UNIT VI:PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

APPLICATIONS OF PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL

EQUATIONS
wwW ww

13.1 INTRODUGTION ww.wS

and
Partial differential equations arise in connection with various physical
on two or more independent
geometrical problems when the functions involved depend
heat
variables. Most problems in fluid and solid mechanics (dynamics, elasticity),
areas of physics lead to
transfer, electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics and other
be time and one or
partial differential equations. The independent variables involved maysome of the most
several co-ordinates in space. The present chapter is devoted
to
We derive
important partial differential equations occurring in engineering applications.
consider methods for obtaining
these equations as models of physical systems and
situations.
utions of those equations corresponding to the given physical
differential equation in a region R contains
Since the general solution of a partial
the unique solution of a partial differential
bitrary constants or arbitrary functions,
will satisfy certain other conditions at the
equation corresponding to a physical problem When these
are known as boundary conditions.
boundary of the region R. These
conditions are specified for the time t 0, they are known as initial conditions. A partial
=

conditions constitutes a boundary value

differential equation together with boundary
problem.
differential equations, we first find the general
In theapplications of ordinary linear
constants from the initial values. But the same
solution and then determine the arbitrary
method is not applicable to problems involving
partial differential equatiòns. Most of the
linear partial differential equations can be solved by
boundary value problems involving n this method,
the method of separation of
variables. right from the beginning, we try to
all or some
of the partial differential equation which satisfy
find the particular solutions conditions are also
and then adjust them till the remaining
of the boundary conditions of the problem.
these particular solutions gives the solution
satisfied. A combination of functions.
aid in determining the arbitrary
Fourier series is a powerful
13.2 PRELIMINARIES
derivatives are involved, are called partial
Differential equations in which partial
order of partial
(PDE). The order of the PDE is the highest
differential equations variables must be
obvious that the number of independent
derivatives present in it. It is
two or more than two.

(13.1)
Engineering Mathematics - Ill (Mech.) 13.2 Applications of Partial Differential Equations

Formation of Partial Differential Equations

A. By eliminating arbitrary constants:
(i) Z = ax + by
a and 0 b
Ox oy
z = xoy
i.e. a partial differential equation of order one obtained by eliminating two arbitrary
constants a and b.
(ii) (x - a) + ( y - b}' + (z - c ? = d', where z is a function ofx and y.

Differentiating partially w.r.t. x and y respectively, we get

2 (x-a)+ 2(z - c) = 0

0Z = 0
and 2 (y-b) +2 (z- c)oy
Differentiating first equation partially w.r.t. x and second equation partially w.r.t. y,
we get

1 -(Z -c)ax
and
1+ (-

i.e. a partial differential equation of order two obtained by eliminating four arbitrary
constants a, b, c and d.

B. By eliminating arbitrary functions:

z = xf
(ii)

Ox )
and
oy

+ y oy xf 2.
 Engineering Mathematics Il (Mech.) 13.3 Applications of Partial Differential Equations
i.e. a partial differential equation of order one obtained by climinating one arbitrary
function f. Note that it is same as obtained in (i).
(iv) z
=f(y+ ax) + (y ax)
OZ
a f (y+ax) - a $'(y-ax)

and
f'(y+
oy ax) +®(y- ax)
af" (y+ax) +a2 ¢" (y -ax)

and dy? f(y+ax) + ¢" (y -ax)

Ox2
i.e. a partial differential equation of order two obtained by eliminating two arbitrary
functions fand o.

(v) z ax + by + f

x a +f"|:

and b+r
x + Y ayy = ax + by

Differentiating partially w.r.t. x and y respectively, we get

xx2 + y =a

and
Xoy x y +yb
and second by y and adding, we get
Multiplying first by x

+xy y t +y =0
two arbitrary constants a and b and
i.e. a PDE of order two obtained by eliminating
arbitrary function f.
Note: We observe that there is relationship between the order of PDE and the
some

functions involved in the most general solutions. The

arbitrary constants or arbitrary twice the order of PDE
involve either arbitrary constants equal to
general solution must involved then the sum of
to the order of PDE. In case both are
or arbitrary functions equal
two and number of arbitrary functions must be equal to the
arbitrary constants divided by
order of PDE.
 13.4 Applications of Partial Dilerential Equations
Engineening Mathematics ll (Mech.)
involving independenttwo
Some of the important partial differential equations
in the study of Engincering and
variables and one dependent variable which occur
Physical problems are
I. The Wave Equation:

which occurs in the problems involving vibrations of a stretched string. It is also

called as one-dimensional wave equation.
IL. Diffusion Equation in One Dimension (One-dimensional heat flow equation)
cu
ot
which occurs in the conduction of heat flow along a bar.
II. Laplace's Equation in Two dimensions (Two-dimensional heat flow equation):

(a) ox y 2 = 0 (Cartesian form)

which occurs in the conduction of heat in a plate in steady state. The equation is also
satisfied by electrostatic potential ().
Ou
(b) + + 0 (Polar form)
There are various methods of solving PDEs. However, in what follows, we shall
consider solution of linear PDE by the method of separation of variables. This method in
general is used to reduce the PDE to the solutions of a set of ordinary differential
equations each of which involves only one of the variables.
Note : We know that if an ordinary differential equation is linear and homogeneous
then from known soBlutions, we can obtain further solutions by superposition. For a
homogeneous linear partial differential equation, the situation is quite similar.
Ify and y2 are any solutions of a linear homogeneous partial differential equation in
some region R, then y = Ciyi + Cy where c and c, are any constants, is also a
solution of that equation in R.
133 MODELING OF VIBRATIONS OF A STRETCHED STRING
(ONE-DIMENSIONALWAVE EQUATION
P
Q
T2 Q

XX+Ax

Fig. 13.1 : Deflected String at Fixed Time t

 Engineering Mathematics 1(Mech.) 13.5 Applications of Partial Differential Equations
Let us derive the equation
governing small transverse vibrations of an elastic string
violin string). We stretch the
(such as a
string to
distort it and at some instant, say, t 0, we releaselength
l and fix it at the ends. We then
=
it and allow it to vibrate. The
is to detemine the vibrations of the problem
string, that is, to find its deflection u (x, t) at any
point x and at any time t> 0.
While deriving a differential equation
usually have to make corresponding to a given physical problem,
we
simplifying assumptions to ensure that the resulting equation
does not become too complicated.
We assume the
following
physical assumptions:
(a) The string is perfectly elastic and does not offer
any resistance to bending.
(b) The mass of the string per unit length is constant.
c) The tension caused by stretching the string before fixing it at the ends is so
that the action of the large
gravitational force on the string can be neglected.
(d) The string performs small transverse
motions in a vertical
particle of the string moves strictly vertically and so that theplane;
that is,
every
deflection and the
slope at every point of the string always remain small in absolute value.
Under these assumptions, we may
expect that the solution u(x, t) of the differential
equation to be obtained will reasonably well describe small vibrations of the
physical
non-idealized string of small homogeneous mass under large tension.
Consider the forces acting on a small
portion of the string. Since the string does not
offer resistance to bending, the tension is
tangential to the curve of the string at each
point. Let T, and T2 be the tensions at the end points P and Q of that portion. Since there
1s no motion in horizontal
direction, the horizontal components of the tension must be
constant.

T cos a =
T2 cos ß = T = constant . (1)
n vertical direction, have two forces, the vertical components T, sin a and
we -

T, sin ß of T, and T, (minus sign appears because that component at P is directed

downward.).
By Newton's second law, the resultant of these two forces is equal to the mass "m ôx"
&u
0 the portion times the acceleration, evaluated at some point between x andx +ôx,

where, m= mass of the undeflected string per unit length, öx = the length of the portion
of the
undeflected string.
T sin B T , sin a = m ôx.

B using equation (1), we can divide this by T2 cos p = T, cos o = T,

T sin T sin a mox'u

T2 cos B Tcos a TaF
(tan-tan a)
m
Engineening Mathematics -Ill (Mech.) 13.6 Applications of Partial Differential Equations
Now tan a and tan ß are the slopes of the string at x and x+ Ox.

tantan a =
and tan B =

Note: Here
x)+8x
we write partial derivatives because also
u depends on t.
u (u
Ox) o'u
M Ox
As dx 0,

Let c2 T
m

This is caled one-dimensional wave equation. One-dimensional indicates that the

equation involves only one space variable, x.
T
The notation c* (instead of e) for the physical constant has been chosen to indicate
m

that this constant is positive.

Note: Vibration in membrane or drumhead, oscillations induced in a guitar or violin
string is governed by wave equation.

13.4 SOLUTION OFWAVE EQUATION BY METHOD OF SEPARATION OF

VARIABLES
The vibrations of an elastic string are governed by the one-dimensional wave
equation
u .(1)
x

where, u (x, t) is the deflection of the string.

To find out how the string moves, we determine a solution u (x, 1) of (1) that also
satisfies the conditions imposed by the physical system.
Since the string is fixed at the ends x = 0 and x = l, we have two boundary
conditions.
... (2)
B.C.u (0, t)=0, u (l,t) =0 for all t
 Engineering Mathematics -1 (Mech.) 13.7 Applications of Partial Differential Equations
The form of the motion of the
string will
depend on the initial deflection, say f(X)
(deflection at t 0) and=
on the initial
velocity, say g(x) (velocity at t 0). =

We obtain the two initial conditions.

Ou
L.C.:ux,0) =
f(x) ,
l g . (3)

Our problem is now to find a solution of () the conditions (2) and (3).
satisfying
We take the following important steps :

Step 1: By applying the so-called method of separation of variables (or product

method), we shall obtain two ordinary differential
equations.
Step 2: We shall determine solutions of those two equations that satisfy the boundary
conditions.

Step 3 Using Fourier series, we shall compose those solutions, in order to get a
solution of the wave equation (1) that also satisfies the given initial conditions.
Let us consider these steps one by one.
Step 1: Two ordinary differential equations: In the method of separating variables
(or product method), we determine solution of the wave equation (1) of the form

u (x, t) = F (x).G() (4)

where, F (x) is a function of x alone and G (t) is a function of t alone.
u d'G
t F( dG Fx). F (x) d
.G() u d'F G ()
dr2
Ox2

But ou Ou
O2

d'G = c2 d2 G ()
F(x).d2

FG" = c2 F" G

G"
c2G F
G"
i.e. F C2G
Here L.H.S. is a function of x alone and R.H.S. is a function of t alone, hence above
two expressions are independent of each other. Therefore we can equate to any constant,
say k.
Engineering Mathematics Ill (Mech.) 13.8 Applications of Partial Dilferential Equations

This yields immediatcly two ordinary lincar differential equations

F"
= k F" -kF =0 > dE F(x) =0
dx2

G"
Also, c2 k G"-c? kG = 0 - c2k G(t) =0
Step 2: Satisfyingthe boundaary conditions:The boundary conditions are

u (0, t) =
0,u(l,t) = 0 for allt.
But u (x, t) = F(x) G (t)

u (0. t) = 0 F(0) G () = 0
u(, t) = 0 F() G ()=0
If G () = 0 then u = 0 is a trivial solution. Thus G() + 0, and hence F(0) = F() = 0

Case (i): Let k = 0

F" 0 d'F 0
dx2=
whose solution is F(x) =
c, X
+ C2.
F(0) = 0 c2 = 0 ; F() = 0 c, = 0

F(x) = 0 which is of no interest because then u = 0.

Hence we reject the case k =0.
Case ii) : Let k > 0 i.e. k= m2 (say)

GG" =m

F m2 F-m F = 0

d?F
dx2-n
F0 let D dx
DF-m2F = 0, (D-m?) F =0
A.E. D - m2 = 0 D=tm

F (x) = C emx + C2 emx

Now F (0) = 0 0
C +C2 =

F) = 0 C em+ C2 em = 0

Solving we get c = 0, c = 0 f(x) =0 u =0

Hence we reject the case k > 0 too.
Engineering Mathematics I l (Mech.) 13.9 Applications of Partial Differential Equations
Case (ii) (Important) : Let k <0 i.e. k=- m (say).
F" G"
cG m2

m2 F"+ m2 F
=
=0
-

dF +m2F 0 ddx
dx2
dx
=
let D
D'F+ m2F =
0, (D' + m?) F =0
A.E. D+ m2 0 =
D =t im
F (x) = c, cos mx +C2 Sin mx.

Now F (0) 0 =
c, =0
F (x) = C2 sin mx,

and F() 0 0 = C2 sin ml.

Now, c2 # 0 since otherwise F = 0, and hence u = 0.

sin ml = 0 m l = nz, n = 1,2, 3, 4 (Since sin nT =0 for all n)

m =
We thus obtain infinitely many solutions F (x) =F, (x), where

F(x) = C2 sin nTX n = 1.2,3,... . .

G"
Also, c2G - m? where m=T
G" +c* m G = 0 +c m2 G =0
dt2

d
Let D = du D:G + c m2 G =0 (D'+c* m) G = 0

A.E. D +c* m2 =0 D = t i (cm)

G (t) =
c3 cos cmt + C Sin cmt

nTct TCt

Or G(t) =
G, (t) =
Cj cos +C sin m
u (x. t) = F(x) G() =F% (x) Ga() = U, (x, 1 ) . (say)
Now,

u,x. ) =
c, sin c, cos
nTCt
+C sin nTct
nict nitX
u, (x, ) : A,
= cos +B sin Sin

B, c: Ci , n =
1,2,3,...
where, A =
C2 Ci, =
Engineering Mathematics -II (Mech.) 13.1 Applications of Partial Differential Equations
evident that no single solution of
Step 3: Solution of the entire problem It is
P.D.E. is linear, principle of
u,(x, t) can satisfy the initial conditions. However, the given
several solutions then their sum
superimposition is valid meaning thereby that if, we have
is also a solution.

Hence we take, u (x, t) = 2 u, (x,1)

n =1

nTct nTct
u(x, t) = 2
n =1|
A, cos B sin sin T (5)

solution satisfying the initial conditions.

as a most general solution which may yield a
nTX
From (3):u (x, 0) =f(x), (5) becomes u (x, 0) = f (x) = 2 (A,) sin 0<x<l.
n = 1
We must choose An So that u (x, 0) becomes the half range Fourier sine series of f(x).

A =Sro)sind
To determine B, we have

ntct NTC ntct nTX

A Sin + B, cos sin

From (3), Ot=0=8X).

ntX
g)= B . sin
n=l

We must choose B, so that becomes the half range Fourier sine series

of g(x).

B =
Sg. sin d
B, g).sindx
Substituting values of A, and B, in (5), we get the required solution.
Engineening Mathematics -ll (Mech.) 13.11 Applications of Partial Differential Equations
Result: Our discussion shows that u (x, t) given by (5) with cocfficients A, and B,
the
is a solution of (1) that satisfies all the conditions (2) and (3) of our problem, provided
series (5) converges.
Summary: To solve the one-dimensional wave equation,
@'u
subjectsubjectto the conditions
1. u (0, t) = 0

Boundary conditions
u(1,t) = 0J
3 u (x, 0) = f(x)
Initial conditions
g (x)J
ot=0
The most general solution is given by

u (x, t) = (C Cos mx +C Ssin mx) (C, cos cmt + c sin cmt)| ..(6)

In obtaining solutions of the problems on vibration of tightly stretched string, we

should directly assume the solution given in (6).

ILLUSTRATIONS
***N9**************

Ex. 1: f represents the vibrations of a string of lengthl fixed at

both ends, find the solution with boundary conditions,
(i) y (0, 1) = 0,

(ii) y1,1) = 0
and initial conditions,

(ii)t =0 (Dec. 2008, May 2012)

(iv) y (x, 0) = k(lx-x), 0Sx Sl.

Sol.: Given =C2 .The most general solution is givenby

ot
cmt + C sin cmt)
y (x, t) =
(C, cos mx + C2 Sin mx) (C3 COS
0,
Applying condition (i), y (0, )
=

(0)] lC, cos cmt +C sin cmt]

0 [c, (1) + c2

t) (C2 sin mx) Ic^ cos cmt + C sin cmt)

y (x,
=
Engineering Mathematics -Il(Mech.) 13.12 Applications of Partial Differential Equations

To apply condition (ii), = 0, we first obtainat

Oy
t=0

-cm c3 Sin cmt + cm Ca cos cmt]

( C , Sin mx)
0 = (C2 sin mx) [0 + cm ca]

Here. C* 0, sin mx # 0 = 0
The most general solution will be
y (x, t)= (C2 sin mx) (C3 cos cmt)
Cs sin
.. (1)
y (x, t) = mx cos cmt

Applying condition (ii), y (, t) = 0

0 = C5 sin ml.cos cmt

Now, Cs0
Cs 0 (otherwise y (x, t) =0 will become trivial solution.)
COS cmt # 0

m nt n = 1,2,3
sin ml = 0 ml = n t, .

Solution (1) becomes

niTx nict
(x, t) n= 1,2, ..
y =
Cs Sin cos

Combining all these solutions, we get

y(x, t) = 2 b, sin nTX nTct .. (2)

cOS I
n=l
Applying condition (iv),
y (x, 0) = k (lx -

x*), 0SxSl
niTx
k (lx - x2) = 2 b, sin . 0SxSl
n = 1|

This is Fourier's half range sine series for f(x) = k{lx - x?) in 0 Sxsl.

ntX niTX
b,= sin =j f(x) dx J k(lx -x)
0
sin dx

2 - ) cos-a-2) nTX

nTx
+-2)i
T3co
COSs

2k2
I n T) cos nTX
 Engineering Mathematics - I (Mech.) 13.13 Applications of Partial Differential Equations
b, kP

Substituting in (2), we get the required most general solution.

t)
4kP y E I ) nTct
y (x, =
sin
n=l
cos . Ans.

Note --1" = 2: ifnis odd

=
0; ifn is even
The above solution can be written as
2 3Ttct
sin 37TX cos
Ttct
1 13 sin TX cos
k
y (x, t) +0+ +0+

sin COS 5TCt

1
4k 2 (2n 1) TX (2n-1)tct
y (x, t)= T n =l
(2n 1p
(2n 1)3
sin cos

OO

y (x, t) =
8kP 1 sinn mX COS
(2n-1)nct
(2n 1)3
Ex. 2: A string is stretched and fastened to two points l apart. Motion is started by

displacing the string in the form u = a sin from which it is released at time t = 0.

u
Findthe displacement u (x, t) from one end. Use wave equationp

(Dec. 2004, May 2006, 2014)

u
Sol.: Givena C X?

Subject to the conditions

(i) u (0,t) =0, Vt

(ii) u (l, t) 0, Vt =

(Ou = 0
ii)
TTX
(iv) u
(x, 0) = a sin

The general solution is

u (x, t) = (C, cos mx +C2 Sin mx) (c3 cos cmt + c sin cmt)

Condition (i) c = 0

Condition (ii) c = 0.
Engineering Mathematics -!ll (Mech.) 13.14 Applications of Partial Differential Equations

Solution becomes
u (x, t) (C, sin mx) (C, cOs cmt)
u (x, t) = Cs sin mx cos cmt ..(1)
Applying condition (ii), we get,
0 = Cs sin ml cos cmt
.. sin ml = 0
Cs0, cos cmt # 0

ml = T m = n =
l1, 2, 3, . . .

Substituting in (1), we get

nict
u (x, t) =
Cs sin cos n=1,2, 3 . .
Combining these solutions, we get,

cos nTct|
nTX
u (x, t) = 2 b, sin . (2)
nl

Applying condition (iv), we get

(x, 0)
TLX
u = a
sin
TX n+TX
a sin 2 b, sin
n= 1

a sin CX TCX bz sin

b, sin+ ..

. b =a, b, = 0 =
b, =
... =
ba =

( 2 ) will become
TX TCt 2TX
u (x, t) = b, sin cos + b, sin cos

TTX Tct|
u (x, t) = a sin T COS

which is the required general solution.

Ex. 3:A string is stretched tightly between x = 0, x = l and both ends are given
displacement y = a sin pt perpendicular to the string. If the string satisfies the

differential equation Ox? = c? Og prove that the oscillations of the string are

given by
y = a
sec cos-2sinp. (May 2005)
Engineering Mathematics Ili (Mech.) 13.15 Applications of Partial Differential Equations
Sol.: We have the G.S..
y = (C, cos mx + C2 Sin mx) (C, cos cmt + C^ sin cmt) .. )
The condition y = a sin pt for x 0
gives =

a sin
pt =
C, (C3 cos cmt + C Sin cmnt)
This implies that c, Cz = 0 ... (ii)
CC a
(111)
and cm =
p . (iv)
From ii), (ii), c^ =0 and from (iv), m =
Substituting in (i), we get

sin px
pX
y =
c, cos+ c
c sin pt

= px
C C cos+C C, sinsinpt
y a cos CC, sinsin pt . (V)
The condition y = a sin pt for x = l gives

p
a sin pt lacos+, c, sinpsin pt|

a-cos=c;e sin C

pl
2sin 2c sin 2c
C2 C aa = a

2 sincos cos 2c

Substituting in (v). we get

p
sin 2c
y = a cos+a sin pt
cos 2c

pX
COS
cos2sinsin
a sin pt
cOs 2c

y =a sec cos s i n pt
 Applications of Partial Differential Equations
Engineering Mathematics -ll(Mech.) 13.1
Ex. 4:A rightly stretched string with fixed end points x = 0 and x = l is initially ina

this position, find

position given by y (v, O) =
y, sin' | .If it is releasedfrom rest from
the displacement y at any distance x from one end and at any time t.

(Dec. 06, May 07, May 2011)

Sol.: The ditferential equation satisfied by y is =c2.The initial and boundary

conditions are given by:

i) y (0, t) =0, (ii) y (,) == 0, (ii) =0, =0

(iv) y (x, 0) =
yo sin'
The most general solution is given by:
y (x, t) (C, cos mx + C2 sin mx) (C3
= cos cnmt + C4 Sin cmt)

Condition (i) c, = 0
Condition (iii) > c, = 0
The most general solution will become

y (x, t)= Cs Sin mx . cos cmt| ... ()

Condition (ii) 0 = Cs Sin ml. cos cnt
sin ml = 0, ml = na

m n
=1, 2, .
Solution () becomes
NTct
y (x, t) = Cs sin cos n =
1,2, ...
Combining all these solutions, we get

nTct|
y(x, t) =2 b, sinTcOs (

Applying condition (ív),

sin'=sin -sin 3TX

y (x, 0) =
y. 4 Sin

by using sin' 0 =
sin0- sin3e

y. sin' = 2b, sin NTX

Engineering Mathematics I l (Mech) 13.17 Applications of Partial Differential Equations

JTX
sin sin=b,sin b, sin+b sin7
b, =0; b^=-b=0 =b, =
b, = =
b, =

Comparing we get, b,
. . .

Substituting in (U), we get,

3tx 3nct
y (x, t) = b, sin TTX cos b, sin 27 cos 2tct b, sin cos

X TCt 3Tct
y (x, t) =
4sin cos sincos
is stretched between two fixed points at a distance l apart,
Ex. 5: An elastic string
and distance from this end the string is displaced a
one end is taken at the origin at a

when in this position. Find y (x, t), f

distance "a" transversely and is released from rest

y satisfies the equation a

oy = c ar?

Slope of OB = 21/73
a 3a
Sol. 21
3ax
Equation of OB is y = i

Slope of BA = 2

X
A4,0)
(0,0)

Fig. 13.2

Equation of BA is y
-0 = -

(x-)

y -x)
We have to solve
Engineering Mathematics Ill (Mech) 13.18 Applications of Partial Differential Equations

The boundary conditions are

(i) y (0, 1) = 0
i) y(. t) = 0
Initial conditions are

(ii) = 0
= 0
iv) y (x, 0) = 3a X,
0SxS
-.sxsl
The most general solution is
y (x, t) = (C, cos mx + C2 sin mx) (C; cos cmt + C sin cmt)

Condition (i) C= 0
Condition (ii) C = 0

y (x, 1)= Cs sin mx cos cmt| ()

Condition (ii) 0 =
Cs sin ml coscmt
sin ml 0, ml =na m m
=. n= 1,2,....

y (x, t) = Cs Sin cOS ntct

In=I, 2,
Combining all these solutions, we get

ntX nTct
y (x, t) =2 b, sin cosT . (1)

Applying condition (iv), we have

nTx
y (x. 0) =2 b, sin ,where
n= l

f(x) = y(x, 0) =327X,

a oSxS

- ) . SxS
nTX
b, =7 f(x) sin dx
0

3ax
2 sin dx J(-x) sindx +
Engineering Mathematics ! (Mech.) 13.19 Applications of Partial Differential Equations

n2T2 Sin

nTx

- cos-1) sin
2nT 2nT ZnT 2nt|
P3nn COs
3 +2n T? SIn3 3n COS3+n?T?
SIn
3

nT in 9asin 2nt
Substituting in (I), we get,

ntct
y Cx,t)= 2sinsin COS

EXERCISE 13.1
1. A taut string of a length 21 is fastened at both ends. The mid point of the string is
taken to a height b and then released from rest in that position. Obtain the

displacement.
(oy y(21, t) c
Hint: B.C.: 0
=0, (ii) =
0, Use=
DX0Sx[l
L.C.: (ii) y (0, 1) = 0; (iv) y (x, 0) =

2x-x). isxs2
The most GS is y(x, t) = (Ci cos mx +C2 Sin mx) (¢3 cos cmt + C4 Sin cmt)
2
nTX 8b sin 2 .
and use formula for b, = . f(x) sin 27 dx =
0

8b nT nTx
(nTct
Ans.:
y,) = n=1
sin2 sin2 COS
2
2. If a string of length / is initially at rest in its equilibrium position and each of its
such that
point is given a velocity v (x)

CX, 0<xS
v (x) =

c-) sxsi
Obtain the displacement y (x, t) at any timet. (Nov. 2013)
Engineering Mathematics -Ill (Mech.) 13.20 Applications of Partial Diferential Equations

Hint: B.C.: (i) y (0. 1) 0, (ii) y(, 1) =0, Use a a

= =
ax
CX, 0 SxS
ii) 1C./ (iv) y (x, 0) = 0
=0
c(-x).
nTx
/sss 4cl
and use b jS f(x) sin dx
nSin 2
=

nmat
Ans.: y x, t) = 2 s i ninsin sin
a ns

3.A tightly stretched string with fixed ends x = 0 and x = l is initially at rest in its
cquilibrium position. Ifit is set vibrating giving each pointa velocity 3x (1- x) for
0<x<I, find the displacement.
Hint: BC. : (i) y (0, t) 0, (ii) y (1, t)
=
0; =

LC.:(ii) (ay 3 x (-x), (iv) y (x, 0) = 0.

t 0

and use bn =
i f(x) sindx =
1 -cos n)
Ans.:: y (x, t) = (Zn 1 ) Sin
(2n 1) TX 2n-1) zct
Sin

4. Work exercise 3, given that CX

velocity is v sin,0 Sx SI

Ans.: y(x, 1) = sin sinsin

sin-sin Xi 3ct
4TC
T Sin

5. A string is stretched and fastened to two

points distance l apart is displaced into
the form y (x, 0) 3 (lx x*) from which it is released
= -

displacement of the string at a distancex from one end.

at t =0. Find the
Hint: B.C. : )y (0, 1) =0, (ii) y(1, t) =0,

1.C.: =0, (iv) y (x, 0) =3 (lx-x)

I=0

nTX
b 7 f(x) sin dx =

n (1-cos nt)
24/ 2 . N sin (2n- 1) Tx
Ans.:
Ans. y n -
1)3 Sin COS
(2n-) rct
D=
Engineening Mathematics -1(Mech) 13.21 Applications of Partial Differential Equations

6. Work exercise 5. given that l = 40 and y (x, 0) = 40x - x, 0 Sx 40.

12800
Ans. y (x, t) =
T 2 (2n s1)3 , 2n-) ax
i SIn COS
(2n-) nct
40
40

7. An clastic string is stretched between two points at a distance l apart. One end is

taken origin and

as point x
= isdisplaced through distance "d" perpendicular
to X-axis and releascd from rest from this position. Obtain the displacement.

Hint: B.C. : G) y(0, t) =0, (ii) y (1, ) =0,

1.C.: ii) =0 0Sxs
t=0 (iv) y(x, 0) ={

3d sxsl

sin 2nn nTX nTct

Ans. :
sin
8. Work exercise 5, given that y (x, 0) = y., sin TCX

Hint: bi = yo, bz = b3 = ... = 0.

TX tat
Ans.: y (x, t) =
yo sin cos

9. The points of trisection of a tightly stretched string of length I with fixed ends are
pulled aside through a distance d on opposite sides of the position of equilibrium
and the string is released from rest. Obtain the displacement of the string and
show that mid-point always remains at rest.

9d
Ans. y (x,) =
sinsin cos 2nTat

when x =

..- for all

 13.22 Applications of Partial Differential Equations
Engineering Mathematics Ill(Mech.)

10. Work exercise 7, given that x =j

0, (ii) y (1, ) =
0,
Hint: B.C. : (i) y (0, t) =

(4d
3 7 X, xs
.C. :(iii) t 0
= 0 iv) y (x, 0) = <

NTX n7Tat
Ans. y (x, t) = sin4 sin cos
n =l
0 and x =l is given the initial
I. A uniform string stretched between the points x =

TTX
sin, 0<x<land initial velocity,
displacement y(x, 0) =

0. 0<x<

v (x) = a,

0,

Find subsequent displacement.

nTX nita
Tat
Ans.: y (x, t) = sin
UX
cos
sin n
sin sin in

12. A string of length I fixed at its ends satisfies the wave equation
Ox
Find the solution ifthe string has initial triangular deflection given by
x, 0sxs

y (x, 0) =

d-. sist
and initial velocity zero. (Dec. 2007)

-)* (2n- ) TX (2n-)ct

Ans.: y (x, t) =

n-1
(2n 1)? Sin COS

13. Find the deflection u x, ) of a vibrating string lengthl= R, ends fixed and c? =
corresponding to zero velocity and initial deflection 0.01 (7-x).

Ans.: u (x, 1) =0.02 E sin nx cos nt.

Engineening Mathematics I l (Mech.) 13.23 Applications ol Partial Differential Equations
14. A flexiblestring of length n is tightly stretched between x 0, x 1, on x-axis, its
= =

ends being fixed at these

points. When set into small transverse vibration, the
displacement y (x, t) from x-axis of any point x at time t is given by
= 4 Ox2
Find the solution of the equation which satisfies ) y (0, t) =
0, (ii) y (T, t) =
0,
(ii = 0 and (iv) y (x, 0) =0.1 sin x +0.01 sin 4x for 0 Sx S T.

(May 2008)
Hint: c =4. c 2, bi = 0.1, b2 = 0, b3 = 0, ba = 0.01, bs = b6 = ... =0.
Ans. : y (x, t) =
0.1 sin x cos 2t + 0.01 sin 4x cos 8t
13.5 MODELING OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL HEAT FLOW
Derivation of Equation:
We make use of following experimental facts or empirical laws:
()
) Heat flows from higher temperature to lower
temperature.
(i) The rate of flow of heat through an area is proportional to the area and to the
(Ou
temperature gradient in degrees per unit distance | where u(x, t) is
temperature distribution normal to the area. Constant of proportionality is
called the thermal conductivity of the material and denoted generally by k.
ii) The amount of heat required to change the temperature through a given range is
proportional to the mass of the body and the change of temperature. The
constant of proportionality is termed as specific heat and generally denoted
by S.
Consider a homogeneous bar of uniform cross-section, sides coated with insulating
material. It is assumed that the loss of heat from the sides by conduction or radiation is
negligible. One end of the bar is treated as the origin and the direction of heat flow as
positive X-axis. Let p be the density (gm/cm*), 'S" the specific heat (cal/gm deg) and
k the thermal conductivity (cal/cm-deg.sec). The temperature at any point of the bar
depends on the distance x of the point from one end and time t ' and is denoted by u(x, t)
or u. Also the temperature distribution through a cross-section is same.

-öx
X
Fig. 13.3