3.

38 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations

13) A taut string of length 20 cm fastened at both ends is displaced

from its position of equilibrium, by imparting to each of its points
x, 0 x 10
an initial velocity given by v( x) .
20 x, 10 x 20
Determine the displacement at any time t .

3.5 One Dimensional Heat Flow Equation

Consider a homogeneous bar or rod of length with non-uniform

temperature lying on the x -axis from x 0 to x . By uniform rod,
we mean the density , specific head c and thermal conductivity k ,
cross-sectional area A are all constants. Assume that the sides of the
rod are insulated and that only the ends may be exposed. Consider an
arbitrary thin slice of the rod of width x between x and x x . The
slice is so thin that the temperature throughout the slice is u ( x, t ) .
Thus,
Heat energy of segment = c A xu

By conservation of energy,

Change of heat energy of segment in t time

= heat in from left boundary - heat out from right boundary

u ( x, t t ) u ( x, t )
c A x u ( x, t t ) c A x u ( x, t )
t

u u
tA k tA k
x x x x t
 Application of Partial Differential Equations 3. 39

u u
u ( x, t t ) u ( x, t ) k x x x x x

t c x

Taking the limit t, x 0 gives the one dimensional heat flow

equation,
2
u k u
t c x2

2
u 2 u
t x2

2 k
where is called the diffusivity of the material of the rod.
c

3.6 Solution of one dimensional heat equation

The one dimensional heat flow equation is

2
u 2 u
.....(1)
t x2

By the method of separation of variable, assume the solution of (1) to

be

u ( x, t ) XT .....(2)

Where X is a function of x alone and T is a function of t alone.

u
XT
t
2
u
and XT. Substituting in (1), we get
x2
2
XT XT

X T
2
k (say)
X T
3. 40 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations

X
k
X

X kX 0
2
Similarly T kT 0

Case (i)

Let k p 2 , a positive value

X p2 X 0

D2 p2 X 0

A.E. m2 p2 0 m p

px
The solution is X c1e c2 e px .....(3)

2
T kT 0
2
T p 2T 0

dT 2
p 2T
dt

dT 2
p 2 dt
T

Integrating, we get
2
logT p2t c3

2 p 2t c
T e 3

2 p2t
T c4 e .....(4)

Substituting in (3) and (4) in (2), we get

px 2 p2 t
u( x, t ) c1e c2 e px c4 e
 Application of Partial Differential Equations 3. 41

Case (ii)

Let k p 2 , a negative value.

X kX 0

X p2 X 0

D2 p2 X 0

A.E. m2 p2 0 m ip

The solution is X c5 cos px c6 sin px .....(5)

2
T kT 0
2
T p 2T 0

dT 2
p 2T
dt

dT 2
p 2 dt
T

Integrating, we get
2
logT p 2t c7
2 p 2t c
T e 7

2 p 2t
T c8e .....(6)

Substituting in (5) and (6) in (2), we get

2 p 2t
u( x, t ) c5 cos px c6 sin px c8e
 3. 42 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations

Case (iii)

Let k 0

X kX 0

X 0

Integrating twice w.r.t. x , we get

X c9 x c10 ......(7)

2
T kT 0

T 0

Integrating w.r.t. t , we get

T c11 .....(8)

Substituting (7) and (8) in (2), we get

u( x, t ) c9 x c10 c11

From the above cases the different possible solutions of the one -
dimensional heat flow equation are

px 2 p2t
(i) u( x, t ) c1e c2 e px c3e

2 p 2t
(ii) u( x, t ) c4 cos px c5 sin px c6 e

(iii) u ( x, t ) c7 x c8 c9

Out of these three solutions, we have to choose the correct solution

which will satisfy the physical nature of the problem and the given
boundary conditions. As we are dealing with problems on heat
conduction, u ( x, t ) must decrease during increase of time t .

Hence, the correct solution of heat equation is

2 p2t
u( x, t ) A cos px B sin px e where A c4c6 and B c5 c6 .
 Application of Partial Differential Equations 3. 43

3.6.1 Zero Boundary Conditions

(Temperature at both ends are zero)

Example 3.17:
A uniform bar of length through which heat flows is insulated at its
sides. The ends are kept at zero temperature. If the initial temperature at
x
the interior points of the bar is given by k sin 3 , find the temperature

distribution of the bar.

Solution:

The one dimensional heat flow equation is

2
u 2 y
t x2

The solution is
2 p2t
u( x, t ) A cos px B sin px e .....(1)

Boundary Conditions

(i) u (0, t ) 0 for all t

(ii) u ( , t ) 0 for all t

x
(iii) u ( x, 0) k sin 3 for all x

Applying boundary condition (i) in (1) by putting x 0 , we get

2 p2t
u(0, t ) A 0 e 0

2 p2t
Ae 0
2 p 2t
A 0 e 0

Substituting in (1), we get

3. 44 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations

2 p 2t
u( x, t ) B sin px e .....(2)

Applying boundary condition (ii) in (2) by putting x , we get

2 p 2t
u( , t ) B sin p e 0

2 p 2t
sin p 0 B 0 and e 0

sin p sin n

p n

n
p . Substituting in (2), we get

2 n2 2t
n x 2
u ( x, t ) B sin e .....(3)

The most general solution is

2 n2 2t
n x 2
u ( x, t ) Cn sin e .....(4)
n 1

where B Cn

Now, applying condition (iii) in above by putting t 0 , we get

n x x
u ( x, 0) Cn sin e0 k sin 3
n 1

n x k x 3 x
Cn sin 3sin sin
n 1 4

x 2 x 3 x 3k x k 3 x
C1 sin C2 sin C3 sin ... sin sin
4 4

Equating the co-efficients, we get

3k k
C1 , C2 0 , C3 and C4 C5 ... 0
4 4
 Application of Partial Differential Equations 3. 45

Substituting in (4), we get

2 2t 9 2 2t
3k x 2 k 3 x 2
u ( x, t ) sin e sin e
4 4

Example 3.18:
2
u u
Find the solution to the equation a 2 2 that satisfies the
t x
conditions u (0, t ) 0 , u ( , t) 0 for t 0 and

x, 0 x
u ( x, 0) 2
. (N/D 2013),(A/M 2015)
x, x
2

Solution:

The one dimensional heat flow equation is

2
u u
a2
t x2

Refer Example 3.17:

Do up to equation (4). Change the (iii) boundary condition as per the

x, 0 x
2
question u ( x, 0) and replace by a .
x, x
2

a2 n2 2t
n x 2
u ( x, t ) cn sin e .....(4)
n 1

Now applying condition (iii) in above by putting t 0 , we get

x, 0 x
n x 2
u ( x, 0) cn sin e0
n 1
x, x
2
3. 46 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations

x, 0 x
n x 2
cn sin
n 1
x, x
2

LHS is a half range sine series.

2 n x
Cn f ( x)sin dx
0

/2
2 n x n x
Cn x sin dx ( x) sin dx
0 /2

/2
n x n x
cos sin
2
x 1
n n2 2

2
0

n x n x
cos sin
( x) ( 1)
n n2 2

2
/2

2 2
2 n n
cos 2 2
sin 0 0
2n 2 n 2
2 2
2 n n
0 0 cos 2 2
sin
2n 2 n 2

2
2 2 n
sin
n2 2
2

4 n
cn sin
n2 2
2

Substituting in (4), we get

 Application of Partial Differential Equations 3. 47

a 2 n2 2 t
4 1 n n x 2
u ( x, t ) 2 2
sin sin e
n 1 n 2

which is the required solution.

3.6.2 Steady State Condition and Zero Boundary Condition

(Steady State and Temperature at both ends are zero)

Steady State Condition

If the temperature does not vary with respect to time t , then the state is
called steady state.

Under the steady state condition the heat flow equation is independent
of time t .

u
0
t

Therefore, the one dimensional heat flow equation becomes

2
u
0
x2

Integrating twice w.r.t. x , we get

u ( x) ax b

Example 3.19:
A rod of length cm has its ends A and B maintained at the
temperature 0 C and 80 C respectively. Find the steady state solution
of the rod. (N/D 2013)

Solution:

The steady state temperature distribution on the rod is

3. 48 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations

b a
u ( x) x a .....(1)

where a - Temperature at the end x 0.

b - Temperature at the end x .

- Length of the rod.

Therefore, a 0; b 80 . Substituting in (1), we get

80 x
u ( x)

which is the temperature distribution of the rod.

Example 3.20:

A rod 30cm long has its ends A and B kept at 20 C and 80 C

respectively, until steady state condition s prevail. The temperature at
each end is then suddenly reduced to 0 C and kept so. Find the
resulting temperature function u ( x, t ) . (N/D 2009)

Solution:

Let 30

Stage 1:

The steady state temperature distribution on the rod is

b a
u ( x) x a .....(1)

where a - Temperature at the end x 0.

b - Temperature at the end x .

 Application of Partial Differential Equations 3. 49

- Length of the rod.

Therefore, a 20; b 80 . Substituting in (1), we get

60 x
u ( x) 20

which is the temperature distribution of the rod.

Now both ends A and B are reduced to zero temperature. At this

stage the steady state is changed to unsteady state. For this unsteady
60 x
state the initial temperature distribution is u ( x) 20 .

Stage 2:

(Now it has zero boundary conditions)

Refer Example 3.17:

Do up to equation (4). Change the (iii) boundary condition as per the

60 x
question u ( x) 20 .

a2 n2 2 t
n x 2
u ( x, t ) Cn sin e .....(4)
n 1

Now applying condition (iii) in above by putting t 0 , we get

n x 60 x
u( x, 0) Cn sin e0 20
n 1

n x 60 x
Cn sin 20
n 1

LHS is half range sine series.

3. 50 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations

2 n x
Cn f ( x)sin dx
0

2 60 x n x
20 sin dx
0

n x n x
cos sin
2 60 x 60
20
n n2 2

2
0

2 80 cos n 20 cos 0
0 0
n n

n
2 80 1 20
n n

n
2 20 1 4 1
n

n
40 1 4 1
Cn Substituting in (4), we get
n

n a 2n 2 2t
40 1 4 1 n x 2
u ( x, t ) sin e
n 1 n

Put 30

n a 2 n 2 2t
40 1 4 1 n x
u ( x, t ) sin e 900

n 1 n 30

which is the required solution.

 Application of Partial Differential Equations 3. 51

Example 3.21:

A rod length has its ends A and B kept at 0 C and 120 C

respectively until steady state condition prevail. If the temperature at
B is reduced to 0 C and kept so while that of A is maintained so.
Find the temperature distribution of the rod.

Solution:

Stage 1:

The steady state temperature distribution on the rod is

b a
u ( x) x a .....(1)

where a - Temperature at the end x 0.

b - Temperature at the end x .

- Length of the rod.

Therefore, a 0; b 120 . Substituting in (1), we get

120 x
u ( x)

which is the temperature distribution of the rod.

Now the end B is reduced to zero temperature. At this state the steady
state is changed to unsteady state. For this unsteady state the initial
120 x
temperature distribution is u ( x, 0) .

Stage 2:
3. 52 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations

(Now it has zero boundary conditions)

Refer Example 3.17:

Do up to equation (4) Change the (iii) boundary condition as per the

120 x
question u ( x, 0) .

a2 n2 2 t
n x 2
u ( x, t ) Cn sin e .....(4)
n 1

Now applying condition (iii) in above by putting t 0 , we get

n x 120x
u( x,0) Cn sin e0
n 1

n x 120 x
Cn sin
n 1

LHS is half range sine series.

2 n x
Cn f ( x)sin dx
0

2 120 x n x
sin dx
0

240 n x
2
x sin dx
0

n x n x
cos sin
240
x 1
2 n n2 2

2
0

2
240 cos n
2
0 0 0
n
 Application of Partial Differential Equations 3. 53

n
240 1
Cn . Substituting in (4), we get
n

n a2 n2 2t
240 1 n x 2
u ( x, t ) sin e
n 1 n

n 1 a2 n2 2t
240 1 n x 2
u ( x, t ) sin e
n 1 n

3.6.3 Steady State Condition and Non-zero Boundary Condition

Example 3.22:
A bar of 10cm long, with insulated sides has its ends A and B
maintained at temperatures 50 C and 100 C respectively, until steady
state conditions prevail. The temperature at A is suddenly raised to
90 C and at B is lowered to 60 C . Find the temperature distribution
in the bar thereafter. (N/D 2011),(N/D 2015)

Solution:

Let 10

Stage 1:

The steady state temperature distribution on the rod is

b a
u ( x) x a .....(1)

where a - Temperature at the end x 0.

b - Temperature at the end x .

- Length of the rod.

Therefore, a 50; b 100 . Substituting in (1), we get

 3. 54 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations

50 x
u ( x) 50

which is the temperature distribution of the rod.

Stage 2:

Now the temperature at A is raised to 90 C and at B is lowered to

60 C . (i.e) The steady state is changed to unsteady state. Here the
50 x
initial temperature distribution is u ( x) 50 .

Boundary conditions for unsteady state

(i) u (0, t ) 90 for all t

(ii) u ( , t ) 60 for all t

50 x
(iii) u ( x, 0) 50 for all x

We cannot find u ( x, t ) for the non-zero boundary conditions.

Therefore, we have to split the solution u ( x, t ) into two parts.

u( x, t ) us ( x) ut ( x, t ) ......(B)

2
u u
where us ( x) is a solution of a 2 2 involving x only and
t x
satisfying the boundary conditions (i) and (ii). (i.e) us (0) 90 and
us ( ) 60 .

(i.e) us ( x) is a steady state solution.

ut ( x, t ) is a transient solution satisfying (B), which decreases at t

increases.
 Application of Partial Differential Equations 3. 55

To find us ( x)

under the steady state condition

us ( x) ax b .....(C)

Substituting condition us (0) 90

(i.e) x 0

us (0) 0 b

b 90

Substituting condition us ( ) 60 in (C)

(i.e) x

us ( ) a b

60 a 90

30
a . Substituting in (C), we get

30 x
us ( x) 90

To find ut ( x, t )

( B) ut ( x, t ) u( x, t ) us ( x) ......(D)

Now we have to find the boundary condition for ut ( x, t ) .

Putting x 0 in (D)

ut (0, t ) u(0, t ) us (0) 90 90 0

Putting x in (D)

ut ( , t ) u ( , t ) us ( ) 60 60 0

Putting t 0 in (D)
3. 56 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations

50 x 30 x 80 x
ut ( x, 0) u( x, 0) us ( x) 50 90 40

Stage 3:

(Now it has zero boundary conditions)

Refer Example 3.17:

Do up to equation (4) Change the (iii) boundary condition as the

80 x
question ut ( x, 0) 40 .

2 n2 2t
n x 2
ut ( x, t ) Cn sin e .....(4)
n 1

Now applying condition (iii) in above by putting t 0 , we get

n x 80 x
ut ( x, 0) Cn sin e0 40
n 1

n x 80 x
Cn sin 40
n 1

LHS is half range sine series.

2 n x
Cn f ( x)sin dx
0

2 80 x n x
40 sin dx
0
 Application of Partial Differential Equations 3. 57

n x n x
cos sin
2 80 x 80
40
n n2 2

2
0

2 40 cos n 40 cos 0
0 0
n n

2 40 cos n 1
n

n
80 1 1
n

0 if n is odd
Cn 160
if n is even
n

Substituting in (4), we get

2 n2 2t
160 n x 2
ut ( x, t ) sin e
n 2,4,6... n

Substituting us ( x) and ut ( x, t ) values in (B), we get

2 n 2 2t
30 x 160 n x 2
u ( x, t ) 90 sin e
n 2,4,6... n

Put 10 in above, we get

2 n 2 2t
160 1 n x
u( x, t ) 3x 90 sin e 100

n is even n 10
3. 58 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations

EXERCIS E -3.4

1) In the one dimensional heat equation ut c 2u xx ,what is c 2 ?

(M/J 2013)

2) Write down the three possible solutions of one dimensional heat

equation. (N/D 2010)
3) What is the basic difference between the solutions of one
dimensional wave equation and one dimensional heat equation
with respect to the time? (M/J 2012)
4) Define steady state condition on heat flow. (N/D 2013)
5) State the assumptions in deriving the one dimension heat flow
equation.
6) A rod 40 cm long with insulated sides has its ends A and B kept

at 20 C and 60 C respectively. Find the steady state temperature

at a location 15cm form A . (A/M 2011)

7) A rod 30 cm long has its ends A and B kept at 20 C and 80 C

respectively until steady state conditions prevail. Find this steady
state temperature in the rod. (A/M 2015)

Type 1 (Zero Boundary conditions Temperature at

both ends are zero)
2
u 2 u
8) Solve subject to u(0, t ) 0 , u ( , t) 0 and
t x2
u( x, 0) x x2 .
2
u 2 u
9) Solve with boundary conditions u(0, t ) 0,
t x2
u ( , t) 0 and u ( x, 0) x.
 Application of Partial Differential Equations 3. 59

Type 2 (Steady State Condition and Zero Boundary

conditions)
10) A rod of length has its end A and B kept at 0 C and 100 C
until steady state conditions prevail. If the temperature at B is
reduced suddenly to 0 C and kept so while that of A is
maintained, find the temperature u ( x, t ) .

11) A rod of length 60 cm has its ends A and B maintained at 20 C

and 80 C respectively until steady state conditions prevail. The
temperature at each end is then suddenly reduced to 0 C and kept
so. Find the resulting temperature u ( x, t ) .

Type 3 (Steady State Condition and Non-zero

Boundary conditions)
12) The ends A and B of a rod 40 cm long have their temperatures

kept at 0 C and 80 C respectively, until steady state condition s

prevail. The temperature of the end B is then suddenly reduced to
40 C and kept so, while that of the end A is kept at 0 C . Find
the subsequent temperature distribution u ( x, t ) in the rod.
(M/J 2012)

13) A bar 10cm long, with insulated sides, has its ends A and B kept

at 20 C and 40 C respectively until steady state conditions

prevail. The temperature at A is then suddenly raised to 50 C and
at the same instant that at B is lowered to 10 C . Find the
subsequent temperature of the bar.
14) The ends A and B of a rod 20 cm long and insulated sides are

maintained at 30 C and 80 C respectively until the steady state

conditions prevail. The temperature at A is suddenly raised to
40 C and that B reduced to 60 C and then maintained. Find the
temperature distribution of the rod.