4th Topic

Applications of
Partial Differential Equations
Laplace’s Equation
Two-dimensional Heat Flow, Solution of Heat Equation

Prepared by:
Prof. Sunil
Department of Mathematics & Scientific Computing
NIT Hamirpur (HP)

Two-Dimensional Heat Flow:

Consider the flow of heat in a metal plate, in the XOY plane. If the temperature at
any point is independent of the z-coordinate and depends on x, y and t only, then the
flow is called two-dimensional flow and the heat flow lies in the plane XOY only and is
zero along the normal to the plane XOY.

y-axis
(x, y+δy) (x+δx, y+δy)
D C

A B
(x, y) (x+δx, y)
x-axis

O
Take a rectangular element of the plate with sides x and y and thickness  .
The quantity of heat that enters the plate per second from the sides AB and AD is given
by
 u   u 
 kx   and  ky  ,
 y  y  x  x
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 2
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

respectively, and that which flows out through the sides CD and BC per second is
 u   u 
 kx   and  ky  , respectively.
 y  y  y  x  x  x

Therefore, the total gain of heat by the rectangular plate ABCD per second.
 u   u   u   u 
  kx    ky   kx    ky 
 y  y  x  x  y  y  y  x  x  x

  u   u   u   u  
         
  x  x  x  x  x  y  y  y  y  y 
 kxy   . (i)
x y
 
 
 
The rate of gain of heat by the plate is given by
u
sxy  , (ii)
t
where s = specific heat and  = density of the metal plate.
Equating (i) and (ii), we get

  u   u   u   u  
         
  x  x  x  x  x  y  y  y  y  y  u
k xy     sxy  .
x y t
 
 
 
Dividing both sides by xy  and taking the limit as x  0 , y  0 , we get

  2u  2u 
k    s u .
 x 2 y 2  t
 
k
By putting c 2  , we get
s

  2 u  2 u  u
. c2   
 x 2 y 2  t
(iii)  

This equation gives the temperature distribution of the plate in the transient state.
**************
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 3
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

u
Note 1: In the steady state of t, so that  0 and the above equation reduces to
t

 2u  2u
  0, (iv)
x 2 y 2
which is known as Laplace’s Equation in two dimensions.
Note 2: The equation of heat flow in a solid (Three-dimensional heat flow) can similarly
be derived as
 2 2 2 
2   u  u  u  u
c    .
 x 2 y 2 z 2  t
 

 2u  2u  2u
In the steady state it reduces to    0,
x 2 y 2 z 2
which is Laplace’s equation of three dimensions.
Solutions of Laplace’s Equation in two dimensions:
Laplace’s equation in two dimensions is

 2u  2u
  0. (i)
x 2 y 2
Let u = XY, (ii)
where X is a function of x and Y is a function of y only, be a solution of (i).

 2u  2u
Then  X Y and  XY   .
x 2 y 2
Substituting in (i), we have
X  Y 
X Y  XY   0   . (iii)
X Y
Now the LHS of (iii) is a function of x only and RHS is a function of y only. Since x and y
are independent variables, this equation can hold only when both sides reduce to a
constant, say k. Then equation (iii) leads to the ordinary differential equations

d 2X d 2Y
 kX  0 and  kY  0 .
dx 2 dy 2
(iv)
Solving equations (iv), we get

Case (i): When k is positive and  p 2 , say

Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 4
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

Then X  c1e px  c 2 e  px , Y  c 3 cos py  c 4 sin py .

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

Then X  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px , Y  c 3e py  c 4 e  py .

Case (iii): When k = 0

Then X  c1x  c 2 , Y  c 3 y  c 4 .

Thus, the various possible solutions of Laplace’s equation (i) are

 
u  c1e px  c 2 e  px c 3 cos py  c 4 sin py  ,


u  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3e py  c 4 e  py , 
u  c1x  c 2 c 3 y  c 4  .
Of these three solutions, we have to choose that solution which is consistent with the
physical nature of the problem and the given boundary conditions.
*****************************************

Now let us solve some problems related to two-dimensional heat flow equation:

 2u  2u
Q.No.1.: Solve   0 , which satisfies the conditions:
x 2 y 2
nx
u 0, y   u ℓ, y   u x,0  0 and u x , a   sin .
ℓ

 2u  2u
Sol.: The given equation is   0. (i)
x 2 y 2

y-axis
nx
u  sin
ℓ

u= 0 u=0
●P(x,y)

x-axis
O
u=0

The three possible solutions are

 
u  c1e px  c 2 e  px c 3 cos py  c 4 sin py  , (ii)
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 5
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)


u  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3e py  c 4 e  py ,  (iii)

u  c1x  c 2 c 3 y  c 4  . (iv)

Keeping in view the given boundary conditions, the only possible solution is (iii)


 u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3e py  c 4 e  py .  (v)


Since u(0, y) = 0  0  c1 c 3 e py  c 4 e  py 
 c1  0 .
The equation (v) reduces to

 
u ( x , y)  c 2 sin px c 3 e py  c 4 e  py . (vi)

Since u ℓ, y   0  0  c 2 sin pℓc 3 e py  c 4 e  py 

n
 sin pℓ  0 i.e. pℓ  n  p  , n being an integer.
ℓ
nx
Also u(x, 0) =0  0  c 2 sin c 3  c 4 
ℓ
 c3  c4  0  c 4  c 3 .

 ny ny 
nx   
 Equation (vi) becomes u ( x , y)  c 2 sin  c 3e ℓ  c 3e ℓ  .
ℓ  
 
Replacing c2c3 by bn, we have
 ny 
ny 
nx  ℓ  nx ny
u ( x , y)  b n sin  e  e ℓ   2b n sin sinh . (vii)
ℓ   ℓ ℓ
 
Putting y = a, we have
nx nx na na 1
u ( x , a )  sin  2b n sin sinh  2b n sinh  1  bn  .
ℓ ℓ ℓ ℓ na
2 sinh
ℓ
 ny 
 sinh
Hence, (vii) reduces u ( x , y)  sin
nx ℓ  , which is the required solution of (i).
 
ℓ  na 
sinh
 ℓ 
Q.No.2.: A rectangular plate with insulated surface is 10 cm wide and so long compared
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 6
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

to its width that it may be considered infinite in length without introducing an

appreciable error. If the temperature of the short edge y = 0 is given by
u = 20x for 0  x  5
and u = 20(10 - x) for 5  x  10
and the two long edges x = 0, x = 10 as well as the other short edge are kept at
0oC, prove that the temperature u at any point (x, y) is given by
2 n 1y
800   1n 1 sin 2n  1x .e 
u  10 .
1 2n  1
2 2
 10

Sol.: The temperature u(x, y) at any points P(x, y) satisfies the equation

 2u  2u
  0. (i)
x 2 y 2

y-axis

●P(x, y) u=0
u=0

u = 20x u = 20(10-x) x-axis

O
10cm

The boundary conditions are:

u(0, y) = 0, (ii)
For all values of y  0 : u(10, y) = 0 (iii)
For all values of y  0 : u x ,    0 (iv)

20 x , 0x5
In 0  x  10 : u ( x ,0)   . (v)
20(10 - x), 5  x  10
The three possible solutions are

 
u  c1e px  c 2 e  px c 3 cos py  c 4 sin py  , (vi)


u  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3e py  c 4 e  py ,  (vii)

u  c1x  c 2 c 3 y  c 4  . (viii)

Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 7
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

The solution (vi) cannot satisfy the condition (ii) since, we get u  0 for x = 0, for all
values of y. The solution (viii) cannot satisfy the condition (iv). Thus the only possible
solution is (vii).


u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  (ix)


Since u(0, y) = 0  0  c1 c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  c1  0 . 
Equation (ix) reduces to


u x , y   c 2 sin px c 3e py  c 4 e  py .  (x)


Since u(10, y) = 0.  0  c 2 sin 10p c 3 e py  c 4 e  py 
n
 sin 10p  0 i.e. 10p  n  p  , n being an integer.
10
Also u ( x , )  0 .  c 3  0 .

Hence, from (10) a solution satisfying (ii), (iii) and (iv) is

ny
nx  10
u ( x , y)  c 2 c 4 sin e .
10
Replacing c2c4 by bn, the most general solution is

 ny
nx  10
u ( x , y)   b n sin .e . (xi)
n 1
10

Putting y = 0, we have

nx
u ( x ,0 )   b n sin
10
n 1

2 10 nx
 bn 
10 0
u ( x ,0) sin
10
dx

1 5 nx 10 nx 
 
5  0
20 x sin
10
dx  5
20 (10  x ) sin
10
dx 

5 10
     
   cos nx  
sin
nx   
  cos
nx 


sin
nx 

= 4x  10   1  10   4 10  x  10    1  10 
n  
2   n  2 
    n        n   
      
  10    10     10    10  
    0      5
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 8
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

 50 n  10 
2
n   50 n  10 
2
n  800 n
 4  cos    sin   4  cos    sin   sin
 n 2  n  2
  n 2  n  2
2 n 

2 2

 800 n 1
 2 2  1 2 , when n is odd
 n 
0, when n is even

Hence, from (xi), the required solution is
n 1 ny
800  1 nx  10
u ( x , y)   2
sin e [Replacing n by 2n  1 ]
 2 n 1,3,5,..... n 2 10

2n 1y
800   1n 1 sin 2n  1x e 
  10 .
n 1 2n  1
2 2
 10

2n 1y
800   1n 1 sin 2n  1x e 
u  10 . [since  1n 1   1n 1. 12   1n 1 ].
n 1 2n  1
2 2
 10

Q.No.3.: An infinitely long plane uniform plate is bounded by two parallel edges and an
end at right angles to them. The breadth is  ; this end is maintained at a
temperature u0 at all points and other edges are at zero temperature.
Determine the temperature at any point of the plate in the steady state.
Sol.: In the steady state, the temperature u(x, y) at any point P(x, y) satisfies the equation.

 2u  2u
 0. (i)
x 2 y 2
The boundary conditions are
u 0, y   0 for all values of y (ii)
u , y   0 for all values of y (iii)
u x ,    0 in 0  x   (iv)
u x,0  0 in 0  x   (v)
The three possible solutions of (i) are

 
u  c1e px  c 2 e  px c 3 cos py  c 4 sin py  (vi)


u  c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3e py  c 4 e  py  (vii)
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 9
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

u  c1x  c 2 c 3 y  c 4  . (viii)

Of these, we have to choose that solution which is consistent with the physical nature of
the problem. The solution (vi) cannot satisfy the condition (ii) for u  0 for x = 0, for all
values of y. The solution (viii) cannot satisfy the condition (iv). Thus the only possible
solution is (vii), i.e. of the form


u x , y   C1 cos px  C 2 sin px  C 3 e py  C 4 e  py  (ix)

By (ii)  
u 0, y   C1 C 3e py  C 4 e  py for all values of y.
Hence C1 = 0 and (ix) reduces to


u x , y   C 2 sin px C 3e py  C 4 e  py  (x)

By (iii)  
u , y   C 2 sin p C 3 e py  C 4 e  py  0 , for all y.

This requires sin p  0 i.e. p  n as C 2  0 ,  p  n , an integer.

Also to satisfy the condition (iv), i.e. u = 0 as y   , C3 = 0.
Hence (x) takes the form

u x , y   b n sin nx.e  ny , where bn = C2C4.

 The most general solution of (ii), (iii) and (iv) is of the form

u x , y    b n sin nx.e  ny (xi)
n 1

Putting y = 0, u x ,0    b n sin nx (xii)
n 1

In order that the condition (v) may be satisfied, (v) and (xii) must be the same. This
requires the expansion of u as a half-range Fourier sine series in 0,   , thus

2  2u
u  b n sin nx , where b n   u 0 sin nxdx  0 [ 1   1n ]
n 1
 0 n

4u 0
i.e. bn = 0, if n is even;  if n is odd.
n
Hence (xi) becomes
4u 0  y 1  3y 1 
u x , y   e sin x  3 e sin 3x  e  5 y sin 5x  ........ .
  5 
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 10
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

Q.No.4.: A long rectangular plate of width a cm with insulated surface has its
temperature V equal to zero on both the long sides and one of the short sides so
that V(0, y) = 0, V (a , y)  0 , V ( x , )  0 , V(x, 0) = kx. Show that the steady
state temperature within the plate is
ny
2ak   1n 1  a nx
V x , y    e sin .
 n 1 n a

Sol.: In steady state, the temperature distribution within the plane (Two dimensional heat
flow) is given by
 2V  2V
  0. (i)
x 2 y 2
The three possible solutions of (i), are given by

 
(a ).V  Vx , y   c1e px  c 2 e px c 3 cos py  c 4 sin py 


(b).V  Vx , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e  c 4 e
py  py 
 

(c).V  Vx , y   c1 x  c 2 c 3 y  c 4  

y-axis

x=a

x-axis
O

Now given V ( x , )  0 .
 (a) and (c) cannot be the required solution as both   when y   .
Hence, the best possible solution (i) is


V  V x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py .  (ii)

Now from (ii), we have V 0, y   c c e 1 3

py
 c 4 e  py  0  c 1 0

 Equation (ii) reduces to


V x , y   c 2 sin px c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  (iii)


Again V a , y   c 2 sin pa c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  0 
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 11
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

n
 sin pa  0  pa  n  p  , nZ
a
c 2  0 , otherwise (iii) reduces to V(x, y) = 0, which is meaningless.]
n n
n  y  y
V ( x , y)  c 2 sin x c 3e a  c 4e a  . (iv)
a  
 
Further V ( x , )  0 and this is possible only c3 = 0
n n
n  y n  a y
 (iv) reduces to V(x, y)  c 2c 4 sin xe a  a n sin xe . [Replacing c2c4 by an]
a a
Giving n the values 1, 2, 3, ………… and adding, the most general solution is
 n
n  a y
V ( x , y)   a n sin xe . (v)
n 1 a

n
Finally, V( x ,0)   a n sin x  kx , (given)
n 1 a

which is a Fourier half-range sine series in (0, a) and hence

a
  n  
a    cos x    sin n x 
2 n 2k   a   1 a 
an   kx sin xdx  x   [Integrating by parts]
  n  2 2
 n 
a0 I II a a
   
 
  
a  a2  0

2k  a 2  2ka
  . cos n  0    1n , [ n  0 as n varies from 1 to  ]
a  n  n 

2ka
  1n 1 . (vi)
n
Therefore, from (v) and (vi), the required solution is given by
n
2ka   1n 1 sin n e  a y .
V ( x , y)  
 n 1 n a

Q.No.5.: A rectangular plate with insulated surfaces is 8 cm wide and so long compared
to its width that it may be considered infinite in length without introducing an
appreciable error. If the temperature along the short edge y = 0 is given by
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 12
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

x
u x ,0   100 sin , 0 < x < 8 while the two long edge x = 0 and x = 8 as well
8
as other short edge are kept at 0oC. Show that the steady states temperature at
y
x
any point of the plate is given by u x , y   100e 8 sin .
8
Sol.: In steady state, the temperature distribution within the plane (Two dimensional heat
flow) is given by
 2u  2u
 0 (i)
x 2 y 2
and u (0, y)  0
u 8, y   0
x
u x ,0   100 sin
8

y-axis
y→ 

x=0 x=8

x-axis
O
y=0
 Its solution is given by
The three possible solutions of (i), are given by

 
(a ).u  u x , y   c1e px  c 2 e px c 3 cos py  c 4 sin py 

 

(b).u  u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e py 

(c).u  u x , y   c1 x  c 2 c 3 y  c 4  

Now given u ( x , )  0  (a) and (c) cannot be the required solution as both   when
y.
Hence, the best possible solution (i) is

 
u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py . (ii)


Now from (ii), u 0, y   c1 c 3e py  c 4 e  py  0 
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 13
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

 c1  0


u 8, y   c 2 sin 8p c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  0
 sin 8p  0 c 2
 0 otherwise (ii) reduces to u(x, y) = 0
n
 8p  n , n  Z  p  , nZ.
8
n n
n  y  y
 (ii) reduces to u x , y   c 2 sin x c 4e 8  c 4e 8  . (iii)
8  
 

Further u 0,    0 and this is possible only if c3 = 0. [since e    ]

Hence (iii) reduces to
n n
n  8 y n  8 y
u x , y   c 2 c 4 sin xe  a n sin xe [Replacing c2c4 by an]
8 8
Giving n the values 1, 2, 3,….. and adding, the most general solution is given by
 n
n  8 y
u ( x , y)   a n sin xe . (iv)
n 1 8

n  n
Finally, u ( x ,0)  100 sin   a n sin x,
8 n 1 8

which is a Fourier half-range sine series in (0, 8) and hence

8
2 n nn
an 
80 100 sin . sin
8 8
dx (v)

8 8
25  nx x  25  n x 
   2 sin sin  dx    cosn  1  cosn  1  dx
2 0  8 x  2 0  8 8 

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

a
 n n 
sin( n  1) sin( n  1) 
25 
 x
n 
8 
n 
8
 sin n  0n  Z
2  
(n  1) (n  1)
 8 8  0
 0n  Z except n = 1, n  1
But n cannot be equal to  1 .  n is a negative integer and varies from 1 to 
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 14
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

Therefore, for n = 1, from (v), we have

8
 x 
8 8
 sin 
25 x 25  2 x  25 4 25
a1 
2 0 sin 2
8
dx  
2 0
1  cos
 8 
dx  x 
2      .8  100 [ sin 2  0 ]
2
 4  0
Therefore, (iv) reduces to
 n 
n  8 y x  8 y
u ( x , y)   a n sin xe  100. sin e  0  0  .....
n 1 8 8


x  8 y
 100 sin e . [As 0n  Z except n = 1]
8

 2u  2u
Q.No.6.: Solve   0 for 0  x   , 0  y   , given that
x 2 y 2

u (0, y)  u (, y)  u ( x , )  0 , u 9 x ,0)  sin 2 x .

Sol.: The given equation is
 2u  2u
  0. (i)
x 2 y 2
The three possible solutions of (i), are given by

 
u x , y   c1e px  c 2 e  px c 3 cos py  c 4 sin py  (ii)


u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  (iii)

u x , y   c1x  c 2 c 3 y  c 4  (iv)

Now u ( x , )  0

 
But from (ii), u x , y   c1e px  c 2 e  px c 3 cos py  c 4 sin py   0 .  the solution (ii)

rejected.
Also the solution (iv) is rejected since (iv) gives u ( x , )  0
Hence the only solution of (i) is


u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  (v)


 u x , y   c1 c 3 e py  c 4 e  py   0 [Given]
 c1  0
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 15
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)


 (v) reduces to u x , y   c 2 sin px c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  (vi)


Further u x , y   c 2 sin px c 3e py  c 4 e  py  0 
 sin p  0  p  n, n  Z  p  n , n  Z
c 2  0, otherwise (v) reduces to u(x, y) = 0, which is meaningless}

 (vi) reduces to u x , y   c 2 sin nx c 3e ny  c 4 e  ny  0  (vii)


Also u x ,    c 2 sin nx c 3 e n  c 4 e  n  0 

 c 3 e n  c 4 e  n  0  c 2  0
c 3 e n  c 4 e  n  c 4  c 3 e 2 n

 (vii) reduces to

  
u x , y   c 2 sin nx c 3 e ny  c 3 e 2 n .e  ny  c 2 c 3 sin nxe n e n  y   e n  y  
 e n    y   e  n   y  
 2c 2 c 3 sin nxe n  
 2 
 

 a n sin nx sinh n   y  . a n  2c 2 c 3 e n

Giving n the values 1, 2, 3,…… and adding, the most general solution is given by

u x , y    a n sin nx sinh n   y  (viii)
n 1

 
Finally, u x ,0   sin 2 x   a n sin nx sinh n   a n sinh n sin nx ,
n 1 n 1

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


2
a n sin n 
0 sin 2 x sin nxdx


2 1  cos 2 x
 
0 2
sin nx cos 2x  1  2 sin x  2


1  1 
  sin nx  2 sin nx cos 2 x  dx
0  2 
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 16
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)


1  1 
  sin nx  sin n  2 x  sin n  2 x  dx
0  2 

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


1   cos nx 1 cosn  2 x 1 cosn  2 x 
    ,
 n 2 n2 2 n  2  0
[But n  0,2,2 . As n varies from 1 to  ]

1  1 cosn  2  1 cosn  2    1 1 1 
   1 cos n         
  2 n2 2 n  2   n 2n  2  2n  2  

1 1  cos n 1  cosn  2  1  cosn  2  

   , n2
  n 2n  2  2n  2  

1 1   1n 1   1n  2 1   1n 2 

    , n  2
  n 2n  2  2n  2  

1 1   1n 1   1n 1   1n 

    , n  2
  n 2n  2  2n  2  

1
[  1n  2  (1) n  12   1n ,  1n 2   1n .   1n ]
 1 2


1   1   1 
n
1

1 
, n2
 n 2n  2  2n  2 


1   1   2n
n 2

 4  n 2  2n  n 2  2 n 
, n  2
  
2n n 2  4  


1   1n 8

 4 1   1n
, n2
 
n
.
2n n 2  4 
n n 2  4   
0, n is odd

 a n sinh n   8

 n  n 2
 
4
,
 n is even

8
 an 
 
n n 2  4 sinh n
, n = 1, 3, 5,…………

Therefore from (viii), the required solution is given by

Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 17
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)


8 1
u x , t    sin nx sinh n   y 

 n 1, 2,3,..... n n  4 sinh n
2

 2u  2u
Q.No.7.: Solve   0 within the rectangle 0  x  a , 0  y  b given that
x 2 y 2
u(0, y) = u(a, y) = u(x, y) = 0 and u ( x ,0)  x ( x  a ) .
or
The function v(x, y) satisfies the Laplace’s equation in rectangular co-
ordinates (x, y) and for the points within the rectangle x = 0, x = a, y = 0 and y
= b, it satisfies the equations
v0, y   va , y   vx, b   0 and v( x,0)  x a  x  ; 0 < x < a.
Show that v(x, y) is given by

sinh
2n  1 b  a 
v x , y  
8a 2 
1 2n  1x
 sin a
2n  1b .
 2
n 0 2n  1 3 a
sinh
a

 2u  2u
Sol.: Given  0 (i)
x 2 y 2
The only possible solution of (i) is given by

u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  (ii)


Now u 0, y   c1 c 3e py  c 4 e  py  (given) (iii)

 c1  0
 (ii) reduces to


u x , y   c 2 sin px c 3e py  c 4 e  py 

Further u a , y   c 2 sin pa c 3e py  c 4 e  py  sin pa  0  pa  n . 
[ c 2  0 , otherwise (iii) reduces to u x , y   0 , which is meaningless]
n
p ,n  Z
a
 (iii) reduces to
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 18
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

 n n 
nx  a c e a .
y y
u x , y   c 2 sin c e (iv)
a  
3 4

 

 n n  n n
nx  b b b b
a  c e a  0 c  0
Further u x , b   c 2 sin c e a c e a  0  c e
a  
3 4 3 4 2

 
n
b
c 3e a
 c4  .
n
b
ea
 n 
 n b n 
nx  y e a  y
 (iv) reduces to u x , y   c 2 sin c 3e a  c 3 e a 
a  n
b 
 ea 
 

n  n n n n   n 
 n b y  n b y 
nx a y  a y  a y  y y  
 c 2 c3 e a .e a  y  nx  e a e a 
sin e e .e
     2c2c3e  sin
a
 
a     a 2
     
 
n n
 a n sin x sinh b  y  ,
a a
nb
 e  e 
a n  2c 2 c 3 e a sinh   .
 2 
Giving n the values 1, 2, 3,……. And adding, the general solution is given by

n n
u x , y    a n sin x sinh b  y  (v)
n 1
a a

 
n nb  nb  n
Finally, u x ,0   x a  x    a n sin x sinh    a n sinh . sin x,
n 1 
n 1
a a a  a

which is Fourier half-range sine series and in (0, a) hence

a
nb 2 n
a n sinh   x a  x sin xdx
a a I II a
0

Integrating by parts, we get

Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 19
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

    
  n    sin n x   cos n x 
  cos x 
  x a  x 
2 a   a  2 x  a    2  a 
   2 2 
a  n   n 
2 2
  n  
  
  a     
 a2   a 3 

2  2a 3  2a 3 
  00 cos n   0  0  
a  n 3 3
 
 n 3 3

 

2 2a 3
 .
3
a n  3
1  cos n 
4a 3
3
n  3
1   1n  
0, n is even
nb  2
 a n sinh  8
a  3 3, n is odd
n 

8a 2 1
 . , n =1, 3, 5, …………….
3 3
n  nb
sinh
a
Hence, from (v), the required solution is given by

8a 2 1 n n
u ( x , y)   . sinh x sinh b  y 
 3 n 1,3,5 n 3 sinh nb a a
a
Take n = 2m +1, odd and m = 0, 1, 2, 3,…………., we have

sinh
2m  1 b  y 
2 
8a 1 x
u ( x , y)   . sin 2m  1 . a .
3
 n 0 2m  13 a
sinh
2m  1b
a
Q.No.8.: A square plate is bounded by the lines x = 0, y = 0, x = 20 and y = 20. Its faces
are insulated. The temperature along the upper horizontal edge is given by
u x ,20  x 20  x  , when 0 < x < 20, while other three edges are kept at 00C.
Find the steady state temperature in the plate.

 2u  2u
Sol.: The steady state temperature is given by  0, (i)
x 2 y 2
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 20
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

u (0, y)  0 
u 20, y   0 

where  (*)
u ( x ,0 )  0 
u ( x ,20)  x (20  x )
The solution of (i) satisfying (*) is given by


u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  (ii)


Now u 0, y   0  c1 c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  0  (given)

 c1  0


Also u (20, y)  c 2 sin 20p c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  0 
n
 sin 20p  n  p  , nZ,
20
c 2  0 , otherwise (ii) reduces to u(x, y) = 0, which is meaningless]
 n n
n  y  y 
(ii) reduces to u x , y   c 2 sin x c 3 e 20  c 4 e 20  (iii)
20  
 
n
Further u x ,0   c 2 sin x c 3  c 4   0 c 2  0
20
 c 3  c 4 .

 n n
 y 
n  20 y
(iii) reduces to u x , y   c 3c 2 sin x e  e 20  (iii)
20  
 

 n y n
 y 
 20  
n  e  e 20  e  e 
 2c 2 c 3 sin x sinh   
20  2   2 
 
 
n n
 a n sin x sinh y, a n  2c 2 c 3 .
20 20
Giving n the values 1, 2, 3, ………, and adding, the most general solution is given by

n n
u x , y    a n sin x sinh y. (iv)
n 1
20 20
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 21
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

 
n n
Finally, u x ,20   x 20  x    a n sin x sinh n =  a n sinh n sin x,
n 1
20 n 1
20

which is Fourier half-range sine series in (0, 20) and hence

20
2 n
a n sinh n 
20  x 20 I x . sin
II 20
xdx [Integrating by parts]
0
20
 n     


  cos   sin nx   cos n x 
1
  x 20  x . 20   20  2x  20   20 
10   n   2 2    2 3 3 
    n    n  
  20   400   8000  0


1  8000   8000  1 16000 1600

 0  2. 3 3 cos n     2. 3 3   . 3 3 1  cosn  3 3 1   1
10  n    n   10 n  n 
n

0, n is even

a n sinh n   3200
 3 3, n is odd, i.e. n  1,3,5,.......
n 
Hence the required solution is given by [from (iv)]

3200 1 n n
u x , y    . . sin x. sinh y.
3 3 sinh n
n 1 n 
20 20

Take n  2m  1 , m =1, 2, 3,……….


sinh 2m  1
y

3200
.

1
sin
2m  1 x. 20
 3 m 1 2m  13 20 sinh 2m  1


 sinh 2n  1
y
3200 1 
 . sin 2n  1 x. 20 .
 3 n 1 2n  13 20 sinh 2n  1

Q.No.9.: The temperature u is maintained at 0oC along three edges of a square plate of
length 100 cm and the fourth edge is maintained at 100oC until steady state
conditions prevail. Find an expression for the temperature u at any point (x, y).
Hence, show that the temperature at the centre of the plate
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 22
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

 
200  1 1 1 
     ........... .
   3 5 
cosh 3 cosh 5 cosh
 2 2 2 
Sol.: In steady state, the differential equation for the temperature function (two
dimensional)

 2u  2u
 0 (i)
x 2 y 2

u (0, y)  0 
u 100, y   0 
where .
u ( x ,0 )  0 
u ( x ,100)  100
We know the solution of (i) is given by

 
u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py . (ii)

 
Now u 0, y   c1 c 3e py  c 4 e  py  0  c1  0 .

 
u 100, y   c 2 sin 100p c 3e py  c 4 e  py  0  sin 100 p  0

c 2  0 , otherwise (ii) reduces to u(x, y) = 0, which is meaningless]

n
100 p  n  p  , nZ.
100
 n n 
n   
 ii  reduces to u x , y   c 2 sin x  c 3e 100  c 4e 100
 (iii)
100  
 
n
Also (iii) gives u x ,0   c 2 sin x c 3  c 4   0  c 3  c 4  0  c 3  c 4 .
100
 n 
n 
n  100 y y
 iii  reduces to u x , y   c 3c 2 sin x e  e 100  (iii)
100  
 
n n n n
 2c 3c 2 sin x sinh y  a n sin x sinh y,
100 100 100 100
a n  2c 3 c 2

Giving n the values 1, 2, 3, ….. and adding, the general solution is

Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 23
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)


n n
u x , y    a n sin x sinh y (iv)
n 1
100 100

 
n n
Finally, u x ,100   100   a n sin x sinh n   a n sinh n sin x
n 1
100 n 1
100

which is a Fourier half-range sine series in (0, 100) and hence

100
 n 
100   cos x
2 n 200
100 1  cos n
100 
a n sinh n  100. sin xdx  2.  
100  n  n
0
 100  0

0, n is even

200
n
 
1   1   400
n

 n , n is odd

400 1
an  , n = 1, 3, 5, …..
n sinh n
n
 y sinh
400 1 n n 400 1 n
u x , y    sin x sinh y  sin 100 x sinh n . (v)
100
n 1,3,5
n sinh n 100 100  n 1,3,5 n

It remains to find u(x, y) at the centre of plate i.e., at (50, 50). Put x = 50, y = 50 in (v),
we get
n
 sinh
400 1 n 200  1 n 1
u 50,50    sin 2   sin
 n 1,3,5 n 2 n n  n 1,3,5 n 2 x
2 sinh cosh cosh
2 2 2
  3 5   
sin sin sin
200  2 2 2  200  1 1 1 1 1 
     ......    .  .  ........
   3 5     3 3 5 5 
cosh 3 cosh 5 cosh cosh cosh cosh
 2 2 2   2 2 2 

 3    
 sin 2  sin    2    sin 2  1
   
 5    
 sin  sin      sin  1 
 2  2 2 
Q.No.10.: A rectangular plate has sides a and b. Let the side of length a be taken along
OX and that of length b along OY and the other sides along x = a and y = b.
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 24
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

The sides x = 0, x = a, y = b, are insulated and the edge y = 0 is kept

x
temperature u 0 cos . Find the steady state temperature at any point (x, y).
a
Sol.: The sides x = 0, x = a, y = b are insulated which means,

 u   u   u 
   0,    0,   0 (*)
 x  x  0  x  x  a  y  y  b

x
and given u x ,0   u 0 cos .
a

 2u  2u
Consider  0 (i)
x 2 y 2
And its three possible solutions are

 
u x , y   c1e px  c 2 e  px c 3 cos py  c 4 sin py  (ii)


u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  (iii)

u x , y   c1x  c 2 c 3 x  c 4  (iv)

x
As u x ,0   u 0 cos
a
 (ii) and (iv) cannot be the required solution


Since (ii) gives u x ,0   c1e py  c 2 e  py c 3  u 0 cos  x
a
.

Hence the required complete solution is


u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  (A)

Now
u
x

  c1p sin px  c 2 p cos px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py 
 u 
 

  x 0
x
 
 c 2 p c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  0  c 2  0 [using (*)]

 u 
 
 x  x  0
 
 c1p sin pa c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  0  sin pa  0  pa  n

n
p ,n  Z c1  0 , otherwise (ii) reduces to u(x, y) = 0, which is meaningless]
a
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 25
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

 n n
n  y  y 
Therefore (A) reduces to u x , y   c1 cos x  c 3e a  c 4 e a  . (B)
a  
 

 n n
u n  n y n  y
Differentiating (iv) w.r.t. y, partially, we get  c1 cos x c3 e a  c 4e a 
y a a a 
 

 n n
 u  n n  y  y
    c1. . cos x c 3 e a  c 4e a   0 [Using (*)
 y  y  b a a  
 
n
n n y
y  y ea
c 3 ea  c4 e a  c 4  c3 .
n
 y
e a
Therefore (B) reduces to
 n n 
 y n  n  n n 
n  y e a  y n a b  a y  b  a y  b 
ux, y  c1 cos x c3e a  .e a   c c cos xe e e
a  n
 y  1 3 a  
 a   
 e 
n
b n n
 2c1c 3e a . cos x cosh x y  b 
a a
Replacing 2c1c3 = an, we get
n
n n b  e  e 
u x , y   a n cos x cosh x y  b e a cosh   
a a  2 

Giving n the values 1, 2, 3, ……. and adding

 n
n n b
u x , y    a n cos x cosh x y  b e a . (C)
n 1
a a

n nb
x  b n n 
n nx
Finally, ux,0  u0 cos   ane a cos x cosh x b   a n cosh b.e a cos
a n1 a a n 1
a a

which is a Fourier half-range cosine series in (0, a) and hence

Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 26
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

nb a
nb a 2 x nx
a n cosh e   u 0 cos cos dx (D)
a a a a
0

a
u nx n
 0  2 cos cos dx 2 cos A cos B  cosA  B  cosA  B
a a a
0

a
u  x x 
 0
a  cosn  1 a  cosn  1 a  dx
0

a
 x x 
sin n  1 sin n  1 
u0 
 

a 

a
 sin n  0n  Z
a 
 n  1  n  1 
 a a  0
 0n except n = 1,  1 . But n varies 1 to  .  n  1
For n = 1, from (D), we have
b a a
b 2u x x 2u x
a1 cosh e a  0
a a  cos cos dx  0
a a a  cos 2
a
dx
0 0

b a
b u  2x   x 

2
 a 1 cosh e a  0 1  cos dx cos 2A  2 cos A  1, TakeA 
a a  a   a 
0

a
 2x 
 sin
u
 0 x  a   u 0 a  0   u sin 2  0
 0
a  2a  a
  0

u0
 a1  .
b
cosh
a
Hence from (C ), the required solution is given by

 n 
b n  n  b  
u x , y    a n e a cos x cosh x y  b   a1e a cos x cosh xy  b  0  0  .....
n 1
a a a a

u0 x  x  b
 cos cosh y  b   u 0 cos cosh y  b sec h . Ans.
b a a a a a
cosh
a
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 27
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

Q.No.11.: An infinitely long plane uniform plate is bounded by two parallel edges and an
end at right angles to them. The breadth is  . This end is maintained at a
temperature u0 at all points and the other edges are at zero temperature.
Determine the temperature at any point of the plate in the steady state.

 2u  2u
Sol.: The steady state temperature is given by  0, (i)
x 2 y 2

u (a , y )  0 
u , y   0 
where .
u ( x, )  0 
u ( x ,0)  u 0 

We know the solution of (i) are

 
u x , y   c1e px  c 2 e  px c 3 cos py  c 4 sin py  (ii)


u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  (iii)

u x , y   c1x  c 2 c 3 x  c 4  (iv)

Here u x ,    0 [Given]
But (ii)  u (, y)  0
(iv)  u (, y)  0
Hence (ii) and (iv) can not be the required solution
(iii) is the required solution.


i.e. u x , y   c1 cos px  c 2 sin px  c 3 e py  c 4 e  py  (iii)


Now u 0, y   c1 c 3e py  c 4 e  py  0  (given)

 c1  0 .


Also u (, y)  c 2 sin p c 3e py  c 4 e  py  0 
 sin p  0  p  n  p  n , n  Z ,
c 2  0 , otherwise (ii) reduces to u(x, y) = 0, which is meaningless]
(iii) reduces to


u x , y   c 2 sin nx c 3e ny  c 4 e  ny .  (iv)
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 28
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

Further u x ,    0 .

And this is only possible only if c 3  0  e 

 
 (iv) reduces to u x , y   c 2 c 4 sin nxe  ny

 a n sin nx  ny , c 2 c 4  a n .
Giving n the values 1, 2, 3, ……….. and adding, the general solution is

u x , y    a n sin nx  ny . (v)
n 1

Finally, u x ,0   u 0   a n sin nx ,
n 1

which is Fourier half-range sine series in (0, ) and hence


2

an  u 0 sin nxdx [Here ℓ   ]
0

0, n is even
 

 2u 0 cos n 2u 0  2u 0 
  1  cos n  1   1   4u 0
n
 n 0 n n  n , n is odd

Hence from (v), the required solution is

4u 0  sin nx  ny 4u 0  1 1 
u x , y    e  sin xe y  sin 3xe3y  sin 5xe5y  ........... .
 n  odd n   3 5 

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Home Assignments
Q.No.1.: A square thin metal plate of side a is bounded by lines x = 0, x = a, y = 0,
y = a. The edges x = 0, y = a are kept at zero temperature. The edge y = 0 is
insulated and the edge x = a is kept at constant temperature T0. Show that in
the steady state conditions, the temperature u(x, y) at the point (x, y) is given
Applications of Partial Differential Equations: Two-dimensional heat flow equation 29
(Laplace’s Equation) Prepared by: Dr. Sunil, NIT Hamirpur (HP)

(1) n 1 sinh
2n  1x cos 2n  1y
4T0 
by u x , y    2a 2a .
 n 0
2n  1sinh 2n  1
2

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