8kl 2
 if n is odd
=  n 3 3
0 if n is even

Substituting bn in (6) we get the general solution is

8kl 2 nx nat
y( x , t )   3
n  3
sin
l
cos
l
n 1,3,5..

2. A tightly stretched string of length 2l is fastened at both ends. The midpoint of

the string is displaced by a distance ’b’ transversely and the string is released
from rest in this position. Find an expression for the transverse displacement of
the string at any time during the subsequent motion.
 3.3

Solution:
First we find the equation of the string in its initial
position ADB.
The equation of the The equation of the
line AD is line DB is
 x  x1 y  y1  L
   x
 x 2  x1 y 2  y1  2  yb
L b0
x0 y0 L
 (CD  b ) 2
L 0b
0  L L
2 b x     ( y  b )
 2 2
L
 bx   y bL  2bx
2 y b
2bx L L
y
L
,0  x 
2 2b L  x  L
y ,  xL
L 2
D(,b)

y
x

b
L
B(L,0)
2
(0,0) A
C B x
Hence initially the displacement of the string is in the
form
 2bx L
 , 0  x 
 L 2
y ( x ,0 )  
 2b( L  x ) , L
 x  L

 L 2

The one dimensional wave equation is

2 y 2  y
2

 a -----------------
t 2 x 2
(1)
Sovle this equation (1) , we get the most suitable
solution is

y( x , t )  ( A cos px  B sin px )(C cos pat  D sin pat ) -------

(2)

The boundary conditions and initial conditions are

(a) y (0, t )  0 ,  t  0
 3.3

(b) y( L, t )  0 ,  t  0
 2 bx L
 , 0  x 

y ( x ,0 )   L 2
(c)  2 b( L  x ) , L
 x  L

 L 2

y( x ,0)
(d) 0 (since the initial
t
velocity is zero )
Applying (a) in Eqn. (2)

y(0, t )  (A cos p(0)  B sin p(0))(C cos pat  D sin pat)

y(0, t )  ( A )(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0
[ cos 0  1, sin 0  0 ]
A0 (or)
(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0,  It is true for all ‘t’
Eqn. (2) becomes

y( x , t )  B sin px (C cos pat  D sin pat )

 (3)
Applying (b) in Eqn.(3)
y(L, t )  (B sin pL)(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0

 sin pL  0 (or)
(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0
 pL  n sin n  0
n
p
L
Eqn. (3) becomes

 nx  nat nat 

y( x , t )   B sin  C cos  D sin 
 L  L L 
 ( 4)
Differentiate (4) partially w. r. to ‘t’,
y( x, t ) nx  na nat na nat 
 B sin C sin D cos 
t L  L L L L 
Applying (d) in above equation
y( x ,0) nx  na n(0) na n(0) 
 B sin  C sin D cos 
t L  L L L L 
[cos 0  1, sin 0  0]
y( x ,0) nx  na 
 B sin D 0
t L  L 
nx
 D  0 and B sin 0
L
 Eqn.(4) becomes
 3.3

nx nat
y( x , t )  B sin C cos
L L
 (5)
The most general solution is

nx nat
y( x , t )   b n sin cos
n 1 L L
 (6)
Applying (c) in Eqn.(5)

nx n(0)
y( x ,0)   b n sin cos
n 1 L L
 2bx L
 , 0  x 

nx  L 2
y ( x ,0 )  b n sin 
n1 L  2b( L  x ) , L
 x  L

 L 2

which is a half range Fourier sine series in the interval

(0, l )
n x
L
2
Where bn 
L0 f ( x ) sin
L
dx

 L2 
nx nx 
L
2  2bx 2b( L  x )
  sin dx   sin dx 
L 0 L L L L
 L

 2 
 L

  nx  
  sin
nx   2 
  nx  
  sin
nx
   cos     cos 
4b L   (1) L    ( L  x ) L   ( 1) L
 2   x 
L   n   n 
2 2     n   n 
2 2
      
   L   L 2
 0 
  L   L2

       
   nL   sin nL    n ( 0)   n(0)   
 cos   cos   sin
   L  2L    2L      0 L   L    
  2 n   n 22    n   n 22   
 
           
4b    L   L2    L   L2   
 2  
L  nL   nL  nL   nL   
  sin    
  cos  L  L 
cos  sin 
2L   

 ( L  L)
L  
 n 22

  L   2L   

  n    2  n    n  2  
2
        
  L  
 L2

  L   L2

 
 
      
     cos n    
   L
2
n L2 n      sin n 
cos  sin   (0  0)   (0) 
 
 2 n 2 n 
2 2 
2     n   n 2 2  
 

 L

  
4b    L2  

L2    n   n  
   cos   sin  
   L 
  2  2  
  2  n   n  2
2  
      
   L   L2 
 

4b  L2  n  L2 n   2 L2  n  4 L2 n   

 2    
 cos   2 2 sin     cos   2 2 sin 
L  2n  2  n 2   2n  2  n 2 
 3.3

4b  2 L2 n 
 2  2 2
sin 
L n  2 
8b n
bn  sin
n
2 2
2
Substituting bn in (6) we get the general solution is

8b n nx nat
y ( x, t )   sin sin cos
n 1 n 2
 2
2 L L
8b 
1 n nx nat
y ( x, t )  2  2 sin sin cos
 n 1 n 2 2l 2l
 L  2l 

3. A tightly stretched string with fixed end points

x  0 and x  l is initially in a position given by
x
y ( x ,0)  y 0 sin 3 . If it is releases from the rest
l
from this position. Find the displacement y at any
distance x from one end at time t.

Solution:
The one dimensional wave equation is
2 y 2  y
2

 a -----------------
t 2 x 2
(1)
Sovle this equation (1) , we get the most suitable
solution is

y( x , t )  ( A cos px  B sin px )(C cos pat  D sin pat ) -------

(2)

The boundary conditions and initial conditions are

(a) y (0, t )  0 ,  t  0
(b) y (l , t )  0 ,  t  0
x
(c) y ( x,0)  y0 sin 3 for all 0 < x < l
l
y( x ,0)
(d) 0 (since the initial
t
velocity is zero )
Applying (a) in Eqn. (2)

y(0, t )  (A cos p(0)  B sin p(0))(C cos pat  D sin pat)

y(0, t )  ( A )(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0
[ cos 0  1, sin 0  0 ]
 3.3

A0 (or)
(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0,  It is true for all ‘t’
Eqn. (2) becomes
y( x , t )  B sin px (C cos pat  D sin pat )
 (3)
Applying (b) in Eqn.(3)
y(l, t )  ( B sin pl)(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0

 sin pl  0 (or)
(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0
 pl  n  sin n  0
n
 p
l
Eqn. (3) becomes

 nx  nat nat 

y( x, t )   B sin  C cos  D sin 
 l  l l 
 ( 4)
Differentiate (4) partially w. r. to ‘t’,
y( x , t ) nx  na nat na nat 
 B sin  C sin D cos 
t l  l l l l 
Applying (d) in above equation
y( x,0) nx  na n(0) na n(0) 
 B sin  C sin D cos 
t l  l l l l 
[cos 0  1, sin 0  0]
y( x,0) nx  na 
 B sin D 0
t l  l 
nx
 D  0 and B sin 0
l
 Eqn.(4) becomes
nx nat
y( x , t )  B sin C cos
l l
 (5)
The most general solution is

nx nat
y ( x, t )   bn sin cos
n 1 l l
 (6)
Applying (c) in Eqn.(5)

nx n (0)
y ( x,0)   bn sin cos
n 1 l l

nx 3 x
y ( x,0)   bn sin  y 0 sin
n 1 l l
 3.3


nx y 0  x 3x 
 b n sin l

4
 3 sin
 l
 sin
l 

n 1
x 2x 3x y  x 3x 
b 1 sin  b 2 sin  b 3 sin  ...  0  3 sin  sin 
l l l 4  l l 
Equating on both sides and take the coefficients,
3 y0 y
b1  , b2  0, b3   0 , b4  0...
4 4
Substituting bn in (6) we get the general solution is
3 y0 x at y 0 3x 3at
y ( x, t )  sin cos  sin cos
4 l l 4 l l

4. If a string of length l is initially at rest in its

equilibrium position and each of its points is given
 y  3  x 
the velocity    V0 sin  ,0  x  l .
 t  t  0  l 
Determine the displacement function y ( x , t ) .

Solution:
The one dimensional wave equation is
2 y 2  y
2

 a -----------------
t 2 x 2
(1)
Sovle this equation (1) , we get the most suitable
solution is

y( x , t )  ( A cos px  B sin px )(C cos pat  D sin pat ) -------

(2)

The boundary conditions and initial conditions are

(a) y (0, t )  0 ,  t  0
(b) y ( l , t )  0 ,  t  0
(c) y( x ,0)  0 for all 0 < x < l
 y ( x ,0 )  x 
(d)  V0 sin 3   for all 0
t  l 
<x<l
Applying (a) in Eqn. (2)

y(0, t )  (A cos p(0)  B sin p(0))(C cos pat  D sin pat)

y(0, t )  ( A )(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0
[ cos 0  1, sin 0  0 ]
A0 (or)
(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0,  It is true for all ‘t’
Eqn. (2) becomes
 3.3

y( x , t )  B sin px (C cos pat  D sin pat )

 (3)
Applying (b) in Eqn.(3)
y(l, t )  ( B sin pl)(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0

 sin pl  0 (or)
(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0
 pl  n  sin n  0
n
 p
l
Eqn. (3) becomes

 nx  nat nat 

y( x, t )   B sin  C cos  D sin 
 l  l l 
 ( 4)
Applying (c) in Eqn.(4)
 nx 
y( x,0)   B sin  C cos 0  D sin 0  0
 l 
nx
 B sin 0 and c  0
l
Eqn. (4) becomes
 nx  nat
y( x , t )   B sin D sin
 l  l
 (5)
The most general solution is

nx nat
y( x , t )   b n sin sin
n 1 l l
 (6)
Differentiate (6) partially w. r. to ‘t’,

y( x , t ) nx  na nat 
  b n sin  cos 
t n 1 l  l l 
Applying (d) in above equation

y( x ,0) nx  na n(0) 
t
  b n sin 
l  l
cos
l 

n 1

y( x ,0) nx  na  3 x
  b n sin    v 0 sin
t n 1 l  l  l

na nx V0  x 3x 
 bn l
sin
l

4 
 3 sin
l
 sin
l 

n 1
 1 
 sin x  4  3 sin x  sin 3 x  
3

 
a x 2a 2x 3a 3x 3V0 x V0 3x
b1 sin  b2 sin  b3 sin  ...  sin  sin
l l l l l l 4 l 4 l
Equating on both sides and take the coefficients,
 3.3

3V0 l Vl
b1  , b 2  0, b 3   0 , b 4  0
4a 12a
Substituting bn in (6) we get the general solution is
3V0 l x at V l 3x 3at
y( x , t )  sin sin  0 sin sin
4a l l 12a l l

5. A string is streached between two fixed points at

distance 2l apart and the points of the string are
given initial velocity V where
 cx

 l
V  
 c  2l  x 

in 0< x <l
l

X is being the distance in l < xan<2l

from end point. Find the
displacement of the string at any time.

Solution :
Let 2l  L
The one dimensional wave equation is
2 y 2  y
2

 a -----------------
t 2 x 2
(1)
Sovle this equation (1) , we get the most
suitable solution is

y( x , t )  ( A cos px  B sin px )(C cos pat  D sin pat ) -------

(2)
The boundary conditions and initial conditions are
(a) y (0, t )  0 ,  t  0
(b) y( L, t )  0 ,  t  0
(c) y( x,0)  0
 2cx L
 , 0  x 
y ( x ,0) 
  L 2
(d) t  2 c( L  x ) , L
 x  L

 L 2

Applying (a) in Eqn. (2)

y(0, t )  (A cos p(0)  B sin p(0))(C cos pat  D sin pat)

y(0, t )  ( A )(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0
[ cos 0  1, sin 0  0 ]
A0 (or)
(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0,  It is true for all ‘t’
Eqn. (2) becomes
y( x , t )  B sin px (C cos pat  D sin pat )
 (3)
Applying (b) in Eqn.(3)
 3.3

y(L, t )  (B sin pL)(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0

 sin pL  0 (or)
(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0
 pL  n  sin n  0
n
p
L
Eqn. (3) becomes

 nx  nat nat 

y( x , t )   B sin  C cos  D sin 
 L  L L 
 ( 4)
Applying (c) in Eqn.(3)
 nx 
y( x,0)   B sin  C cos 0  D sin 0 =0
 L 
nx
 B sin  0 (OR ) C  0
L
Sub. C=0 in eqn (4), we get
 nx  nat 
y( x, t )   B sin  D sin 
 L  L 
 (5)
The most general solution is

nx nat
y( x , t )   b n sin sin
n 1 L L
 (6)

Differentiate (6) partially w. r. to ‘t’,


y( x , t ) nx  na nat 
  b n sin  cos 
t n 1 L  L L 
Applying (d) in above equation

y( x ,0) nx  na n(0) 
t
  b n sin 
L  L
cos
L 

n 1

y( x ,0)  na  nx
  b n sin
t n 1  L  L
which is a half range Fourier sine series in the interval
(0, L)
L
na 2 nx
Where b n   f ( x ) sin dx
L L0 L

L 
L
2  2 2cx nx 2c ( L  x ) nx 
na  0 L
bn   sin dx   sin dx 
L L L L 
 2 
 3.3

 L
L 
  nx    2    
   cos    sin nx  

  cos
nx 
   sin nx  
4c   L   (1) L   ( L  x ) L   (1) L  
  x 
naL    n   n 22    n   n 2 2  
           
 L   L2  0   L   L2  L 
 2 

     

   cos nL   sin nL      nL   nL  
 cos  sin 
4c   L        L   
   2 L  2 L
 2 2   o  0  L   2 L   2 2 
2 L
naL   2 n    n      2  n    n   
     2        2  
 L     L   L  
  L    
 n 
4c  sin 
 2 2 
naL  n 2  2 
 
 L2 

8cL n
 3 3
sin
n  a 2
Substituting bn in (6) we get the general solution is

 8cL n  nx nat
y( x , t )    3 3 sin  sin sin
n 1  n  a 2  L L

 16cl n  nx nat
y( x , t )    3 3 sin  sin sin
n 1  n  a 2  2l 2l

6. 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 giving each point a
velocity x  l  x  , determine the displacement of a
point distance x from one end at time ‘t’.

Solution:
The one dimensional wave equation is
2 y 2  y
2

 a -----------------
t 2 x 2
(1)
 3.3

Sovling this equation (1), we get the most suitable

solution is

y( x , t )  ( A cos px  B sin px )(C cos pat  D sin pat ) -------

(2)
The boundary conditions and initial conditions are
(a) y (0, t )  0 ,  t  0
(b) y ( l , t )  0 ,  t  0
(c) y( x ,0)  0 for all 0 < x < l
y( x ,0)
(d)  x  l  x  for all 0
t
<x<l
Applying (a) in Eqn. (2)

y(0, t )  (A cos p(0)  B sin p(0))(C cos pat  D sin pat)

y(0, t )  ( A )(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0
[ cos 0  1, sin 0  0 ]
A0 (or)
(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0,  It is true for all ‘t’
Eqn. (2) becomes
y( x , t )  B sin px (C cos pat  D sin pat )
 (3)
Applying (b) in Eqn.(3)
y(l, t )  ( B sin pl)(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0

 sin pl  0 (or)
(C cos pat  D sin pat )  0
 pl  n  sin n  0
n
 p
l
Eqn. (3) becomes

 nx  nat nat 

y( x, t )   B sin  C cos  D sin 
 l  l l 
 ( 4)
Applying (c) in Eqn.(4)
 nx 
y( x,0)   B sin  C cos 0  D sin 0  0
 l 
nx
 B sin 0 and c  0
l
Eqn. (4) becomes
 nx  nat
y( x , t )   B sin D sin
 l  l
 (5)
The most general solution is
 3.3


nx nat
y( x , t )   b n sin sin
n 1 l l
 (6)
Differentiate (6) partially w. r. to ‘t’,

y( x , t ) nx  na nat 
  b n sin  cos 
t n 1 l  l l 
Applying (d) in above equation

y( x ,0) nx  na n(0) 
t
  b n sin 
l  l
cos
l 

n 1

y( x ,0) nx  na 
  b n sin    x  l  x 
t n 1 l  l 
Which is a half range Fourier sine series in the interval
(0, l)
l
na 2 nx
Where b n   f ( x ) sin dx
l l 0 l
l
2 nx
bn  
na 0
(lx  x 2 ) sin
l
dx

l
 nx     


  cos    sin nx   cos nx 
2  l   (l  2x ) l   (2) l 
 (lx  x 2 )   
na   n  2
n  2
n  
3 3
      
  l   l2   l3  0
l
  nππ   nx 
  cos  cos 
2  l   2 l 
  (lx  x 2 )
na   nπ   n 3 π 3 
    
  l   l3  0
 
2  2 cos n  2 cos 0 

  [
na  n 33 n 33 
 
 l3 l3 
cos n    1 n , sin n  0 ]


2 l 3
n 44a
 2(1) n
2 
 8l 3
 if n is odd
=  n 44a
0 if n is even

Substituting bn in (6) we get the general solution is


8l 3 nx nat
y( x , t )   4
n  a 4
sin
l
sin
l
n 1,3,5..
 3.3

7. A bar 10 cm. long, with insulated sides one

dimensional heat equation has its ends A and B
kept at 20  C and 40  C respectively until steady
state conditions prevails. The temperature at A is
then suddenly raised to 50  C and at the same
instant that at is lowered to 10  C . Find the
subsequent temperature at any point of the bar at
any time.

Solution:
The heat flow equation is
u 2  u
2

t x 2
 (1)
When the steady state condition prevails, (1)
becomes
 2u  u 
 0   0
x 2
 t 
Because ‘u’ is a function of ‘x’ alone the above
 2u
equation becomes  0 which is an ordinary
x 2
differential equation, we get the solution
u (x) = ax + b
 ( 2)
When steady state condition exist the boundary
conditions are
(a) u (0) = 20
(b) u (l) = 40 (Given l = 10 )
Applying condition (a) in (2) we get
u (0) = b = 20
Equation (2) becomes
u (x) = ax + 20
 (3)
Applying condition (b) in (3) we get
u (l) = al + 20 = 40
al = 20
20
a
l
 ( 4)
` Substituting (4) in (3) we get
20 x
u (x) =  20
l
 (5)
hence in the steady state, the temperature function
is given by
 3.3

20 x
u (x) =  20
l
Now the temperature at A is raised to 50  C and
the temperature at B is lowered to 10  C . That is, the
steady state is changed to unsteady state. For this
unsteady state the initial temperature distribution is
given by
20 x
u (x,0) =  20
l
For unsteady state we have the following
boundary conditions.
(i) u (0,t) = 50
(ii) u(l, t) = 10
20 x
(iii) u(x,0) =  20
l
Where l = 10 cm. By using these conditions we
cannot determine u (x, t). For, the correct solution of
one dimensional heat flow equation is
u( x , t )   A cos px  B sin px  e 
2
p2t

 (5.a )
Substituting (i) and (ii) in (5.a) we get
2
p2t
u(0, t )  Ae   50
 (5.b)
u( l , t )   A cos pl  B sin pl  e 
2
p 2t
 10
 (5.c )
From (5.b) and (5.c) it is not possible to find the
constants A and B. Since we have infinite number of
values for A and B. Therefore in this case we split the
solution u (x,t) into two parts.
u( x , t )  u s ( x )  u t ( x , t )
 (6)
Where u s (x ) is a solution of the equation
u  2u
  2 2 and is a function of x alone and
t x
satisfying the condition u s (0)  50 and u s (l )  10 and
ut ( x, t ) is a transient satisfying (6) which decrease at
t increases.
To find u s (x )
We have u s ( x )  a1 x  b1
 (7)
Applying the condition u s (0)  50 in (7) we get
u s (0)  b1  50
 3.3

 u s ( x )  a 1 x  50
 (8)
Applying the condition u s (l )  10 in (8) we get
u s (l)  a 1l  50  10
 40
a1 l  10  50  40  a 1 
l
 (9)
Substituting (9) in (8) we get
 40 x
u s (x)   50
l
 (10)

To find ut ( x, t )
we assume that u t ( x , t ) is a transient solution
u  2u
of   2 2 and satisfying the equation
t x
u ( x, t )  u s ( x )  u t ( x, t )
 u t (x, t )  u (x, t )  u s (x)
 (11)
Now we have to find the boundary conditions for
ut ( x , t )
Put x  0 in (11) we get
u t (0, t )  u( 0, t )  u s ( 0)  50  50  0
u t (0, t )  0
 (12)
Put x = l in (11) we get
u t (l, t )  u (l, t )  u s (l)  10  10  0
ut ( l , t )  0
 (13)
put t  0 in (11) we get
ut ( x ,0)  u( x ,0)  u s ( x )

 20x   40 x 
  20      50  [ From
 l   l 
(10) and condition (iii)]
 60 x 
  30 
 l 
 (14)
Now for the function u t ( x , t ) we have the
following boundary conditions.
( a 1 ) u t (0, t )  0
 3.3

( a2 ) u t (l, t )  0
60 x
( a3 ) u t ( x ,0) 
 30
l
Solving the equation (1) for u t ( x , t ) by the
method of separation of variables we get the
solution of the form
u( x , t )   A cos px  B sin px  e 
2
p2t

 (15)
Applying the equation ( a 1 ) and ( a 2 ) in (15) we
get the most general solution
 2n 22 t

nx
u ( x , t )   B n sin
2
e l
n 1 l
 (16)
Applying the condition ( a 3 ) in (16) we get

nx 60 x
u( x ,0)  B
n 1
n sin
l

l
 30

 (17)
60 x
To find B n expand  30 in a half range
l
Fourier sine series

60 x nx
 30   b n sin
l n 1 l
 (18)
From (17) and (18) we get
B n  bn
l
2  60x  nx
Bn   
l 0 l
 30  sin
 l
dx

l
60  nx 
2 
 ( 2 x  l) sin dx
l 0  l 
l
  nx   nx  
  cos   sin 
60 l  l 
 2 ( 2 x  1)  2 
l   n    2 2 
n 
    
  l   l 2
 0
60  l 2 l2 
 2 
 cos n  
l  n n 


60
n

1  ( 1)]n 
 0, When ‘n’ is odd

B n   120 ,

 nWhen ‘n’ is even
 (19)
 3.3

Substituting (19) and (16), we get

 2 n 2  2 t

120 nx
u t ( x, t )    sin e l2

n  2, 4 ,... n l
Replace l by 10, we get
  2 n 2 2 t

120 nx
ut ( x , t )    sin e 100

n  2 , 4 ,... n 10
 (20)
But u ( x , t )  u s ( x )  u t ( x, t )
  2 n 2 2 t

120 nx
 4 x  50    sin e 100

n  2 , 4 ,... n 10
[using (10) and (20)]

8. A rectangular plate with insulated surface is 10cm

wide and so long compared to its width that it may
be considered infinite in length without introducing
appreciable error. The temperature at short edge
y  0 is given by
u  20 x for 0  x  5

 20(10  x ) for 5  x  10
and all the three edges are kept at 0  C. Find the
steady state temperature at any point of the plate.

Solution :
The two dimensional heat flow equation is
 2u 2u
 0
x 2 y 2
 (1)
Step 1 : Write the boundary conditions and
initial conditions
Boundary conditions
(i) u(0, y )  0 ,for all y
(ii)
u (10, y)  0 ,for all y
Initial conditions :
(iii) u( x ,  )  0 , 0  x  10
20 x , 0  x  5
(iv) u ( x,0)  20(10  x ), 5  x  10
 3.3

y
u ( x , )  0

u(0,y)=0

U(10,y) = 0
x=0

O y=0 x

Step 2 : The most suitable solution is

The corrected solution of (1) which satisfies our
boundary conditions is
u ( x , y)  ( A cos px  B sin px )(Ce py  De  py )
 ( 2)
Step 3 : To eliminate the constants (A,B,C &D )
Applying (i) in Eqn. (2)
u (0, y)  ( A cos(0)  B sin( 0))(Ce py  De  py )  0
u (0, y)  ( A(Ce py  De  py ))  0
A0  (Ce py  De  py )  0 
Eqn. (1) becomes
u ( x , y)  ( B sin px )(Ce py

 (3)

Step 4: Applying condition (ii) in Eqn.(3)

u (10, y)  B sin p10(Ce py  De  py )  0
 sin 10p  0  10p  n
n
p
10
Eqn. (3) becomes
 3.3

nx  
ny ny
 

u ( x , y)   B sin  Ce 10  De 10
 10  

 ( 4)
Step 5 : Apply (iii) in Eqn.(3)
nx
u ( x , )  (B sin )(Ce   De  )  0
10
C0 Eqn (4) becomes
nx  
ny
 

u ( x , y)   B sin  De 10
 10  
 
ny
 nx   10
  b n sin e
 10 
Step 6: The most general solution of (4) can be
written as
 ny
 nx   10
u ( x , y)    b n sin e
n 1  10 
 (5)
Step 7 : Apply (iv) in Eqn.(5)

 nx 
u( x ,0)    bn sin  = f(x)
n 1  10 
l
2 nx
Where b n  
l 0
f ( x ) sin
l
dx
20 x , 0  x  5
And f ( x )  20(10  x ), 5  x  10  (6)
Step 8 : To find bn
nx
10
2
bn 
10 0 f ( x ) sin
10
dx

1 nx nx 
5 10
   20 x sin dx   20(10  x ) sin dx 
5  0 10 5
10 
   
5
  
10
  n x  n x  nx  n x
 cos   sin     cos   sin  
20   10

  (1) 10    10

 10  
  x   (10  x )   (1)
5   n   n  
2 2
 n   n   
2 2
           
 
  10   100  
 0

  10   100  5 
  10 n 100 n   10 n 100 n 
 4  .5. cos  2 2 sin  0  0   0  0  .5. cos  2 2 sin 
 n 2 n  2   n 2 n  2 
800 n
 2 2 sin
n  2
 (7)
Substituting (7) in (5),
 3.3

 ny
800 n  nx   10
u ( x , y)   2 2
sin  sin e
n 1 n  2  10 

ny
800 
1 n  nx   10
u( x , y ) 
n 2 2

n 1 n
2
sin  sin
2 
e
10 

************